This Boston Globe correspondent received a hot stone massage and describes the process and a couple of practical pointers for timing your massage when you have time to relax afterward.

When I emerged from the massage room after my hot stone massage, still slick from the hot jojoba oil, I was mildly blissed out.

Now, a couple of practical suggestions. First, unless you work at Jiffy Lube, don't plan on going anywhere right after your hot stone massage, except home to shower. Second, if a deeply relaxing massage puts you in the mood for a nap, don't (as we did) schedule your massage for just before school lets out.

I, too, use hot stone therapy in my practice. I like to use the stones as a tool and a lot of times my clients can't tell when I'm actually using a stone except for the heat. The heat really softens taught muscles without the soreness afterward that deep tissue can leave.