Journal
Hot Stone vs Aromatherapy Massage: What's the Difference?
Both are massages, both are relaxing — but they feel quite different in the room.
Aromatherapy massage
A standard full-body massage using a blend of essential oils. The oils add a sensory layer, but the massage technique itself is familiar if you've had a massage before.
Hot stone therapy
Heated stones are used alongside (and sometimes instead of) the therapist's hands. The warmth tends to help muscles release more quickly, which is why many people find it feels "deeper" for the same amount of pressure.
A simple way to choose
If you tend to feel cold, or want something that feels a little different from a standard massage, hot stone is worth trying. If you'd rather keep things familiar, or have sensitive skin, aromatherapy is the gentler starting point.