Hot stone massage is derived from ancient Rome from over five thousand years ago. It’s used as a technique to promote deep-tissue healing and relaxation. Warm, basalt stones that contain special healing powers, are placed on the body. Their warmth loosens stiff muscles and increases circulation and in turn expedites healing. The massage therapist places the warm stones on the client’s chakra pathways. It is especially enjoyable to receive a hot stone massage, because the massage therapist use these stones in their hands throughout the massage. Esalen in Big Sur promotes this type of massage and so does Carmel-Monterey massage.