HOT STONE MASSAGE

Hot Stone Massage is a type of massage therapy that uses heated stones. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they are smooth – they have been smoothed over time by the river’s current. In preparation for the treatment, the stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating device until they are within a certain temperature range. During the treatment, the massage therapist places the hot stones on specific points on your body and may also hold the stones while giving the massage. The localized heat and weight of the stones warm and relax muscles, allowing the massage therapist to apply deeper pressure to those areas. The warmth of the hot stones also improves circulation and calms the nervous system.

Swedish Massage techniques are typically used during the Hot Stone Massage.

The client strips down to their underwear and lies on a massage table.

Learn more about Hot Stone Massage from:

• Welldoing.org
• American Massage Therapy Association