Course Introduction

Hot stone massage is a specialty therapy where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones as an extension of their own hands, and by placing them on the body, which is deeply beneficial on both physical and psychological levels.

This massage is used for deep tissue release, as the heat from the stones helps the muscles relax, allowing the therapist to manipulate the deep tissues more effectively, bringing healing and balance to the body, mind and spirit.

The Origin of Hot Stone Massage can be traced back 5000 years to India, with the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda. According to some research this therapy originated from those healers who used rocks from the river beds and warmed them in either hot water or hot coals before using them to treat any feeling of discomfort in the body.

Every culture has its own traditions and healing rituals in which stones were used including: laying the stones in patterns on the body, carrying or wearing stones for health and protection, using stones in the diagnosis and treatment of disease or during ceremonies such as sweat lodges or in medicine wheels.

Today, hot stone therapy is used much in the same way as it was centuries ago and for the same benefits. The warmth from the stones relaxes and soothes the muscles and gently dissolves away the knots and stresses from the client’s body. The heat has a sedative effect on the nervous system, and the stone’s weight and the warmth create a calming sensation similar to meditation.