If you plan on engaging in a massage business or if you want to give your spouse a personal hot stone massage for his birthday, here is a list of basic step-by-step directions on how to give a hot stone massage.

Step 1: Prepare the basic hot stone massage therapy equipment that you'll need such as a massage table, linen or sheet for the table, massage oils, massage stones like basalt stones (you may need 40-50 pieces of stones), and a heating device for these stones.

Step 2: Before the client arrives, prepare the massage room by draping the massage table with clean linens and by setting up a tranquil ambiance through pleasurable aromas, low lighting and soothing music.

Step 3: Heat up the stones that you will be using.

Step 4: Once the client arrives, give him or her ample time to relax before the session. Be sure to explain the process of hot stone massage therapy.

Step 5: Ask the client to lie down on the table. Place the stones on each side of the spine without coming in actual contact with the spine.

Step 6: Begin by massaging the face lightly with a coating of oil. Place four stones on the face. Put the first stone underneath the lips, the second and third stones on each cheek and the fourth stone on the center of the forehead.

Step 7: Massage some oil on the right leg. Rub the hot stone on each side of the leg and then place small stones between each of your client's toes on his right foot. Repeat the process with the left leg and left foot.

Step 8: Go to your client's arm, and use the effleurage stroke to coat it with oil. Massage the arm area by using medium-sized flat stones. After that, put a warm stone on your client's palm. Do the same thing with the other arm.

Step 9: Now, it's time to ask your client to turn over. Remove the stones you've placed on the face, hands and toes.

Step 10: Massage the back area using various stones to apply pressure on key acupressure points. After massaging this area, lay one stone on each shoulder, one on each scapular area and one on the client's lower back.

Step 11: Go to the back of your client's legs and place a medium-sized warm stone underneath the buttocks, on the backs of the knees and on the calf.

Step 12: Massage the scalp of the client down to the neck and shoulder area.

Step 13: Remove the stones you've placed on the client's body.

Step 14: For the finale, use effleurage strokes on the client's back and leg area using the tips of your fingers.

Step 15: Give your client some time to cool down or take a short nap after the session.

With these simple guidelines, tender and gentle touch, and a determination to give the best kind of massage, your spouse or clients will surely be asking or coming back for more.