Basics of Hot Stone Massage

The hallmark of hot stone massage is the use of heated stones. Basalt river rocks are typically used because they are smooth (from the river’s current) and retain heat well.

In preparation for the treatment, the stones are placed in a professional stone heater until they are within a precise temperature range, typically between 110 and 130 F.

Benefits

People often describe hot stone massage as comforting and deeply relaxing. The warmth is soothing for people who tend to feel chilly.

The heat of the stones relaxes muscles, which allows me to work deeper while using lighter pressure.

Hot Stone massage is often requested by those who suffer from anxiety, insomnia, back pain, or depression.

What to Expect

During the massage, stones will be placed on specific points of your body. While the points may vary depending on the areas of muscle tension and your health history, the stones are generally placed in the following areas:

• Along both sides of the spine
• In the palms of your hand
• On your legs, abdomen, feet

Small stones may be placed between the toes or on the forehead.

After the stones are placed on your body, it may take a few minutes for the heat to penetrate the sheet or towel so you can discern whether the stones are too hot.

After applying massage oil to the skin, the stones are glided along the muscles.

The length of a typical hot stone massage is between 60 and 90 minutes.