What Is A Hot Stone Massage?

A hot stone massage as the name suggests, is simply a kind of special body massage using stones. These stones are used both hot and cold to heal specific areas of the human body using a combination of pressure and temperature therapy. Smooth Basalt stones of varying sizes, shapes, and weights are preferred on account of their ability to retain heat and pass it onto the body during the massage. The massage is a very popular treatment for helping people with muscle relaxation as well as giving a general feeling of wellbeing.

In a stone massage, the stones play two roles. First, a set of stones is placed along both sides of the spine or along what are called `chakra’ centers. The second set is held in the palm of the therapist who runs them over the length of the entire body using firm strokes of his hand. So while the first set delivers a focused heat center, the second set works on the muscles of the legs, arms, and torso simultaneously.

It is important to understand that the `stones’ do not have any healing properties in themselves. They are just tools that help the therapist deliver controlled pressure and heat to specific body tissues and muscles which increases blood flow and aids in the relaxation of body and mind. The pressure can be increased or decreased as per the client’s comfort. However, it is important that the stones be cleaned regularly between uses to prevent the spread of any infection.

A hot stone massage is recommended for people with specific ailments or just those who need to unwind. A lot, however, depends on the skill of the therapist as the stones do not hold any miraculous curing power in themselves.