What is hot stone massage?

Hot stone massage therapy is a type of specialty massage using smooth, heated stones. The stones retain heat well, and aid in relaxing tight muscles while also proving a deeply relaxing experience. 

Before the client arrives, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones (crucial) and heats them in water to a temperature between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. During the massage, the therapist first loosens the muscles and warms up the body using a traditional Swedish massage (other techniques may be used but this is the most popular). Once the body is ready, the therapist incorporates the stones into the massage, replacing cold ones with heated ones as needed. If the therapist detects energy blockages throughout the client's body, stones may be left in key pressure point areas to aid in energy flow.

While hot stones are traditionally used (as the name suggests) cold stones may be used to assist with inflammation or injury (as is common in sports injuries). Those experiencing a hot stone massage may notice a healing improvement of the following symptoms:

• Muscular aches, pains, sprains, and strains
• Poor circulation
• Rheumatic and arthritic conditions
• Fibromyalgia
• MS
• Back pain
• Stress, anxiety and tension
• Insomnia
• Depression 

As is the case with all massage, drinking water after a hot stone massage helps to relieve the body of toxins that get caught up in the blood.