In 1998 ‘La Stone’ was introduced to the US market. They are shiny rocks, heated up in water and then positioned on the body with a layer or two below to prevent burns. Massage therapists far and wide loved the concept and took the course, purchasing the large heating device with all the accessories. Most everyone is familiar with these stones. However, the majority of therapists who purchased these are no longer using them due to the time involved with both set up, clean up and interruption to a set massage routine when trying to incorporate them. Basically, they are a hassle to use! Today, however, we have another option when choosing to incorporate the healing power of heat with our massage session: Himalayan Salt Stones. Salt stones consist of an ancient mineral rich salt, once part of the pristine primordial seabed millions of years ago and rich in all the 84 trace minerals that our bodies need to survive and thrive. Warming these salt stones creates a dynamite combination when incorporating them into your work with contracted muscles and trigger points. Not only does the heat feel more penetrating, but unlike those black shiny rocks, known as basalt stones, the mineral–rich salt stone leaves a trace amount of its healing minerals on both client and therapist, further enhancing the massage session for both of you. I always suggest to my clients not showering after a session, if possible, so the minerals can be fully absorbed into the body.

There are two ways that Salt stones are generally incorporated with massage:

• Value added service: Due to the ease of set– up and warming, these stones are an easy choice for the busy massage therapist. Using them on and off throughout the massage session when needed, blending the process in with your massage routine. No extra cost is involved for the client. A set of six stones is all that is needed when used as a value–added service.

• Add–on service: Usually there is a set protocol where the stones are used for the majority of the session, becoming the focus, and for this there is an extra fee involved. Usually, a minimum of 12 stones are used.

How do I use Salt Stones?

The initial contact with the stone and your client needs to be either the lateral arm or lateral leg, in a moving motion – a stroke or two is all that is needed; done in this manner the client’s nervous system perceives the warmth in an area that is not so sensitive, and from there you can go to the neck/upper back or hips/lower back.

If it is initially applied any other way you may create a startle affect for your client – something that you want to avoid. This is one of the most important things to remember when working with any kind of hot stone. A therapist once mentioned that she always tells her clients when she is about to apply a hot stone. This method, however, falls short as the auditory (hearing) process of the body is not as fast as the sensory receptors of the skin, and the client will still be startled – they will know it’s coming, but be startled all the same! There is both an active and passive technique when incorporating salt stones with your massage session. Passive: The stone fits perfectly in the palm of your hand while you are massaging specific contracted muscles. The application of the penetrating warmth while you are working enables the client not only to tolerate deep work or trigger point holds, but actually to enjoy it, as the radiating heat and minerals melt into the skin and enhance the work that you are doing. Active: The stone is used as a moving tool whatever the shape – circle, oval, or teardrop – held as the initial contact rather than your fingers doing the work, each one-inch-thick stones can be flipped on its side when working the cervical area, for example, for an additional way to incorporate the heat.

How long do Salt Stones last?

The initial quality of your salt stones and how you care for them are the main factors that dictate the longevity and ability to keep the silky, smooth exterior that all professional grade stones should start with. I am still using stones I cut, carved, and sealed seventeen years ago. I have never needed to re-sand them. They are a tad smaller due to trace amounts of minerals that are left on my thousands of clients and on my hands, but still as smooth as glass! I am often asked how to clean salt stones. The concentrated minerals make it a very inhospitable environment for molds, bacteria, and viruses. Nothing can survive on the mineral rich surface of Himalayan salt. Wiping down excess oils at the end of a session is an option, and so too is using a natural, chemical free sanitizer – I suggest Decon 30 While the name sounds harsh, it actually has only two ingredients: thymol (a derivative from thyme essential oil) and water. Spray on the stones, wait thirty seconds and thoroughly wipe dry. Salt stones by nature are hygroscopic, which means they absorb moisture. It is therefore imperative that when cleaning them you dry them thoroughly. The cleaning process is quick and easy; there is one more step: I strongly suggest that you keep your stones as smooth as glass. Most think of jojoba oil; however, due to its chemical make–up, it is actually a liquid wax ester. Salt stones LOVE the waxy nature of jojoba. When applied, it leaves a subtle wax coating on the stone that protects it from moisture and degrading. I suggest using jojoba as your main medium with massage aside from the fact that the salt stones love it! I suggest using jojoba as your main medium with massage aside from the fact that the salt stones love it! Either way it’s important to apply jojoba to your stones to build up that protective waxy layer. That could be done as simply as using jojoba when you work, or applying it after your cleaning routine, and briefly buffing your stone with a soft cloth. As great as Decon 30 is, it is also an astringent and will dry out your stones, degrading them if you do not do a final sealing of Jojoba after cleaning. This is a HUGE step that most therapists miss when using salt stones. When their stones become rough and they shrink, some therapists may stop using them without really knowing what simple steps they can do to protect them in the first place. It pains me when I hear therapists say that salt stones are exfoliating., When taken care of and treated with jojoba, they will stay as smooth as glass and will last throughout your massage career. For me, incorporating Salt stones into my practice was one of the best decisions I have made.

My clients love them, not only for the penetrating healing warmth but also for the concentrated minerals that leaves a lasting and healing effect on their pain and tension, long after their massage is over. References Mayrhofer, Pat. (2010). The History of Stone Massage. Retrieved online on January 1, 2023 at The History Of Hot Stone Massage (massagemag.com). LaStone Massage Therapy Developer Mary Nelson retrieved online at Take a Class with Mary Nelson | Founder of LaStone Therapy (teachmestone.com). LaStone Therapy recommended stones. Retrieved online at Specialty Stones – TIR Massage Stone.