History of Hot Stone Massage

Series Summary

Hot stone massage is a style of Swedish massage in which heated, round or oval stones, usually smooth basalt stones, of varying sizes and weights are placed on the body to treat sore muscles. The stones are heated in water or an oven and then laid out over key muscle groups, like along the spine or between the toes for example, offering a soothing and relaxing healing experience. Though intense, hot stone massage is gentler than deep tissue or therapeutic massage, but has many of the same benefits.

In this free video series, professional massage therapist Nicole Aleskas teaches you the art of hot stone massage. Nicole is careful to be professional, giving you common contraindications of hot stone massage, a look at pro tools and supplies, and expert information about the products and process. You will learn where to place stones along the body, why the heat is beneficial in those areas, and how to massage with small working stones over the body's muscles with normal massage strokes. You even get tips on helping clients sit upright after a session on how to clean the stones and supplies. It is all here.

Video Transcript

"Hot stone can be traced back as far as three thousand years ago to ancient India and China where they used stones to place on their bodies before rituals for health and protection. They also used the stones to diagnose and treat disease. Since then, many different variations of hot stone have been created. For example, in 1993, Mary Hannigan created Le Stone therapy and trademarked it as her modernized version of hot stone massage. In hot stone, we use stones like this which is a basalt stone. It contains lead which allows the stone to retain heat for long periods of time. We use these stones to place on the body and also smaller stones to massage with oil. At our spa, we have a ninety minute service which allows for deep relaxation and deep penetration for the heat into the muscles. Hot stone has become very popular in the many years since it's been created and it's become more and more popular still."