As described by Hot Stone Reflexology trainer Sally Earlam:
"The hot stones take relaxation to another level; hot stones have been shown to lower cortisol levels and help to support the parasympathetic nervous system to help the body reverse the stress reaction. Hot stone massage originated in India and China and has been around for centuries; ancient civilisations believed that hot stones cleansed the body and relaxed the heart, grounding the soul and soothing the mind. As the name implies the treatment involves using smooth stones which are heated and are used to massage the lower leg and to carry out the reflexology."