3 Ways To Use Hot Stones - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Use Hot Stones PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Elexis Mendez

Last Updated: October 10, 2025 Approved

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  • Heating Your Bed
    • |
  • Preparing for Massage
    • |
  • Massaging with Hot Stones
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
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This article was co-authored by Elexis Mendez. Elexis Mendez is a licensed massage therapist based in Portland, Oregon. With over 5 years of experience, Elexis is the lead massage therapist at Zama Massage Therapeutic Spa. She specializes in a variety of techniques, including Thai massage, Ashiatsu, deep tissue, Swedish, trigger point therapy, gua sha, and cupping. Elexis completed an 800-hour massage therapy program and received her massage therapy license from East-West College of the Healing Arts in Portland. In 2024, she also became a licensed esthetician. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 238,569 times.

Hot stones have a variety of uses. You can heat stones up in the winter and use them as bed warmers. Another great use for hot stones is massage. Hot stone massage therapy provides tension relief, improves circulation and alleviates muscle pain.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Heating Your Bed

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  1. Step 1 Find smooth, flat rocks. 1 Find smooth, flat rocks. Look for river rocks, which tend to be smooth and flat. You can also purchase soapstones, which retain heat well. Try to find them from specialty stores, or online through eBay or Amazon.[1]
  2. Step 2 Wash the stones with hot water and antibacterial dish soap. 2 Wash the stones with hot water and antibacterial dish soap. Rinse them with hot water after you wash them. Next, dry them with a clean towel. Finally, spray them with rubbing alcohol to sanitize them.[2]
    • You can also rub them with a cotton ball or rag dipped in rubbing alcohol.
    • Disinfect them with another environmentally-safe disinfectant.
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  3. Step 3 Heat your rocks to 105-110℉ (40.5-43.33℃). 3 Heat your rocks to 105-110℉ (40.5-43.33℃). Warm them on the stove or in the oven. Remove them from the heat using oven mitts. Place the heated stones in a cotton bag, or wrap them in clean rags, blankets, or towels. Put them under your bed covers.[3]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Preparing for Massage

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  1. Step 1 Obtain your hot stones. 1 Obtain your hot stones. Look for flat, smooth river rocks in a variety of sizes. You can also purchase a massage stone set instead of finding them in nature.[4] Look for kits that feature basalt, jade, or marble stones in a variety of sizes. Some kits will also come with a stone warmer.[5]
    • You can buy a stone warmer separately. This is a good idea if you plan to practice hot stone massage professionally.
  2. Step 2 Wash your stones each time you use them. 2 Wash your stones each time you use them. Clean the stones in hot water with plenty of disinfecting dish soap. Use warm water if you have marble stones. Rinse the stones well in hot or warm water, then dry them well on a clean towel. Disinfect them with rubbing alcohol or an environmentally-safe disinfectant.
  3. Step 3 Place stones in a saucepan and add enough water to cover them. 3 Place stones in a saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Put the saucepan on the stove and turn the burner on to medium low. Attach a candy thermometer to the inside of the pan to check the temperature of the water. Remove the pan from the stove when the water reaches a temperature between 110℉ and 125℉ (43.33℃ and 51.66℃).[6]
    • Heating the stones to the right temperature will take about 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4 Check the temperature of the rocks. 4 Check the temperature of the rocks. Hold a stone in your hand. The rocks are a safe temperature if you can comfortably hold a stone in your hand. Drain the water and let the stones cool off in the pan if they are too hot.[7]
    • Dry the stones with a clean towel when they are at the right temperature.
    • Wrap the stones in the same towel to keep them warm.[8]
  5. Step 5 Prepare a small bowl with cold water. 5 Prepare a small bowl with cold water. Use this bowl to cool down hot stones. The stones might heat up as you use them, drawing on the heat from your skin and the skin of the person being massaged. Dip the hot stones in the cool water until they are comfortable to your touch. Dry the stones before using them for massage.[9]
    • Ask the person receiving the massage if the stones are too hot every time you place them in a new area. Cool them down if they are too hot.[10]
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Massaging with Hot Stones

