Heated stones were used by Egyptians, Native Americans and in Lomi-Lomi massage. Smooth hot or cold stones, usually basalt or marble, are used to massage the body. When heated stones are used, muscles relax, allowing the massage therapist to work deeper into the muscle. Energy medicine is sometimes incorporated into stone massage. Stones are heated in hot water and are placed under the back, along both sides of the spine, and on top of the torso and are believed to heat the chakra or meridians centers. Heated stones coated in oil are then used directly in the hands of the therapist delivering various massaging strokes.