As I was brainstorming
a catchy title for this article, I tossed around various cocktail references; “Yoga
on the Rocks, Only Neat”, “Hot todi” (toddy/yogi; see what I did there?)…I know
right? Lame. But the idea of colliding hot yoga with
infrared hot stone technology is anything but.
It is sweetly and sweating-ly sublime.
(I even toyed with the title “Say I-yes-i to Iyashi!”, but was promptly
given the cease and desist order by a dinner date that eve). So to get you up to speed, Iyashi Bedrock Spa
is Toronto’s only source for an authentic Japanese Ganbanyoku
rock-bathing experience, using ancient Black Silica stones.
I arrive
for the 5pm Ganban-Yoga session on a Saturday evening, looking
forward to my 30 minute Rock Bath, followed by a 60 minute Hot Yin Yoga class,
on the rocks. Located on Yonge street, just north of
Eglinton, I am not bothered by the frigid 15 minute walk I must make to the spa
from the subway, as my mind imagines the hot, humid heaven that will soon
envelope me. I am greeted by a sweet and
knowledgeable receptionist, and just as I finish filling out my waver form, spa
owner Norma Percy arrives to give me the grand tour. A jolly and warm woman, Norma does not
hesitate to bring me through the space, explaining not only the procedures to follow during my
session, but also supplies ample background history of Iyashi, the theory
behind the rocks, and why she and hubby chose to bring rock bathing to our
great country back in 2008.
Originating
in Thailand, ganbanyoku spas are hugely popular in Japan. Co-owner Ryusuke Juge, was inspired while returning to
Japan in 2007 for martial arts training.
Juge took brought his vision back to Canada and convinced his best
friend’s wife (Percy) to move into action.
After
Percy has provided a thorough game plan for my visit, I am left to change,
hydrate, and head into the treatment room.
Inside the double doored chamber, I am greeted by a wall of humid heat,
oak walls, and 2 rows of black granite-like tiled “beds”. I am early for my
appointment, and there is only one other soul in the room, a middle-aged man,
who lays in savasa (a relaxed supine position) in the far back corner. I shuffle across the floor in my disposable
flip flops, selecting bed #15 and lay one of my two provided towels out atop
the black silica stones. I fold my
second swath of terry cloth into a pillow shape and rest it at the top of the
station. I lower my body onto the stone
and immediately feel at home. Man oh
man, do I adore the heat.
So, why rock bathe? Well, there
is the sauna factor of course. But more specifically,
these magma stones are unique in that they naturally release far infrared rays
and negative ions to help the body perspire and "detoxify." It is believed that ganbanyoku helps improve
blood circulation, increases metabolism and also helps eliminate waste and
toxins from the body. It is also aid that the negative ions, a type of
antioxidant found in nature, are able to react with and breakdown any toxins
present in the bloodstream, and increase the flow of oxygen to the brain;
resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy.
I spend my initial 25 minutes chilling (wrong choice of words) in the
room, alternating between lying on my back, tummy and side. As I do, the room slowly fills, with only one
rock bed empty come the 5:25pm announcement from our yoga instructor that it
was time to take a cooling break in preparation for the 5:30pm Yin class. I retreat from the hot room into the lounge
area equipped with water cooler, showers, and plenty of comfy seating. As part of the rock bath experience, it is
recommended that guests work in 15-20 minutes intervals of heat and cooling,
and at this point I am questioning the theory as I have barely even broken a
sweat! I discuss this fact with one spa
“regular” who is quick to suggest that once we get into the asana work, my dry
skin will soon be drenched.
And right she was. Not five
minutes into the class, I am beaded with from head to toe, my hands sliding
around on my body as I try to retain form and stability in the series of deep
long stretches that comprise our group yoga practice. But the interesting thing I found, was that the
room we were in had no aroma. None of
the icky fresh sweat stench I am used to in regular hot yoga studios, and I
also note that the liquid coming from my own pores felt very fresh and
clean.
It is a unique experience to go through all the motions I am used to whilst
perched atop the silica stones, warmth radiating right through to my
bones. I feel immensely calm, content
and bendy. We work for about 25 minutes
before taking a break to refuel on water, and then once the 60 minute class draws
to a close, we are invited to rest for a while longer if we wish, letting all
the work resonate within our bodies.
Eventually I emerge from the tropical cave once more, and as I do, I
float on my feet, feeling notably more limber and light than I had previously,
and I can’t help but smile.
After resting in bliss in my sweaty clothes for a few minutes, I decide
it is time to re-enter the real world. And
at this point I am convinced. Hot rock bathing
rocks! And with a minimum of one yoga
class per day, and opening hours from 10am to 9pm daily, I know that I can easily
make this a part of my regular wellness routine. Heck I am already planning on renting out the
space for a gals night of fiery fun with my fellow yoga teacher pals, and know
that it will be well received all ‘round!
Whether the health claims have any scientific backing or not, I think
that rock bathing can be a beneficial addition to plenty of folks’ routines as
we all try to navigate our own wellness paths and journey’s. If anything, I think we should all recognize
that what we do deserve is taking some time for ourselves, to be still, to be spoiled,
and to by warmed up from the inside out.
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