Imagine lying on a massage table on a chilly winter afternoon, your body cradled in warmth while a massage therapist uses smooth, hot stones and soothing oil to massage your cold, aching muscles. Does this sound like your idea of winter bliss?

Hot stone massage uses smooth stones heated in water to just the right temperature. The heat from the stones relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to the area being worked on. This boost in circulation and the relaxation of the muscles may also aid in stress reduction, and mental and emotional relaxation. The heat and the hardness of the stones allows the therapist to work more deeply without straining his or her joints, and yet the smooth, rounded planes of the stones assures that the therapist will not work too deeply.

Most therapists use basalt stones in a variety of sizes, shapes and weights, heated in water and then coated with oil. Other therapists may use smooth or slightly-textured river rocks. Crystals or smaller stones may also be placed on the chakra points on the front of the body. Cool stones, usually white quartz or marble, are also sometimes added for contrast therapy or headache relief.