Hot Stone Massage is a form of massage that uses smooth, flat, heated rocks placed at key points on the body, causing the muscles to relax even deeper than a traditional massage.

About Hot Stone Massage

Generally, the rocks used in a stone massage are basalt, which has high heat retention qualities. Stones are placed in water and heated to within a certain temperature range before placement on the body.

The heat of the rocks causes muscles to relax, thus allowing the therapist to apply deeper, more precise pressure if desired or necessary.

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?

• Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones (very important!) and heats them in 120 to 150-degree water.
• During the massage, the therapist warms up the body with traditional Swedish massage, then massages you 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, in the palms of your hand, on your belly, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.

NB: If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.