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  1. Step 1 Find a stone that fits comfortably in your hand. 1 Find a stone that fits comfortably in your hand. Use this as your main massaging stone. Also find some large stones to put on different points on the body of the person you’re massaging. Look for a few smaller, very flat stones for the face, hands, and feet.[11]
  2. Step 2 Ask the person receiving the massage to lie on their stomach. 2 Ask the person receiving the massage to lie on their stomach. Cover their back with a sheet. Place one large hot stone in the middle of their left thigh, one in the middle of the left calf, and one behind their left kneecap. Squirt some massage oil in your hands, and massage their right leg. Take your main massage stone and use it to apply heat and pressure to the back of the right leg.[12]
    • Switch the stones to their right leg, and use the same hot stone massage techniques on the left leg.
    • Remove the stones and cover their legs with the sheet to keep them warm after massaging the legs.
  3. Step 3 Put two large hot stones on their buttocks. 3 Put two large hot stones on their buttocks. Let the stones rest in place for a minute or two. Next, use the hot stones to massage the buttocks. You can remove the stones after massaging the buttocks or keep them in place as you continue to massage the back.
  4. Step 4 Place hot stones on their neck and shoulder blades. 4 Place hot stones on their neck and shoulder blades. Put small stones in the palms of their hands. Squirt some massage oil on your main massaging stone and use it to massage the back. Rub the stones along the muscles and tendons, not across the back. Line more stones along their spine. Let the stones rest in place for a minute.[13]
  5. Step 5 Remove all the stones, and have the person turn onto their back. 5 Remove all the stones, and have the person turn onto their back. Reposition the sheet to cover their upper body. Set a large stone on each thigh, and use your main massaging stone to massage their arms and legs. Apply more oil to the stone if needed. Next, massage the shoulders and neck with the main stone.[14]
    • Place one hot stone near the heart, one close to the sternum and one on the belly button if you like while massaging the neck and shoulders.
    • Massage their chest and stomach, using the stones that are in place on their sternum and belly. Rub with a circular motion around their stomach area.
  6. Step 6 Massage their face and scalp with your fingers. 6 Massage their face and scalp with your fingers. Add more oil to your hands if needed. Leave the hot stones on their thighs while you massage their face. Place small hot stones on the planes of the face after you massage it.
    • Let the person relax for a few minutes after you have completed their hot stone massage.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How can one ensure a safe and effective hot stone massage experience at home? Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers. Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor Expert Answer For a safe, effective hot stone massage at home, focus on safety and setting the mood. If not getting professional services, consult experts for guidance. If using a non-pro kit, be sure it regulates temperature. Carefully read directions and use in a suitable environment. Ambiance helps relaxation, but always test the stones' temp for comfort — don't overheat. Your well-being comes first, so if you are ever unsure or concerned, reach out to a professional. The goal is a soothing experience, so take precautions, create a calming atmosphere, and don't hesitate to ask the experts. With the right prep and care, you can enjoy hot stone's benefits safely. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question How long will the stones stay hot? Community Answer Community Answer They should stay warm for an hour. After about five minutes after you place them, you can turn them over for a little more heat. Keep a lot of hot stones handy just in case. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 13
  • Question Describe how water in a pan gets heated? Community Answer Community Answer Put the pan on your stove and turn on the heat. Adjust the heat to medium or low. Keep the pan on the hot burner for about 30 minutes. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 9
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about massages, check out our in-depth interview with Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP.

References

  1. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.massagemag.com/the-massage-magazine-guide-to-hot-stone-massage-31394/
  3. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/blog/editors-musings/blog-keeping-warm-winter
  4. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.ebay.com/gds/Best-Hot-Stone-Massage-Kits-/10000000205792032/g.html
  6. ↑ https://exhealth.drprem.com/guide-hot-stone-massage-home/
  7. ↑ https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/3/MTJ/detail/2204
  8. ↑ Elexis Mendez. Massage Therapist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/archives/2014/04/hot-rocks-is-hot-stone-massage-safe.html
More References (5)
  1. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.abmp.com/textonlymags/article.php?article=176
  3. ↑ Elexis Mendez. Massage Therapist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://remedygrove.com/bodywork/Do-It-Yourself-Hot-Stone-Massage
  5. ↑ https://soulsong.abmp.com/hot-stone-massage

About This Article

Elexis Mendez Co-authored by: Elexis Mendez Massage Therapist This article was co-authored by Elexis Mendez. Elexis Mendez is a licensed massage therapist based in Portland, Oregon. With over 5 years of experience, Elexis is the lead massage therapist at Zama Massage Therapeutic Spa. She specializes in a variety of techniques, including Thai massage, Ashiatsu, deep tissue, Swedish, trigger point therapy, gua sha, and cupping. Elexis completed an 800-hour massage therapy program and received her massage therapy license from East-West College of the Healing Arts in Portland. In 2024, she also became a licensed esthetician. This article has been viewed 238,569 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 10 Updated: October 10, 2025 Views: 238,569 Categories: Massage Article SummaryX

Before you use hot stones for a massage, make sure to disinfect them with rubbing alcohol and heat them to a safe temperature, between 110℉ and 125℉, in a pot of water on the stove. When you’re ready to begin the massage, have the person lie on their back and place one hot stone on each leg. Let the stone sit for a couple of minutes before massaging with a small amount of massage oil. You can repeat this process on their buttocks, back, neck, and shoulder blades. To learn how to use hot stones to heat your bed, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Veronica Roberts

    Veronica Roberts

    May 18, 2016

    "My boyfriend has had a stone kit for five years, and I found out that he had only used them a few times. With this..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Elexis Mendez Co-authored by: Elexis Mendez Massage Therapist Co-authors: 10 Updated: October 10, 2025 Views: 238,569 100% of readers found this article helpful. 2 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Veronica Roberts

Veronica Roberts

May 18, 2016

"My boyfriend has had a stone kit for five years, and I found out that he had only used them a few times. With this..." more Barbara Young

Barbara Young

Nov 30, 2016

"This was very helpful to me. I feel that I have learned a lot about hot rock massage. Thank you." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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