The use of hot stones for therapeutic healing began over 2,000 years ago in Asia, India, Europe, Africa, and Egypt. It was brought to the US in 1993, and has since gained popularity as a healing modality that helps warm the body, relax tense muscles, eases pain and discomfort, boosts the immune system, gently detoxifies the body and reduces stress and anxiety. May also improve sleep after treatment.
This treatment uses smooth river stones that have been warmed to a comfortable temperature in hot water to glide over musculature, work out areas of tension, and relax the body. Hands and stones are used to apply pressure to adhesions in muscles to release tension. Swedish massage strokes are incorporated into each session, and warm stones may be placed on parts of the body to facilitate healing. Oils are always used during this massage to allow the stones to glide over the body.