Information:
A hot stone massage is a great and effective type of massage therapy. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles. This massage also heals damaged soft tissues throughout your body.
During a hot stone massage, flat, smooth, heated volcanic rock stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat very well. Hot massage stones are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.
The stones may be placed:
- along your spine
And, on your:
- stomach
- chest
- face
- palms
- feet and toes
Massage therapists may hold heated stones as they massage your body using Swedish massage techniques such as:
- long strokes
- kneading
- vibration
- circular movements
- tapping
Sometimes, cold stones are also used during a hot stone massage. Cold stones may be used after hot stones to calm any engorged blood vessels and to soothe the skin.