For hot stone massage I use Icelandic basalt volcanic stones that have been made perfectly smooth by the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. I have picked stones of various shapes and sizes so that they better fit the body and the various strokes I use. I heat the stones by emerging them in hot water and use them when they are so hot that I can barely touch them. However the hot stones will not burn you because I keep them in motion and really use them to massage rather than just placing them as some therapists do. This heats up the muscles being worked on and makes the massage more effective. It also gives you and extra sense of calm and the warmth seeps into your body, soothes the nerves and relaxes your muscles and you as a whole.