The ancient healing art of stone therapy using various massage techniques and warm stones relaxes the body at its deepest level and is effective in creating harmony and balance. The subtle energies of stones introduced into a treatment calm the senses, relax muscle tension and help to promote a meditative state. The heat from the stones penetrates to a deeper level, bringing about physiological changes as well as influencing the body’s internal energy flow (chi): therefore bringing a balance to both body and mind.

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well.

It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage.

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?

Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water. The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage 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, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body. If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.
Deep heat from the stones allows muscle tissue to soften and relax.

Natural healing properties of the stones aid in removal of toxins from the system.

Overall stress is reduced by creating a deep state of peacefulness and relaxation.

The warmth from the stones relaxes and soothes all the muscles and gently melts away the knots and stresses from the client's body. The heat has a sedative effect on the nervous system. The stone weight, warmth calming sensation similar to meditation. For some people stone therapy can bring deep tissue release and alignment in body, mind, and spirit. For others, it means gently allowing the heat of the stones to soften tension and melt worries away.

Some of the benefits of Hot Stone Therapy:

1. Relief of chronic pain
2. Detoxification of the body
3. Relief of neck and back pain
4. Deep relaxation and stress reduction

Massage is a perfect way to nurture our bodies and ourselves. Incorporating stones and crystals into a treatment can enhance
the power of this contact.