Stone Massage...
Hot Stone Massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones as an extension of their own hands, or by placing them on the body. The heat can be both deeply relaxing and help warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly. Cold Stone Massage is also an effective way to promote relaxation and revitalize the mind and body? You may also alternate using cold stones and hot stones during a massage session, called contrast therapy, to create a dynamic, invigorating experience for your client. Used by themselves or in conjunction with hot stones, cold stones create a distinct, refreshing experience and promote healing in several ways.

About Hot Stone Massage:
What Is the Difference Between a Hot Stone Massage and a Regular Massage?
The main distinction between a hot stone massage and a regular massage is that a hot stone massage emphasizes the use of stones to apply pressure during the massage therapy session to promote relaxation. Regular massages do not use stones to massage the body; instead, they concentrate on pressure points and muscles. A regular massage involves the massage therapist applying pressure to various areas of the body with their hands.

What Is a Hot Stone Massage?
This massage entails the use and placement of basalt stones on various points of the body. The rocks are heated before use, allowing the massage therapist to apply deeper pressure to problem areas without causing discomfort.

Why Hot Stones?
Because they are smooth from the river's current and hold heat well, basalt river rocks are the most commonly used stones during this type of massage. They are typically made of volcanic rock, which allows them to heat quickly and retain heat for long periods of time. Before treatment, the rocks are heated to 110°F to 145°F in a professional heater.

What Does This Type of Massage Treat?
Everyone knows that massages are an effective, natural stress reliever, but this type of massage can also help treat and resolve other issues. It can help relieve stress and anxiety, manage depression, relieve muscle tension and pain, and provide some relief for chronic illnesses or chronic pain.

This type of massage allows the client to relax even more deeply as the therapist works to relieve muscle pain and tension. The heat from the rocks relaxes the muscles and makes them more malleable. Once your client has relieved some of the tension they brought with with, the massage therapist can work on the rest of it during the session.

What Happens During Treatment?
Hot stone massage incorporates both traditional massage techniques and those used in this treatment. The massage therapist will prepare the hot stones for treatment and will typically place them strategically down the center of the back along the spine during this massage. Hot stones can also be applied to the stomach, feet, chest, face, and even the toes and palms of the hands if necessary.

The placement of the stones can aid in the relief of pain in the affected areas. The massage therapist will discuss the client's concerns and determine the best location for the stones based on your needs and their assessment of their physical condition prior to the session.

Swedish Massage Techniques
Massage therapists will use oil before beginning the massage to ensure that the rocks glide smoothly across the skin. When used during massage, hot stones allow the massage therapist to use basic Swedish massage techniques such as long strokes, kneading, rolling, tapping, and circular movements, but with rocks rather than hands.