Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones, either as an extension of their own hands, or by placing them on the body while they massage other parts of the body. The heat can be both deeply relaxing and help warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly.

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?

Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in bath of 120 to 150 degree water. The stones themselves are usually basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well, and have been smoothed by natural forces in the river or sea.

You usually start face down, with the therapist working on your back. First, the therapist warms up the body with traditional Swedish massage, then massages you while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another. The therapist uses many stones of various shapes and sizes -- big ones on the big muscles, smaller ones on smaller muscles.

The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, in the palms of your hand, on your belly, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.

Be sure to speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense. And you can always ask them to stop using the stones if you don't like how it feels.

How Much Does a Hot Stone Massage Cost?

A hot stone massage is more expensive than a basic Swedish massage because it requires more preparation and clean-up. A typical hot stone massage is $125-$150, but the price can go higher. 

At Therapeutic Healing Clinic, Rose offers:

Custom Therapeutic Medical Massage 1 Hour Session for $80

Hot Stones and Essential Oils included for the tight muscles of your back.

Finishing off the session with Reflexology

All Services by Appointment Only

209-471-2727

The above information can be found at:

http://spas.about.com/od/hotstonemassage/a/Hotstone.htmack