A hot stone massage is a relaxing therapy in which smooth, heated stones are placed on parts of the body. The stones retain their heat for a long time during the massage.
A key benefit of a hot stone massage is that the heat from the stones relaxes the muscles, allowing the massage therapist to penetrate deeper into the muscle tissue and provide a superior massage experience.
Heat from the stones penetrates muscles and tissue resulting in blood vessels opening, resulting in improved circulation which aids muscle relaxation.
All types of massage aim to relieve pain caused by tense muscles, but a hot stone massage may provide greater relief due to the intensity of the massage.
A hot stone massage has a sedative effect and can actually promote sleep, relieve chronic pain and overall reduce stress and tension.
In relaxing the muscles, the heat from the stones can also improve joint flexibility and reduce any associated joint pain and stiffness.