Hot stone massage has been used in north America for a number of years and is now available in Oxford. Stone Therapy is an ancient healing art that has been around for thousands of years. The Egyptians even used heated stones. Native America Indians used stones during rituals and ceremonies and still use them today in Sweat Lodges. Stone therapy was reintroduced in Tucson, Arizona in 1994 by  massage therapists.

Hot Stone Massage is the technique that is proving to be a supremely luxurious treatment, described variously as "pure bliss", "unbelievable", and "sheer heaven". Heated stones are used to massage the body, providing a nurturing and enhanced therapeutic effect. The application of heat not only increases the feeling of well-being but also enables the therapist to work more deeply and more effectively with chronic pain conditions.

The stones are smooth basalt stones with a high iron content, enabling them to retain heat.  The stones are applied at varying degrees of heat, onto an oiled body, and the effect is similar to a combination of sauna and massage, without having to breath in steam. The practitioner will massage with some stones and lay others on the body at particular points - including in-between the toes! Cooling marble stones are also sometimes employed.

Hot stones message will be used in conjunction with plain massage or Aromatherapy massage so that the same procedures will take place except that the hand and arm massage will be combined with massaging with hot stones.  It's a deep healing and unique moment that enhances our awareness and brings us closer to our true essence. It is the perfect treatment that is as enjoyable and healing for the client as it is for the practitioner. If requested, semi-precious Chakra crystal stones will be placed on specific points to remove blocked energies. (for instance: Bloodstone, Jasper, Tiger's Eye, Rose Quartz, Turquoise,Sodalite, and Amethyst).

In cases of muscular injury and inflammation, frozen, cooling marble stones can be used. The warmer stones expand the blood vessels, pushing blood and unwanted waste materials through the body. This has a sedative effect on the nervous system. The cold stones cause the blood vessels to constrict, stimulating the nervous system and drawing blood and waste products along the body. This ensures that every cell in the body receives more oxygen and nutrients while at the same time waste material is removed more effectively through the corresponding increase in lymph flow. Not unlike changing the old oil and filter in your car for a newer filter with clean oil—a service for the body. It is quite an experience to feel the deeply relaxing, penetrating heat from the basalt stones. Stone massage makes you feel deeply relaxed, allowing you to let go of all the stress that is held within your body. It is really an amazing experience to offer to the ones you love!  Those experiencing a hot stone massage will notice a healing improvement of the following symptoms: