Hot stone massage is different from other types of massage because it uses smooth, heated stones. These are usually Basalt river rocks, simply because they don’t have any jagged edges and they are at just the right weight to add the perfect amount of pressure. These stones are also very effective at heating up and holding their heat for the duration of the treatment. Your massage therapist will place the gently heated stones on energy points throughout the body. The warmth helps you to relax and the weight also plays a part too. The stones help your massage therapist to use a slightly deeper pressure during the actual massage, giving you greater benefit and helping you to feel more relaxed as a result. Many people wonder ‘what is a hot stone massage therapy’ and then panic when they hear about heated stones. Don’t worry, these stones aren’t super-heavy boulders and they’re not that hot either! The stones are small enough to hold in the palm of your hand and they’re warmed up using a special heater, ensuring they’re the perfect temperature, but not hot enough to burn or cause discomfort.