the Price of a Hot Stone Massage

50 minute hot-stone massage. This is a swedish massage with the addition of hot-stone work. Warmed, smooth river rocks of various sizes are placed at specific pressure points on the body. For example, after the physical massage of the back, warm stones are placed along the spine. Or, after the physical massage of the lower legs and feet, smaller warm stones are tucked between the toes. Sometimes the rocks themselves are used to add to the massage, swirled around the muscles.

The treatment room was clean and uncluttered. The therapist was very good. She had strong hands and a great technique. The stones were comfortable, warm but not too hot. In some places, the stones are wet or oiled. The music was relaxing and not distracting.

A hot stone massage is the ultimate in relaxation. Each time I have had one, I actually fell asleep during part of it. I recommend not having anything important to do afterwards.

I believe that a hot-stone massage should be more than just placement of the stones on the body -- it should include an actual physical massage as well. Make sure to ask what the technique is to make sure that you know what you are getting.