A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy.

It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body. During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat. Hot massage stones are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.  The stones may be placed:

• along your spine
• on your stomach
• on your chest
• on your face
• on your palms
• on your feet and toes

Massage therapists may hold heated stones as they massage your body using techniques such as:

• long strokes
• circular movements
• vibration
• tapping
• kneading

Anyone who is experiencing muscle tension and pain, insomnia, or stress may benefit from a hot stone massage.