What is hot stone massage?
Hot stone massage uses smooth, flat basalt stones that have been heated to a precise temperature and placed along key points of the body. The therapist also holds the stones while performing massage movements, using the heat to relax muscle tissue more deeply than is possible with hands alone.
The warmth from the stones penetrates into the muscle layers quickly, allowing the therapist to work more effectively and with less pressure than a standard deep tissue massage. The overall effect is one of profound relaxation, often described by clients as unlike anything they have experienced from other massage types.
Who is hot stone massage for?
Hot stone massage is ideal for anyone who wants a deeply relaxing treatment with therapeutic benefit. It is particularly good for people who carry significant tension but find deep pressure massage uncomfortable. The heat does much of the work, reducing the need for firm pressure.
What to expect
Your therapist will heat the stones to a safe, comfortable temperature before your session begins. You will feel the warmth of the stones almost immediately as they are placed on your back, shoulders, and sometimes between the toes. The therapist will use the stones to perform massage strokes as well as leaving them in place to work passively. Sessions typically last 75 or 90 minutes.