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.

The stones are generally used in two ways during the massage. To warm large muscles and aid in relaxation, stones may be heated and placed beneath the client’s body, usually along the spine, in the palms, and at the joint of neck and shoulders. A layer of fabric, such as a sheet or towel, may be placed between the client and the stone. A typical stone layout would be along both sides of the spine, on the table at the top of the shoulders, and baseball-sized stones would be placed under the palms of the client’s hands.

Then, while these foundation stones are delivering constant heat, the therapist massages the client using oiled, heated stones held in the palms of the hand. Firm strokes are used along the muscles of the legs, arms and torso.

An true hot stone massage is more than just gliding heated stones lightly over the surface of the body. Instead, the stones are used as tools or extensions of the therapist’s hands, delivering effective tissue and muscle massage at a comfortable level of pressure.

Some important keys to keep in mind when doing hot stone massage:

• Stones must be kept heated in clean, sanitized water between 120 to 130 degrees. Most therapists use an 18-quart turkey roaster.
• A second heater, set at a slightly higher temperature, may be used for smaller, palm-sized basalt stones used in the massage itself.
• Since the hot water promotes the growth of bacteria, you may want to use gloves, tools, or mesh bags to remove stones from the hot water for sanitary reasons.
• The water should be changed and the stones thoroughly cleaned and dried between clients. This does limit the number of hot stone massages you can do during a day, but is essential to ensure sanitation.
• A large bowl of cool water provides an excellent means of adjusting the temperature of the stones. Test each stone on the inside of the client’s arm before placing it in the foundation or using in massage. In this way, you provide the maximum level of comfort and relaxation for your client.
• Use pure oils such as almond or grapeseed oil to oil the stones. Most lotions and creams will not stand up to the heat and friction of a hot stone massage, and may leave residue on the stones.
• You will want to use cotton sheets, preferably flannel, and wash them with a detergent designed for removing oils.

Check your local massage school for courses on hot stone massage. Home study courses on hot stone massage, complete with approved CEUs and materials, are also available at:

Sacred Stone Healing
Healing Stone Massage
Hot Stone Hut