Hot Stone Massage

A hot stone massage is a variation of the typical massage which uses smooth, water-heated stones on points around the body. Hot stone massages are deeply soothing and relaxing and act to release tight muscles.

The stones often used in hot stone massages are smooth basalt rock from volcanoes. The basalt stones are usually fine-grained as a result of rapid cooling of lava on the Earth’s surface. As a result, these basalt stones retain heat very well.

The stones are used in two ways during the massage. One is to impart heat onto the body by laying stones under the client with a layer of fabric between the client and stone (a sheet or towel) and/or on top of the client, again upon a towel. Stone layout typically will be along both sides of the spine, or along the chakra centers on top and stones would be placed in the hands. While these layout stones are delivering concentrated centers of heat, the therapist is simultaneously massaging the client with oiled, heated stones held in the palm of the hand with firm strokes along the muscles of the legs, arms, and torso areas. An authentic hot stone massage is not simply the "gliding" of heated stones lightly upon the surface of the skin, but rather the stones are used as tools to deliver effective tissue and muscle massage at a pressure level comfortable to the client. The client can request light, medium or deep pressure, which is the beauty of the hot stone massage technique. It can be customized in an instant to the request of the client.

The heat from the stones relaxes the muscles and increases the blood flow to the area being worked on which further accelerates the healing process. This increase in circulation and the relaxation of the muscles also aids in relaxation of the mind.