Hot Stone Therapy

Warm and cool stones have been used around the world for thousands of years. They were commonly used in Roman baths and by Native Americans. Stone massage is great for those having muscle soreness, stress or low energy. Stone massage is especially helpful for fibromyalgia, arthritis, injury recovery, sinus pain, and menstrual cramps.

What is Hot Stone Massage?

Smoothed, igneous basalt rocks of varying sizes and shapes are used for hot stone massage, as they hold heat better than other rock types. Stationary stones are placed under and over the body on the sacrum, back, belly, chest and face, hands, feet, between toes for specific trigger point work. Oiled stones glide over muscles for additional muscular work. The penetrating heat of the stones elicits deep relaxation, loosening tight muscles, soothing the nervous system and encouraging circulation. Sessions last an hour or more.  Aromatherapy is often incorporated into stone massage to enhance relaxation.

Temperature

Warm stones, heated at 115-135 degrees, encourage the exchange of blood and lymph and provide soothing heat for deep tissue work. Cool stones reduce inflammation and pain, helping you feel simultaneously relaxed and invigorated. Alternating heat and cold thermotherapy helps the body's healing process.  It is important to tell your therapists immediately if the temperature is uncomfortable.

Cautions

Hot stone massage is not recommended for conditions requiring caution with heat, diabetes, swelling, gout, heart and vascular conditions, neuropathy or high-risk pregnancy. Stone massage is also not indicated for those experiencing fever, illness, sunburn, or inflammation. It is especially important to drink plenty of water after massage as the stones affect the body’s temperature.

- Touch Resource Guide by ABMP
- Spa Bodywork by Anne Williams