Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Do It Yourself Hot Stone Massage

I love massages, but they’re not cheap. So I’ve figured out a way to get what I need in a more affordable way. My husband and I decided we’ll learn some massage techniques and then treat each other.

To supplement regular massages for our aching muscles and joints, a hot stone massage makes for a blissful experience. I’ve collected what we need--basalt river rocks, a book about massage techniques, and a stone warmer.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved


You need approximately 33 stones: 8 large, 6 medium, 10 small, and 8 very small ones to put between your toes. You can buy the rocks or find them in a riverbed. My sister and I drove up to Apache Junction on Monday and spent the day floating down the Salt River on inner tubes to escape Arizona’s heat. There were gazillions of lovely smooth river stones—gifts of nature.

You can buy a stone warmer at beauty supply stores, but you can also just use an old crock-pot, just be careful you can control the temperature appropriately. Put in your stones and water, making sure the stones are completely submerged, but don’t overfill your pot. In addition to stones, the warmer heats mud, algae and other massage products for varying type therapies.

We’re going to give our new do-it-yourself tools a try this weekend. First I’ll make a bottle of homemade massage oil to use with a recipe found at Pioneer
Thinking for a massage oil called “Muscular Aches Pain”.

Resources

  • A Step-By-Step Guide To The Hot Stone Massage at LifeScript
  • Create Your Own Home Spa Experience at LifeScript
  • 5 Simple Steps to Create Your Own Hot Stone Kit for Massages at The Free Library
  • Herbal Magic: Customize Your Massage Oil at The Herb Companion
  • Hot Stone Massage And Other Relaxation Techniques at Relaxation
  • Hot Stone Massage Therapy videos on YouTube
  • How to Give a Hot Stone Massage at How to Do Things

10 comments:

Kathy said...

Good for you....for learning and doing it yourself.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi June!
I love the idea of mutual massages...my problem is that I always fall asleep when I get a massage,as they are so wonderfully relaxing, so I'd have to make sure to go last. ;-)
I can't wait to explore all the interesting links that you included!
Hugs, Pat

Anonymous said...

What a great idea, I never thought of that! I'll definitely have to try this out!

meg said...

I absolutely love the way you approach life, June. You never cease to inspire me.

Lorrie said...

What a great idea - although the thought of warm stones on my back today isn't very appealing - now if I put them in the freezer....

Lorrie

FinnyKnits said...

Oh man, rafting The Salt - we used to do that during college and, well, I don't really remember much more than the sunburn, but that was probably due to the "Beer Raft" strapped to our inner tubes and my inability to re-apply sunscreen with a Natural Light in my hand.

I think your trip was much more productive and rejuvenating!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Oh my...I have never had a massage...I have 4 kids though, think I could train them?! LOL!
Thanks for the lovely links, I'm checking them all out!

rohanknitter said...

Now that looks like a great DIY idea!!

Gregg Mulherin said...

This is great, Junie! Now massage enthusiasts can have their DIY hot stone massage at home. You can experience the relaxing effect of this massage at your own convenience. It is also good to get out once in a while and experience a massage treatment from your trusted massage clinic. I make it a point to squeeze it in my busy schedule to help me to relax and get ready for another battle at work!

Anonymous said...

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