The soothing side of stones

If you're tired and need some relaxation, go for hot stone therapy at your nearest spa, writes Barnalee Handique

Hmm, so your stress-beaten under-oxgenated body needs an urgent pick- me -up?
How about a a hot stone massage, which not only rejuvenates, but cleanses negative energy from the body, mind and soul.

What is hot stone theraphy?
It is a massage, where specially treated volcanic rocks like basalt and basinite are used for therapy. The sleek polished stones are gathered and crafted in various sizes and weights to be used on various party of body. The stones can be tiny as a thumb and can also weigh up to two to three pounds. Explaining the concept behind the therapy, Riona Biyani, owner, Skah Spa, “The hot stone treatment has a host of benefits. The stones are placed on the chakras along the spine, which helps to open the meridian, known as the body's energy centers. Cold stones are sometimes used simultaneously with hot stones. When stimulated, the stones help in vitalising and balancing energy flow throughout the body, improving blood circulation.”
Dittoes Lizzie, owner, Aspen Spa, “The stones, black basalt rocks found in volcanoes, absorb as well as retain heat and cold. The combination of hot and cold treatment helps the body to relax, detox and and heal. We use it to balance the seven bodily chakras for complete rejuvenation and relaxation.” The massage is considered to be gentler than other body massages like Swedish and Deep Tissue massage. In both the other therapies, hands are used while in a hot stone therapy, stones of varied weights are used to give the massage.

How is it done?
Firstly, the stones are sanitised and heated in water with temperature ranging up to 120- 150 degrees. Then the treatment is started by subtly massaging the body with warm stones and placing them on the back, palms, between the toes, face and other spots corresponding to the chakras. The direct heat and and weight of the stones helps to de-stress sore muscles, as in deep massage.
Reveals Biyani, “It has been accepted that hot and cold treatments are beneficial and help to soothe an aching body. The hot stones expand the blood vessels and the cold stones constrict them. The warm stones sedate the nervous system, while the cold ones gently wakes it up again. Sometimes the stones are coated in fragrant oils, which helps to soothe and calm the senses. When the oil is gently smoothed into the body, each can stone can be rubbed and worked by the therapists to soothe the nervous system.
Once the body is relaxed in a short span of time, it is easier for the therapist to work in the deep tissues using both the stones and the hand stroke. The combination of relaxing warmth and calming coolness encourages the body to detox and heal, increasing lymph flow, flushing out waste.
It has been proven that the therapy is a one-shot solution for health conditions like muscle and back pains, arthritis, stress, anxiety, circulatory problems,insomnia, multiple sclerosis and depression.

For your eyes only

You & Eye, the new optical store at Koregoan Park, offers a variety of trendy spectacles and glares, says Barnalee Handique

If you are looking for the right pair of spectacles or glares, which is stylish and enhances your looks, then step into You & Eye. On display is a huge variety of eyewear in assorted styles, colours and designs. Owner of the store Supriya Keswani says, “Often when I went shopping for eyewear, I realised it was very difficult to find the right design, colour and size. I realised that the city needs a good optical store where one can get everything under one roof. It was then that I started putting my ideas together and came up with this store.”
Everything the store has to offer is displayed on the shelves. So, you just have to scan the shelves and can zero in on the perfect pair! You have all the major brands like Carrera, Mercedes Benz, Escada, Ferrari, United Colors of Benetton, Zegna, Givenchy and Ray-Ban. Elaborating on the collection, Keswani says, “We are trying to fulfill the wishes of today's youth who are constantly looking for ways to express their attitude and highlight their personality.”
On offer are designs ranging from lightweight, cool plastics, trendy acetates to smart rimless ones, with three to four colour options under each style. The USP of the collection is that it is funky, trendy and suited to the taste of the present generation.
As for the prices, they start from Rs 399 and go upwards depending on the brand. Keswani reveals, “We have different kinds of contact lenses, progressive lenses, polaroids, which we procure directly from the manufacturer. There are no hidden costs and we sell our products at the actual MRP. So one can buy the perfect pair of glares without burning a hole in the pocket.”
Besides the store offers free eye-testing, so that you have the correct pair of lenses. And you also have Keswani personally guiding you to make the perfect choice! After you are done with selecting the product, a slide show gives you all the information about the particular brand and its dos and don'ts. For instance, if you have settled for a pair of polaroids, you will be given full information on it.
And if the readymade frames don't suit your taste, you can even get one customised. The orders are delivered on the same day at your doorstep.
Interestingly, You & Eye is launching an e-commerce portal in a couple of months with which you can shop online for your favourite pair of spectacles or glares. You can send in your specifications and pay online. Now isn't that appealing? But of course!