Hot Stones

[pohakumaikai]

I'd like to start offering hot stone work. I'm wondering where you learned the techniques...hands on class? From a video? I want to learn it and learn it well but I can't find any workshops or classes anywhere near me.

 

[Agent99]

I taught myself how to do hot stone, but there are some good videos out there.  Try looking thru Massage Magazine or online.

 

[jacko brightside]

Hot Stones

Someone that I worked with, briefly shared what they learned, then I did a video/home study for CEU's. http://shop.naturalwellnessonline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=E565

 

[gregtheripper]

Hot Stones

SpiritedJen, you're in WI right? There was a 2 day course last weekend in Duluth, that probably would have been closest to you...I'm in WI too you know. And I'm taking a Gaia's Touch Heated Stone Massage course this Sunday and Monday in Madison. The woman that teachs it is from Eau Claire and while I'm sure it's a little too late for you to get into this class... she is doing another one in Milwaukee on June 12 and 13th though which you might still be able to get into, but you would have to contact her right away. It's 12 hrs of CE for $205 (which includes a workbook and 45 basalt massage stones). I will PM you Kay's contact information, ok?

 

[Emma R]

Hot Stones

A class in Duluth would have been great. Rats, I wish I hadn't missed that. How did you find that out, do you have a site to share? Thanks!

 

[nikki_lav_2288]

Hot Stones

No site, but I'm an AMTA member and the WI chapter keeps me up on lots of CE opportunities. Honestly, I think the AMTA-WI chapter is awesome. We've had some top notch CE presenters brought in including Diana L. Thompson (author of Hands Heal), Bob King (Chicago School of MT) and Benny Vaughn (nationally known for his Sports Massage).That's not to mention the people they've had come in with Upledger and stuff like that.Anyway, I will hopefully will have all kinds of info to share with you on Gaia's Touch Heated Stone Massage next week! LOL ;D

 

[Gipsy]

I'm looking forward to hearing all about your class I belong to the ABMP...last I checked the local chapters were few and far between. At least where I am, out in the woods.  I'll have to check again though. Thanks for the tip!

 

[DAMIAN]

Hot Stones

There's a good thread on Hot Stone Massage here -

Stone Massages.....help
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2100

 

[Uncannyxman]

Thanks for the link!  ;D

 

[ABCtyle]

Hey Maestra...how did the classes go? Tell Tell!!  ;D

 

[HolidayOnTheBuses]

The class was Sunday and Monday. Kay said it's the 10th class she has taught and it was very enjoyable.Kay's real "down to earth," and I have always liked that about her. I was surprised to learn that she gathered some of the stones for our sets from the shores of Lake Superior near Duluth herself.  Others she bought from a company in Minneapolis. She encouraged us to go out and add to our collection of stones with ones we find locally. So I am considering gathering a few local ones soon to add to my set. I don't know for sure if it was the gal I was partnered with... or what... but I kept feeling like a lot of energy was being released...especially that first day. I don't really have much experience with receiving energy work so it was sort of a New Experience for me if you know what I mean.But all in all, I enjoyed it and if she comes out with an "Advanced" course, I would probably consider taking it too.Do you have any questions? I can try to answer them if you do...

 

[Elsa84]

Jen, come on down, I'll help you with it.  My wife gave me a video, but it shows using 3-4 huge roasters, about 1000 stones........not too practical.  I trade with someone that does stones, so got the the treatment.  I practiced on my wife, and a few others.  I took my stones to a women's expo and used them, thinking I'd get a few clients from that.   ???  Anyway, someone came in the other day wanting hot stones, and it went well.  So practice and integrate and all will be well.  Happy Memorial Day, Mick

 

[Nadica]

Hot Stones

Thanks Mick. Don't tempt me, you aren't that far away.

 

[Midnight River]

O.K., since you all brought up hot stones, I need your opinion.  Do you think that taking an actual CEU class is more effective than going the video route?  I could take a class next month, but if video is just as good, or informative, it is cheaper to got that way?  What do you all think?  Thanks for your input.  :Drema

 

[Nehru]

It is *cheaper* to go the video route, I went that way and I feel that I do give a rockin' hot stone massage.  On the other hand, now I would looooooove to take a class, but I don't have the option for it right now. My point is that you may find yourself left wanting more with the video. My opinion is if you have the money to dispose on the class go for it, if you do not have the money to spare a good video will still give you a great foot into the world of hot stone massage. Have fun either way!

 

[Miss smiley]

Hot Stones

If you have got a mentor or some kind of coach for you, you may be able to get away with the video, but without someone doing hot stones you can discuss things with it will probably be a challenge.  Most of the videos are fairly basic and cover how to heat the stones, but some of them just get straight into massaging with the stones.Stones feel very different to using your hands, and a class would give you a bit of time to get confident as to what works.  If you have a lot of friends/family that have had hot stone treatments, they should be able to give you feedback, but if they have no experience, it's very hard to get sensible feedback because it feels so different to a normal massage.I'd recommend the course (assuming it is a good course).

 

[dickie]

Hot Stones

I learned basics from a video. I integrated the 'how to' into my own very personal style, practiced on two different family members, multiple times.... they were very good at giving appropriate critiques... as I came up with my protocol, and it evolved from there. I also invested in being a hot stone massage client from a variety of sources. I only recommend this route if you are highly motivated & have taught yourself other things from books or videos. Classes are more complete experiences. You have the benefits of being both client and practitioner, of repetition in a safe environment with helpful feedback, and learning from a perfected 'system'. In the end, I think every practitioner paves their own way with unique discoveries of what works, what does not. When you balk at taking a CEU course with 40 hours or so, it seems WAY too expensive, but break that down to getting that many massages (because you do in each class! ha), and it seems a bit happier of a scenario.Jill/sagetherapist

 

[jeremyfairchild]

I just purchased a small commercial hot- stones set from Conair.  I dont really feel comfortable using it as much as I thought I would.  I dont think the stones are too hot and then they cool off right away. I have only tried it on two clients and two family members. Two were thrilled and the others werent that impressed! With this set, I think that they are river stones.  Is there any real difference between basalt stones or river stones?  Any suggestions would be fabulous.  

 

[[email protected]]

SpritedJen, I don't make offers that aren't sincere....come on down.  I'll check with BlissMN, I think she's been to a hot stone class (she lives in the same town as me).Let's see, if you came down for some hot rocks, you could also experience a massage bar, or solid lotion, whichever you want to call it.  What else?  Probably think of something.   mick

 

[Rylee]

Hot Stones

I just purchased a small commercial hot- stones set from Conair.

The DOMESTIC Conair stone sets that come with the heater are well known for not having very good rocks.  I don't think anyone has made comments about a commercial stone set, but if it is anything like the domestic ones, it's probably lacking.  I think for the domestic sets they just went for the lightest rocks they could find - very porous, not holding heat. Basalt/granite have much higher density and hold heat better.