Hot Stone Therapy

Hot Stone therapy involves the use of heated basalt stones of varying sizes - these smooth, heat-retaining stones glide over the skin, enhancing the effects of massage, often having a very relaxing, sedative effect.

It is thought hot stone massage originated in native American and Mayan cultures, and its use is believed to date back thousands of years.

The stones are used to complement a massage treatment, allowing a deep massage which is warm and comforting.  The application of heat relaxes muscles, allowing a more intense level of tissue manipulation.

 Hot stone therapy is often felt to be beneficial for

• Muscular aches and pains, especially neck and shoulder tension

• Back pain - especially chronic conditions, where heat application helps

• Stress and anxiety conditions, due to the deeply relaxing effects

There are, however, conditions where hot stone therapy should not be used

• high blood pressure
• lack of sensation on the skin - eg due to diabetes, neuropathy
• pregnancy
• skin inflammation