Get stoned!

A hot stone therapy is the perfect answer to solve all your monsoon related woes.

Parimita Chakravorthy

gets experts to tell you why and lists places where you can avail this rejuvenating treatment

This therapy dates back to centuries and involves the use of basalt, a black volcanic rock which is supposed to absorb and retain heat well. In this process, either your therapist will gently massage you with a light oil first or else these stones are coated in oil. Once the massage starts, the heat from the stones will reach the knotted tissues of your stiff shoulders and back, opening your energy centres.

“Your body cannot take the temperature change suddenly,” explains Nancy a therapist from Vidya Tikari Studio, New Delhi. Therefore, usually therapists will not apply hot stones (they are soaked in water that is at a temperature of 120°-130° F) directly on your body. They will warm their own hands and then gently massage your body before proceeding to rub the stones directly on the body.

An apt therapy for monsoons

One of the biggest requisites during monsoon is the need to feel warm and cozy. Therefore people look for massages to attain this feeling and relax and restore strength to their muscles. “We believe that the monsoon is a fabulous time for cleansing not just the body but one’s inner soul as well. Rain, dampness and excessive humidity makes the body look and feel dull. A hot stone massage helps regain the lost balance and equilibrium,” reveals Nisha Javeri, owner of Myrah the luxury day spa, Juhu, Mumbai.

The hot stones with medicinal effects when placed along the spine, shoulders and neck stimulate and balance the vital energy points. “The wonderful combination of heat and pressure will induce you in a pleasurable trance. It will give you immense relief from pain, stress and other monsoon related health grievances,” says Kadambari who regularly opts for stone massages.  Also, placing these stones along specific parts of the body causes constriction and dilation of the capillaries, which increases blood circulation. The adrenaline rush after the therapy is similar to that of a good workout, except that it’s an inert process.

Few words of caution

Hot stone therapy is recommended only during monsoon or winters because the climate during the rest of the year is too hot to enjoy this treatment.  Also, if you have a very sensitive or acne prone skin or if you suffer from high blood pressure, avoid indulging in this therapy. It is likely to get uncomfortable.

Otherwise, a hot stone therapy is the perfect remedy to cleanse your mind, body and soul. It helps to de-stress, relieve tension, pain, depression and fatigue, resulting in blissful relaxation. Even symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia and insomnia which are common amongst women are treated with this therapy.

And with all the pampering and indulgence that go with it, you will be left with guaranteed good health, wellness and pleasure. Need any more reasons to indulge in it?