Get onto a Japanese Stone Spa - pure, unadulterated BLISS

I’ve always known how good taking time out in a steam room is for you, but I’ve never been a fan. Sure, I’ve tried a variety in my time – from the basic gym changing room version to one with a giant amethyst crystal at the centre – but sadly, the racing heart and general feeling of discomfort are something I’ve never been able to shake. Yesterday however, I discovered a practice with similar benefits but little of the cons – spending 45 minutes relaxing in a Japanese Stone Spa. I was lucky enough to try the only one of its kind in New Zealand, which can be found in the opulent surroundings of BLISS Reflexology in Downtown Auckland. They call it Stone Spa “bathing” but there’s no water involved, just a pre-heated to 45 degrees celsius basalt stone bed which you recline on in a fairly dark room that has a humidity hovering around the 65 degree mark. You’re wearing a Stone Spa uniform of t shirt and shorts and begin on your tummy, which heats you up from your core and evenly spreads heat throughout your body and organs, bringing about an intense feeling of relaxation once you're on your back. Unlike a sauna or a steam room, this is gentle on your body and feels really quite marvellous. Sure you sweat, but its gradual and you sip water throughout. You pop out every so often if you need to cool down, and the alternate heating and cooling gives your circulatory system a real boost, helping you to get rid of metals from your body like lead, cadmium and mercury. Heating your body’s core also helps to boost your immune system, which is a bonus as we head into the cooler months. Oh, and did I mention it’s also great for you skin? Can’t argue with that, huh? After your time in the Spa you get straight into a shower and keep sipping on your H2o and you’re good to go.