Hot stone massage is often offered in a spa setting. It also has application in the wellness clinic. It has been touted for a number of health benefits. The stones can relax muscles to the point that the client can enjoy the benefits of deep tissue massage without as much pressure. Heated stones may also enhance circulation. Massage Today, one of the industry’s premier magazines, has published a number of articles about stone massage; a therapist can explore their application in everything from prenatal care to oncology (http://www.massagemag.com/articles/stone-massage/).
The origins of stone massage are diverse, and many cultures have been credited. Modern stone massage was born in the United States. Hot stone massage is often thought of as a Western modality but stones can be incorporated into Eastern techniques such as reflexology, shiatsu, or reiki. It’s not just the techniques that are diverse. It’s also the theories behind them.