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.