Relax and unwind to the soothing, wave-like movements and penetrating heat of Aloha Stone Therapy.
If you’re the sort of person who loves to treat yourself to a relaxing massage every once in a while, you’ll surely be interested in Monz Beauty and Soul’s Aloha Stone Therapy (AST) treatment. Its name alone conjures thoughts of a cool breeze, swaying palm trees and sounds of the ukelele.
Invigorating: Hot stones are placed in your palms, under your shoulders, below your tummy and even between your toes.
Monz, a European spa centre located in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, (Selangor) offers a range of treatments including facials, body wraps, tension tamers and tummy firming.
The spa’s vision is to be a one-stop haven that nurtures the body, mind and soul. The AST treatment is a new addition to its luxurious massage menu.
Hot Stone therapy, as its name suggests, makes use of heated smooth flat stones which are carefully placed on key points on the body; in addition to this, the masseuse or therapist may also use these stones to massage certain areas of one’s body.
The use of hot stones dates back to ancient times.
In India, hot stones were used as far back as 5,000 years ago in the healing tradition of Ayurveda; in Asian cultures, hot stone massages were used to help with digestion and improve the function of internal organs.
Native Americans have also been known to use hot stones during rituals and in sweat lodges. Likewise, in Hawaii, medicine men have long used hot stones for massage and healing. Coupled with traditional Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian for “massage” or “rub”), heated lava stones are placed directly on the body to increase blood circulation.
And that’s precisely what Monz’s AST is all about. The Lomi Lomi technique, traditionally, establishes a deep connection between the therapist and client.
During a session, the purpose is not just to relax the body but also to inspire feelings of love and peace; hence, the experience can be pretty intense.
Long, flowing strokes are used and the therapist may dance while she works, and the client is rocked as if being wrapped up in waves of the ocean.
In fact, if you’ve watched Ben Stiller’s comedy Meet The Fockers, you’ll remember one funny scene in which Barbra Streisand’s character gives Robert De Niro’s character a Lomi Lomi massage after he strains his back. But don’t panic, the therapists at Monz are a lot more gentle than Streisand!
Natural healing: The penetrating heat and massage strokes are said to relieve pain associated with arthritis and improve circulation.
At Monz, the penetrating heat and massage strokes of the AST are said to relieve pain associated with arthritis, and improve circulation as well as stimulate the flow of oxygen and nutrients, helping one’s body detoxify and heal naturally.
The treatment also promises to promote positive energy, giving one a sense of harmony and balance.
Kimmie Ong, a trainer with two years experience at Monz, reveals that she decided to add AST to the list of available treatments because she felt it was what customers needed.
“I had been practising both hot stone massage and Lomi Lomi for a while and I found them personally very rejuvenating,” she said. “Not just how they make one feel physically, but also their history and the feelings they inspire – are very uplifting.”
Ong says that AST is one of the more popular treatments requested by Monz clients, along with the anti-oxidant hot bed therapy, Beauty and Soul signature facial treatment, and ear reflex aroma candling.
Having tried it myself, I can vouch that the AST – which takes about an hour – is indeed soothing and will help you unwind.
It is, however, a rather intimate session because the therapist is required to use various parts of her body, including her palms, forearms, upper arms, fingers, knuckles and elbows on your body.
Also, be prepared to be hoisted and kneaded in various ways.
The hot stone part of the treatment is very invigorating – as stones are placed in your palms, under your shoulders, below your tummy and even in between your toes. It’s almost like being in a sauna.
If you’re looking for something a little different, the AST might just be up your “unwinding” alley.
In conjunction with Valentine’s Day, Monz Beauty & Soul will be offering special twin-pax promotions catered to couples. For details, call 03-7725 9945.
