What is Hot Stone Massage Therapy? - | Polokwane's most visited Spa

What is Hot Stone Massage Therapy?


Hot stone massage has become very popular and is a highly effective form of massage therapy. The stones are usually smooth basalt (black volcanic rock) because of their excellent absorption and retention of heat.

Your massage therapist will sanitise and heat the stones before you arrive for your spa treatment. The stones are heated in a special heat-regulating electronic machine to ensure they are heated to a specific temperature.

Otherwise, they could either burn your skin or have no real effect. The stones are heated in order to transfer the heat to your body. It is this heat that does most of the work in your massage. It penetrates to the deep parts of your body and loosens your muscles, allowing you to relax.

The most common area for hot stone massage is your back, but you can also apply it to your stomach, face, hands, and feet. It is a speciality massage where your massage therapist uses the stones as an extension of her hands in order to perform the massage.

She will usually warm up your body with a traditional Swedish massage before using the stones to continue the massage. As the stone cools, it is replaced with another one. Different size and shape stones are used for different muscles according to their size.

Your therapist may also place heated stones along specific points of your spine to improve energy flow in your body. A barrier is usually placed between the stone and your skin to prevent burns.

If the stones are too warm or the pressure of your massage is too intense, let your massage therapist know. Likewise, inform your therapist immediately if you experience any pain or discomfort during the massage. If you are uncomfortable with the way the stones feel you can also ask her to stop using them. A hot stone massage requires a lot of skill and sensitivity on the part of the therapist.

The Natural Living Spa and Wellness Centre is dedicated to ensuring our massage therapists are well trained and skillful in the art of hot stone massage.