Hot stone massage is a specific type of massage technique that uses specially shaped basalt stones that are heated using hot water. The better stones are made from Basalt as this is known to have specific properties know for retaining heat. River rocks can be used as they tend so have a smooth, circular exterior from the constant erosion on the bottom or river beds.

The water the stones are placed in is usually heated to a temperature just above boiling, which allows the rock to retain the heat for longer. The stones when placed on certain body points should not be uncomfortable and you can ask the therapist to test the temperature of the rocks before they are placed on your body.

There are many different spots the stones can be placed on and in many different ways. For example the stones can be placed on the back, arms and legs or even between the toes.Some methods of massage place the stones at key sensitivity areas which are know for their energy concentrations. These allow the customer to feel more centered and allow the body to become more balanced. Some therapists actually massage the skin using smaller stones with oils.

The art of hot stone massage is hundreds of years old and some people believe that it originated from China and others believe it was from the Native Americans. An Arizona message therapist called Mary Nelson decided to trademark a technique call LaStone therapy which uses hot stones combined with a Native American spirituality. A therapist can take hot stone massage training in this technique and become certified. This is not the only techniques that are available and there are hot stone massage courses online as well as other sorts of message education courses that are available today.

The heat of the stones allows the therapist to massage deeper into the tissue giving more relief for the patient. Hot stone massage is known to alleviate back pain, poor circulation, osteoarthritis and arthritis pain, stress, anxiety and tension and depression.

Not all therapists are qualified to give a hot stone massage. Special stone massage courses and hot stone massage training should be taken to make sure that the therapist is giving the best treatment possible. Unfamiliarity with the hot stones and its effect on the body should not be taken lightly and hot stone massage should be fully understood before the therapist is considered to be a hot stone message professional.


Stone-Healing.Com is an established leader in the massage industry known for providing massage education and certification courses in the area of hot stone massage through the Stone Massage University. The university is the only place that therapists can continually increase their knowledge on massage though virtual training, home study courses, books or cds. Never has there been such a comprehensive set of resources available for therapists to continually provide their clients with the best training and stone healing available.