Hot Stone Massage

Comment

Comment by Barbara Weinstock on June 28, 2010 at 1:11pm

Thanks again Penne,

I know my partner planned for electric in my rent, but probably not enough for the cost of the stone heater. I don't think she ever expected me to bring one in. I'll have to figure out how to compensate her.

I have it at my house for now and am getting used to it on family and friends before moving it to the office. I really want to make sure I have the heat down before anything as I do not want anyone to get burned (including myself).

Grapeseed oil is wonderful stuff. I used to use it all the time because it has decent grip but I stopped using it a while ago because it was making my sheets smell rancid. Fractionated coconut oil might be good for the stones. It's pretty slippery for straight massage work but could work well with stones with no rancid sheets. I'll experiment.

Most of my work is medical and I plan to use the stones to help soften tissues for deeper work.I would like to incorporate them into most of my work. I'm not sure how many full body hot stone massages will be done. I will definitely check local prices so I am competitive.

The stones came with a video tape and I have watched lots of videos on line but will probably take a class too. I'll check out the one you suggested.

Thanks so much for your input... Barbie

Comment by Penne Phifer on June 28, 2010 at 12:14pm

Barbara,

If you are paying her rent instead of splitting everything down the middle, then she probably has included money for electric in your rent. I personally add $30 to my massage times for hot stone. Checking your local area for what is charged will give you an idea of what to charge. Maybe you could do a practice run or two to see how long it takes and what linens you used, how much oil, etc. I'm sure there is someone who would love a hot stone massage free! It was advised to me to use 100% Grapeseed Oil, it has a different glide and a good insulator for your hands and the client. No additives or fragrances. There is a cool video on youtube or the web address is Avatflim.com. : Art and Practice of Hot Stones Therapy Hawaiian Style. Good luck to you. Penne

Comment by Barbara Weinstock on June 26, 2010 at 8:22pm

Thanks Penne,

I was just wondering if people notice the impact on their bill.

I share my office space with another therapist and she pays for the electric bill. I'm trying to figure out if I need to offer to pay for some of the electric bill because of the addition of the heater plus also how much to charge clients for the actual massage itself which will need to reflect any additional costs I might have plus the extra time for cleaning the stones.

Comment by Penne Phifer on June 26, 2010 at 1:03pm

Hi Barbara,
If you still have the box it came in, it will tell you the wattage use or type. Your local electric company can tell you or local electriction. Or, if you're up for it, turn off everything, unplug small things then go check to see how fast your power meter is turning. Then plug in your hot stone heater and see how much difference it makes. My disclaymer on this is remember to plug everything back in and them on,. Godd luck Penne