Hot stones massage is carried out with basalt stones, heated in hot water. The therapist holds the stones in the palms of her hands and glides them over the client’s skin. The warmth of the stones has a relaxing effect on the muscles and a soothing, comforting effect which promotes mental relaxation.
Hot stones massage treatments available
- Back and shoulder (45 minutes treatment) £38
- Back and shoulder hot stones and deep tissue combination (60 minutes treatment) £47
Combining hot stones with deep tissue massage
If you like the relaxing effect of the warm stones but have a few problem areas that need deeper work, then the combination treatment is ideal. It consists of:
- Warm up with stones 25 minutes
- Deep tissue massage 20 minutes
- Relaxation with the warm stones to finish 15 minutes
The benefits of hot stones massage
The heat of the stones increases blood flow and circulation, allowing for greater oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the muscles. This helps to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote faster recovery in areas of strain or stiffness. In addition, it makes it possible to break up muscle tension with less pressure than a regular deep tissue massage.
The feelings of comfort and warmth that the stones give can also help to promote mental relaxation and an overall sense of wellbeing. The calming effect of the stones encourages the body to decrease cortisol production and enter “rest and digest” mode. (This is the opposite of the “fight or flight” mode that stress causes us to be in.) Hot stones massage is particularly good for relieving stress and anxiety and improving sleep problems.
Whether you want to just have a “feel good” relaxing massage, or you have muscle aches and pains you want sorting out, a hot stones massage is beneficial.
History of hot stones massage
The earliest roots of stone therapy go back over 5,000 years to India. In Ayurvedic practice, warmed river stones were placed on the body to promote overall well-being and aid in self-healing. In ancient China, healers used heated stones to improve the function of internal organs. Similarly, Native American cultures used heated stones in sweat lodge ceremonies, where the stones symbolized the earth’s core energy. They believed that the intense heat released by pouring water over fire-warmed rocks purified the body and spirit. In addition to ceremonial use, stones were applied directly to sore muscles to ease pain after hunting or long journeys.
In Hawaii, the tradition of using heated stones—called pōhaku—was integrated into Lomi Lomi massage practices. Smooth volcanic rocks were warmed and used both to apply pressure and to soothe the muscles. The volcanic origin of the stones carried particular significance, representing both grounding and renewal. Across the Atlantic, ancient Romans incorporated heated and cooled stones into their saunas and bathing rituals. They combined the effects of hot immersion baths with the cooling properties of marble.
Modern hot stones therapy
After centuries of use in traditional practices, the art of hot stones massage was relatively obscure until its rediscovery in the 1990s. Mary Nelson, a massage therapist in Tucson, Arizona, created the modern technique.
In 1993, Nelson developed a unique therapy that combined the use of both heated and chilled stones with traditional massage techniques. It quickly spread across spas and wellness centres worldwide. Her technique, which she called “LaStone” therapy aimed to create a therapeutic experience by alternating temperatures to enhance circulation and promote deep relaxation.
Today, hot stone massage is one of the most popular spa treatments globally, blending the wisdom of multiple ancient cultures with modern therapeutic practices. It continues to evolve, but the essence of the therapy remains the same: harnessing the grounding and soothing power of heated stones to restore balance, ease pain, and foster deep relaxation.
Book an appointment
To book a hot stones massage, fill out the booking enquiry form below. You can see my working hours and upcoming availability here. If you want to know availability further ahead than what is shown, let me know on the form when you would be interested in booking for and I’ll get back to you.
Body Benefits Massage Therapy Chelmsford
1 Albra Mead
Chelmer Village
Chelmsford
CM2 6YG
Distance/time from nearby places
Central Chelmsford: 3.6 miles / 9 minutes see map
Beaulieu Park: 1.6 miles/5 minutes see map
Witham: 7.6 miles / 12 minutes see map
Danbury 6.3 miles / 11 minutes see map
Galleywood 4.5 miles / 10 minutes see map