What am I doing face down with various stones on my body? Well these are not just any stones but lava stones usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron and so the stones retain heat. And can these stones really reduce my aches, pains and stress? Let’s find out as I try the Hot Stone/Lava Stone therapy at Cologne Spa and Salon which has within a span of 5 years, been recognized as one of the most respected and elite spa’s in Maharashtra as per an independent study done by Femina Magazine.
Kaveeta Pol, Partner / Director of Cologne explains, “Hot Stone is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones as an extension of her own hands or by placing them on the body. These stones absorb and retain heat well, and have been smoothed by natural forces in the river or sea. The therapy is a good way to manage stress. Studies show that stress is the number one root of a lot of diseases and disorders. Whether it’s stress from work, home or daily activities, the result is the same: too much stress can lead to health problems.” Yes, I agree with her 100%.
My therapist warmed my body with a traditional Swedish massage, followed by a massage with the heated stones that were heated in an electrical heater. As the stones cooled, she replaced them with others. A number of stones of various shapes and sizes were used- big ones on the big muscles, smaller ones on smaller muscles. The hot stones used on my back were about the size of a large egg, only flat. The stones were not rough. They were flat and smooth.
Hot stone therapy allows you better sleep. Those who have insomnia are often advised to get this therapy. It was working because as I relaxed, I almost dozed off into a deep sleep that was so needed to recuperate from daily fatigue. People also get hot stone massage for a variety of health conditions be it back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, anxiety and tension and depression.
After the therapy feeling hassle-free as I sipped my green tea with honey, Prajakta Gupta, Founder/Director of Cologne Spa and Salon added, “The warmth of the hot stones helps to calm down the nervous system. The therapy improves blood circulation and flow of energy. The stones are placed on key points of your body known as energy centres which are sometimes clogged or blocked. It also releases toxins from your body. When muscles are massaged, toxins that are clogged within are released. This is why it’s advised that clients drink plenty of water after a session to help flush out those unhealthy toxins.”
Cologne Spa and Salon also offers ultra chic body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures, nails, make up and all kinds of hair treatments.
Location:
Cologne Spa
Lane No. 6, Koregaon Park,
Next to Kiva, Pune-411001
Ph. No.- 020-655222333/444. Mobile- 9545109116.
https://www.facebook.com/colognespa.pune
Written by Khursheed Dinshaw
