Hot stone massage is a specialty variation of massage that uses flat, smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body.


What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?

• Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 to 150 degree water.
• The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another.
• The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.
• If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.
• The therapist uses many stones of various shapes and sizes.
• The heat of the stones helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage.
• You should speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense.
• Technique is very important. Less experienced practitioners sometimes use too much pressure.
• The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.

What Can I Expect During my Hot Stone Massage?
The massage therapist often begins by applying oil to the body, which allows the hot stones to glide smoothly along the muscles. You are lying face down, and the massage therapist often then uses the hot stones to massage the back.

After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, the massage therapist may put down the stones and use his or her hands to directly massage the skin.