All about hot stone massage

One of the earliest documented uses of hot stones are 5,000 years old. It was part of Ayurveda, in ancient India hot stones where applied to different areas of the body to relive muscle tension. Second to this there is also evidence of Chinese culture using hot stones around 3,000 years ago! The chinese believe in QI that run throughout the body they believed that shaped hot stones applied to different areas would harmonies the QI within the body.

1. What Is Hot Stone Massage?
2. A Brief History
3. Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
4. What to Expect During a Session
5. Is It Right for You?
6. Where It’s Most Popular
7. Who’s Getting Hot Stone Massages?

What Is Hot Stone Massage?

Hot stone massage is a therapeutic practice where smooth, flat, heated stones—usually basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat—are placed on specific points of the body. The stones may also be used by the therapist as an extension of their hands to massage muscles more deeply and effectively.

The treatment typically involves:

• Placement of heated stones on the back, shoulders, neck, and sometimes even the palms or feet
• Traditional massage techniques using both the stones and the therapist’s hands
• Cool stones, occasionally used to calm inflamed areas or provide a refreshing contrast

A Brief History

The use of heated stones for healing dates back thousands of years and spans multiple cultures. Native American tribes, ancient Chinese practitioners, and Ayurvedic healers in India all employed stone therapy for physical and spiritual healing. The modern version of hot stone massage gained popularity in the 1990s and has since become a staple in spas worldwide.

Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

This soothing treatment isn’t just about relaxation—it offers a range of therapeutic benefits:

• Muscle relaxation: Heat penetrates deep into muscles, making it easier to release tension and knots.
• Improved circulation: The warmth dilates blood vessels, encouraging better blood flow throughout the body.
• Pain relief: It’s often used to ease chronic pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
• Stress and anxiety reduction: The calming sensation can lower cortisol levels and promote mental clarity.
• Better sleep: Many people report deeper, more restful sleep after a hot stone massage.

What to Expect During a Session

A typical session lasts 60 to 90 minutes. You’ll lie on a massage table, usually under a sheet or towel, as the therapist applies oil and begins placing and massaging with the stones. The stones are heated to a safe temperature (between 110°F to 130°F) to avoid burns while still providing therapeutic warmth.

Your therapist will check in with you about pressure, comfort, and temperature throughout the session. Communication is key—always speak up if something feels too hot or uncomfortable.

Is It Right for You?

Hot stone massage is generally safe for most people, but it may not be suitable if you have certain conditions, such as:

• Circulatory disorders
• Skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
• Diabetes or neuropathy
• Recent surgeries or open wounds

Why Hot Stone Massage Is Gaining Popularity

Several factors contribute to the growing appeal of hot stone massage in the UK:

• Stressful lifestyles: With rising workloads and screen time, many Brits are turning to therapeutic treatments for relaxation and recovery.
• Cold climate: The UK’s chilly weather makes the warming nature of hot stone therapy especially inviting, particularly during autumn and winter months.
• Word-of-mouth and influencer culture: Social media and wellness influencers have brought massage therapy—especially more visually striking treatments like hot stone—into the mainstream.
• More affordable and accessible: As demand grows, many high street spas, mobile therapists, and wellness centres now offer hot stone massage at more competitive rates.

Where It’s Most Popular

Urban centres like London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol have become hotbeds for wellness services, with boutique spas and wellness clinics offering tailored hot stone massage packages. However, the treatment is also becoming a regular feature in countryside retreats, coastal resorts, and even mobile massage services across the UK.

Some spas have begun incorporating local touches—like Scottish basalt stones or UK-sourced essential oils—to offer a more regionally inspired experience, blending tradition with innovation.

Who’s Getting Hot Stone Massages?

While traditionally seen as a women-dominated treatment, hot stone massage is becoming increasingly popular with men in the UK, particularly those involved in sports or high-stress careers. In fact, many athletes and personal trainers now recommend it as part of muscle recovery protocols.

Corporate wellness programmes are also catching on. More UK companies are partnering with wellness providers to bring massage therapy—including hot stone options—into the workplace as a way to boost morale and reduce stress.

Read my guide on the best hot stone massage kits available