What is Stone Massage Therapy?

Stone massage is a form of thermotherapy bodywork now included in many massage programs. It is a form of massage therapy that involves the application of two sets of stones, heated basalt river or ocean stones and cooled marble stones to the body during massage therapy treatment. Stones may be used hot, cold, or in an alternating relaxing and reviving sequence during a massage therapy session. Stones are used in back layouts, as palm rests, between toes, and in the neck and shoulder area during a massage therapy treatment.

When combined with energy work, mobilization techniques, or muscle stretching, stone massage therapists may leave heated or chilled stones on specific body points for longer duration during massage therapy treatment to improve the flow of energy in the body. Stone massage therapy training at several massage schools includes stone massage therapy techniques effective in treating back pain, osteoarthritis, arthritis, stress, insomnia, and muscle spasms. Stone massage therapy treatment induces a state of deep relaxation.

Local and systemic changes in the body occur during stone massage therapy which are effective in the treatment of certain health conditions. Stone massage therapy training in massage therapy programs instructs on heated stone placement techniques to improve circulation and treatment of spot areas with cool stones to relieve inflammation. Heated stones used during stone massage therapy relax tendons and ligaments, allowing the massage therapist to treat muscle injuries with lighter massage therapy modalities.

Several massage therapy programs at massage schools offer massage training in stone bodywork in combination with a wide range of massage modalities and treatments. Massage therapy training may instruct on how to blend stone massage therapy techniques with Swedish, shiatsu, neuromuscular, deep tissue, craniosacral, reflexology, and aromatherapy modalities and treatments. Massage therapy schools and massage therapy programs may offer a concentration in stone massage therapy training that gears students toward spa massage therapy work.