What is Hot Stone Massage?

Key Points

☆ Hot stone massage uses smooth, heated stones to deeply relax muscles and melt away tension.
☆ The warmth increases circulation and allows for deeper work without the need for heavy pressure.
☆ It’s ideal for stress relief, muscle tightness, and those who prefer a soothing experience over intense

Defining Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a luxurious and therapeutic style of bodywork that incorporates heated basalt stones into the massage session. The stones are placed on key areas of the body and used in the therapist’s hands to deliver warm, flowing strokes that ease muscle stiffness and promote full-body relaxation.

The combination of heat and massage helps soften tight muscles quickly, making it easier to access deeper layers of tension without causing discomfort. It’s often considered one of the most grounding and calming styles of massage.

What to Expect in a Hot Stone Massage

Your therapist will begin by warming the stones to a safe, controlled temperature. Some stones may be placed on specific points along your spine, in your hands, or between your toes while others are used as an extension of the therapist’s hands during the massage.

You’ll experience a blend of Swedish-style strokes and gentle pressure using both the stones and traditional hands-on techniques. The heat from the stones penetrates deeply, relaxing muscles faster and allowing your therapist to release tension without using intense pressure.

Expect to feel warm, relaxed, and deeply restored by the end of your session.

Potential Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is used to support both physical and emotional well-being. Common benefits include:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety

  • Relief from muscle stiffness or tension

  • Improved circulation and lymph flow

  • Increased joint flexibility and mobility

  • Support for insomnia and sleep quality

  • Boosted immune system function

  • Reduced symptoms of autoimmune flare-ups

  • Support for depression or emotional burnout

  • Faster recovery after physical exertion

This style is also a great alternative for those who want results without the discomfort of deep pressure.

Do Hot Stone Massages Hurt?

  • Not at all. Hot stone massage should feel warm, comforting, and relaxing. The pressure can be adjusted based on your preferences, and the stones should never feel too hot.

  • If anything feels uncomfortable—whether heat or pressure—let your therapist know immediately. The goal is to soothe your body, not overstimulate it.

Hot Stone Massage Techniques May Include

  • Heated Stone Gliding: Smooth, warm stones used in gentle, flowing strokes to release surface and deep tension.

  • Placement Therapy: Stones placed on key points along the body (like the spine, palms, or feet) to promote relaxation and energy flow.

  • Hand-Over-Stone Technique: Therapist holds a heated stone in one hand while using the other for deeper tissue work or stretching.

  • Contrast Therapy (optional): Some sessions may alternate between warm stones and cool stones to reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation.

  • Swedish Massage Integration: Traditional techniques like effleurage, petrissage, and friction blended with heat to enhance effectiveness.

    Your therapist should always check that the temperature feels comfortable and that pressure is appropriate for your needs.

Side Effects and Precautions for Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is generally safe for most people, but may not be suitable if you have:

  • Circulatory disorders or heart conditions

  • High blood pressure not under control

  • Diabetes with reduced heat sensitivity

  • Skin conditions, rashes, or recent sunburn

  • Varicose veins or blood clot risks

  • Autoimmune flare-ups or extreme fatigue

  • Pregnant clients should avoid hot stone massage unless performed by a trained prenatal therapist using modified techniques.

Be sure to hydrate well before and after your session, as the heat can be mildly detoxifying. Mild redness or fatigue afterward is normal and usually resolves quickly.

Curious to try hot stone massage with one of our licensed therapists? Select any massage, then select the Enhancement option for “Hot Stones”
Schedule your session here →