Hot stone massage uses smooth, heated volcanic stones to warm the muscle tissue before and during the hands-on work. The heat does something fingers alone cannot: it softens thick, cold, stubborn tissue quickly, so the pressure that follows reaches deeper with less effort and less discomfort. Julia places stones along the spine, across the shoulders and into the palms, and uses them as an extension of her hands to work tension that has set hard. It is deeply warming and calming, which makes it a good choice in colder months or for people whose muscles feel cold and tight rather than acutely painful. The warmth also encourages a profound state of relaxation. If you are managing a diagnosed condition, an injury, or you are pregnant, speak to your GP before booking, as heat is not suitable for everyone.
What it helps with
The problems this treatment is built for.
Melts cold, stubborn tension
Heat softens tissue that resists manual pressure, so tight areas release with less force and less discomfort.
Deep relaxation
The sustained warmth calms the nervous system in a way that feels distinct from a standard massage.
Improved blood flow
Heat draws blood to the surface and into the tissue, supporting circulation and the clearing of tightness.
Comfort in cold months
Particularly welcome when the body feels cold and stiff, and when deeper pressure feels too much.
The session
What a session looks like.
A consultation on your tension, whether heat suits you, and any conditions to be aware of.
Julia warms the stones to a safe, comfortable temperature and checks it on your skin.
Stones are placed along key areas and used to warm and work the tissue, combined with manual massage.
A calm, warm close and advice on staying hydrated and warm afterwards.
Book now
Reserve your Hot Stone session.
Sessions are priced by length, from £40 for 30 minutes. Choose your time on the booking page.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How hot are the stones?
The stones are warmed to a controlled temperature that is comfortably warm on the skin, never scalding. Julia checks the temperature against your skin before placing or working with a stone, and adjusts to your comfort throughout. You can ask for cooler or warmer at any point.
Is it safe?
For most people, yes. The temperature is controlled and checked against your skin before use. Julia asks about conditions before starting. If you have reduced sensation, a skin condition, are pregnant, or are managing certain health issues, heat treatment may not be suitable, and we will advise a different treatment instead.
Who should avoid it?
Hot stone massage is not suitable during pregnancy, for people with reduced skin sensation, severe varicose veins, certain heart conditions, open wounds or sunburn, or for those advised by a doctor to avoid heat. If any of these apply, Julia will recommend a more appropriate treatment. When in doubt, check with your GP first.
What does it help with?
It helps with tension that feels cold, set and stubborn, with general stress and poor sleep, and with stiffness that improves with warmth. It is a relaxation-led treatment rather than a targeted clinical one. For a specific knot or sports recovery, deep tissue or sports massage may serve you better, and Julia can advise.
Book online