Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a category of massage that involves the use of smooth stones that are heated. The stones that are mainly used are basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains the heat, therefore is logically used for a stone massage. It has combined elements with a proportion of oxygen and silica. The stone contains iron and magnesium which is popular among pharmacies and used for their healing elements. When this stone is in its lava state, it is very soft, but when the volcano erupts, they become hard. These basalt stones are used as they can contain heat at an extremely high level and the surface is smooth without any rough edges while makes it an ideal tool for massage. These stones can be purchased in a kit with a complete range of stones which have been polished and can be applied for treatment. These flat stones are placed on the key points of the body. Before the massage starts, the muscles are pre-heated for better response. Massage with these stones can be given also when the therapist holds them in his hands and uses them to massage certain areas of the body. The thermal effect of the stones is relaxing and helps tight muscles to loosen up as well. Hot stone therapy has been used for thousands of years for harmonizing, cleansing and relaxing the body at it deepest level. This treatment dates back 5000 years to the Indian culture and mayan cultures. Healers used them from the river beds and heated them in hot coals or hot water. The therapists at that time used tools provided by the earth to better heal and calm the physical body. They used their hands for manipulation and healing.

Now days massage therapists and spas have developed their own versions of hot stone massage using these stones. Stone massage involves the application of water-heated basalt stones of different sizes and put on the key points of the body, giving the body a deep massage with warmth and comfort to the body. These days stones massage has become very popular and are in demand. Most of these massages are available in day spas and healing centers. The direct heat of the stones relaxes the body, even in greater intensity than a normal massage. Massage is done with specific oils and cold stones are used when there is an injury or inflammation.