How to Give a Hot Stone Massage

Summary: Hot stone massage is a Swedish style of 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 and then laid out over key muscle groups like the spine or between the toes for example, offering a soothing and relaxing healing experience. Intense, hot stone massage is gentler than deep tissue or therapeutic massage but has many of the same benefits.

In this series of free video clips you’ll learn what to expect when getting a hot stone massage. Expert massage therapist Cherie Krieger explains the basics of hot stone massage and offers advice on how to prepare for your treatment. She demonstrates how and where the stones are placed for the various muscle groups and parts of the body, including the neck, back and legs, and offers tips on caring for the body after this relaxing treatment.