Himalayan Salt Stone vs. Basalt Stone: Which is the Best?
Now we all know that when we’re achy and stiff, that heat is nothing but a godsend. We’re often told that when we are dealing with stiff or sore muscles, to use a hot pack or sit on a heating pad.
So, what’s the difference between hot stones versus ye ol’ heating pad? The subtle difference is with hot stones you’re usually getting a massage! Be it at a sauna, spa or a studio, there’s some level of manual manipulation involved.
Meanwhile, with a heating pad, it’s just sit, Netflix, and chill. Here’s where a licensed massage therapist (LMT) like me comes in. Heyo! I’m Kat, and I’ve been an LMT since 2012. Here’s my question first question for you: why just sit and chill on a heating pad when you can get all the benefits of heat and get great relief from massage? Great idea, right?
Let me ask you this though… Would you rather the Himalayan Salt Stones or the Basalt Stones?
Oooh! That’s why you’re here, huh? Not quite sure of the difference? That’s OKAY! That’s what we’re here for! So, let’s explore the differences, similarities and which is best for your needs…
The Differences between Himalayan and Basalt Stones
The key difference is just what they’re made of.
Basalt Stones are a smooth river or lava rock–depending on what part of the world you’re receiving your treatment in. The next difference is how the stones are heated. Basalt Stones are typically black and can be heated using a variety of methods. The most common one is a crock pot. A crock pot? you ask. Yes siree. A crock pot.
It’s because the simplest method of heating and reheating Basalt Stones is in water. The downside is that it can be difficult to control the temperature. Which is why–even though the crock pot method is the most used–it’s also the most monitored by the therapist.
Himalayan Salt Stones are made of salt. And as most blocks of salt do dissolve in water. Which makes their heating method easier with the use of warming bowls or trays. Most Himalayan Salt stones used in massage are pink and white.
Their size varies a bit less than the standard basalt stones, ranging from two fingers wide to the size of your palm. A lot of times, people believe that this makes them less useful or less therapeutic, which is simply untrue. Both Himalayan and Basalt Stones, when used correctly, are both therapeutic and relaxing.
Some of the reasons therapists prefer Himalayan Salt Stones are:
· They are easier to use in hand
· They help with exfoliating our clients’ skin and our therapist’s hands
· They aid in reducing the inflammation in the therapist’s hands and wrists
· They are super easy to clean
Thinking of cleaning… Basalt Stones take roughly 15-20 minutes of time to scrub, sanitize, and dry.
Himalayan Salt stones are cleaned with a Benefect spray along with their natural anti-everything capabilities. Benefect? No, it’s not a spelling error. The product is called Benefect, and it’s a pretty cool cleaning product that uses Thyme extract among other botanical ingredients for a safe, effective clean.
Now that we’ve gone over the physical similarities and differences between the types of stones for Hot Stone Massage, let’s talk about what they do for you.
River Stones Versus Salt Stones
Here’s where we get into the nitty-gritty of what Hot Stone treatments provide you with. Heat from any stone treatment can give you:
· Deepen your relaxation
· Improve your circulation
· Improve your flexibility
· Reduce your inflammation
· Soothe your nervous system
This is all what the combination of heat and great massage techniques provide. Wanna know what Salt Stones do that Basalt doesn’t?
· Salt Stones balance the autonomic as well as peripheral nervous system
· Salt Stones gently exfoliate the skin of both therapists and clients
· Salt Stones assist in supplying immune support
· Salt Stones can assist in the treatment of insomnia
· Salt Stones can promote a healthy respiratory system
The reason behind the difference is quite literally what the stones are made out of. Himalayan Salt Stones are made out of Himalayan salt. Yeah, just like that fancy and super healthy Himalayan salt you’re using to cook with. It contains 84 naturally occurring minerals.
Wait a minute… which one is better? Well, that all depends on you.
The Good and The Great
So which is best?
There are many who don’t believe in the benefits of Hot Stone Therapy in general which means that some studios don’t have Hot Stone treatments. While other studios only provide standard Basalt Stone therapy. Some are the reverse and offer only Himalayan Salt Stones. This all depends on what the studios choose to offer. Myself, I am trained in both and prefer the Basalt stones I used while working in a studio.
Unfortunately, stones don’t travel well so I don’t have any that I can bring to you for your next massage. If you’re looking to try them, what I suggest is to find a massage studio that offers both types. If you’d rather skip the hot stones and traveling to the studio, check out my massage side and let me come to you. If you do, sign up for my mailing list to have that monthly reminder to treat yourself to some relaxation.
