Hot Stone Massage is a style of alternative healing bodywork in which water-treated stones are placed at specific sites on the client's body to promote relaxation and to help open up the meridians (energy pathways). Muscles are pretreated with the heated stones to allow the healer to more easily perform deep tissue manipulations. Cool stones are sometimes used alternately with hot stones. Massage oils are usually incorporated into this treatment. Stones are smooth, black volcanic rocks (basalt) that absorbs and retains heat well.

• Before you arrive, the stones are sanitized and heated in 150 degree water.
• Traditional strokes of Swedish massage are used while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, it is replaced it with another.
• The heated stones might be left in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.
• If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones should be used.

• Many stones of various shapes and sizes are used.
• The heat of the stones helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage.
• You should speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense.
• Hot stone massage was invented in 1993 by Mary Hannigan, a native of Tucson, Arizona. She has trademarked her particular style and calls it LaStone Therapy, although hot stones were traditionally used with Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi massage and other ancient bodywork practices.

• Promotes deep muscle and tissue relaxation
• Alleviates stress
• Releases toxins
• Relieves pain
• Improves circulation
• Calms the psyche

Health Conditions Treated with Hot Stone Massage

• Muscular aches and pains
• Back Pain
• MS
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Stress, Anxiety
• Circulatory problems
• Insomnia
• Depression