The placing of the stones can be followed by a massage which can be deeper and more intense as heat penetrates the body and relaxes the muscles. Hot Stone therapy can help in the treatment of for following problems; muscular aches, pains, and strains, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, Fibromyalgia, back pain, and insomnia. It also helps to improve circulation and can help reduce stress, anxiety, tension and depression. In certain cases cold stones can also be used to help muscular injury and inflammation. Warm stones expand the blood vessels, helping to move blood faster round the body, sedating the nervous system. The application of cold stones stimulates the nervous system by causing the blood vessels to contract and increasing the lymph flow of waste materials round the body.