What to expect during a hot stone massage?
A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy using smooth, flat, heated stones. It is used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body.
During a hot stone massage, the stones are placed on specific parts of your body.
The stones could be placed:
• Along your spine
• On your stomach
• On your chest
• On your face
• On your palms
• On your feet and toes
What are cold stones?
Cold stones may also be 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. Heat has long been used to ease muscle tension and pain, it helps increase blood flow.
It may also reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Cold therapy helps relieve inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, alternating hot and cold stones during your massage may be helpful.
The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat.