A hot stone massage is a type of massage in which the masseuse places smooth, hot stones on your back. These stones provide heat therapy to the muscles, which can help reduce tension and pain. The stones used in hot stone massage are typically basalt, volcanic rock that is usually high in iron, which allows them to absorb heat.

Hot stone massage placement. The placement of the stones during a hot stone massage will depend on the muscles and tissues that are being worked on. For example, if you have lower back pain, the masseuse may place the hot stones along your spine. Other common spots for hot stone placement include the abdomen, chest, face, feet, forehead, and palms.

Hot stone massage techniques. Like stone placement, the techniques that your masseuse uses with the hot stones will depend on your specific needs. Therapists often use circular movements, kneading, long strokes, and vibrations. The hot stones can be used alone or incorporated into other types of massage, like Swedish massage.  

Hot Stone Massage Benefits

Using hot stones in massage introduces the element of heat, which leads to many benefits.

Relieves muscle pain and tension.

Hot stone massage can relieve pain and tension in your muscles due to the combination of massage therapy and heat. Heat is often recommended as a way to treat achy muscles. Applying heat to an area of the body helps increase blood flow to that spot, which improves healing. Using heat on muscle knots before massaging the area can make those knots easier to soothe.

Reduces inflammation.

Inflammation happens when your body activates your immune system for tasks like attacking bacteria or healing damaged tissue. Sometimes, your body sends out these cells when it doesn’t need to, which can lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions. Both heat and massage can help manage inflammation.

Improves flexibility. 

Stiff joints and muscles limit your flexibility and make it hard to move. Heat and massage help loosen and relax these muscles, which can reduce pain and make it easier to move.

Improves circulation.

Both heat and massage improve blood flow and increase circulation. This reduces pain and inflammation and promotes healing.

Reduces stress and anxiety. 

Both heat and massage help you relax, but massage takes it a step further. Pressure, like from a massage or a good hug, releases endorphins, which relax muscles, help you manage pain, and put you in a better mood.

Boosts your immune system. 

Stress can lower your body’s ability to fight disease. The stress relief that massage therapy and heat offer can lower stress, letting your body build up your immune system again.

Improves sleep. 

Whether it’s the stress relief, the pain relief, or the endorphins, studies have shown that hot stone massage can improve sleep quality.

Who Can Benefit from a Hot Stone Massage? 

Physicians believe that hot stone massage can help manage several conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Autoimmune diseases (may need special considerations based on the disease)
• Chronic headaches
• Depression
• Digestive problems
• Exercise-related injuries
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Insomnia
• Lymphedema
• Low back pain
• Muscle spasms
• Multiple sclerosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Post-surgery pain (massages should not be done within six weeks after surgery unless okayed by a doctor)
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Sciatica
• Sports injuries