There is no end to therapies that help cure the two evils of a modern working life: stress and back aches. The latest offering in Chennai is Crystal therapy. Based on a form of massage called ‘Anma’, a technique brought to Japan by Chinese monks about 5,000 years ago, the therapy makes use of heated gemstones to heal the body.
“Crystal therapy can heal any physical or mental discomfort. Be it a nagging back pain or anger management issues, this therapy helps calm your body and mind,” says Eden C Idapawngia, a therapist at the Aura Spa in The Park Hotel. Eden and two of her colleagues were trained by Terry Liew of the Shiatsu School in Singapore that promotes alternative healing therapies.
So how does the therapy work? Different crystals (or gemstones) correspond to different physical and mental aspects of the body. For instance, golden obsidians help with trauma and fear, and clear your mind of negative energy. Aventurines help calm the body and ensure you have a good night’s sleep. They also help you reign in your temper. Other crystals used include carnelians, white and yellow jades and red sesame jaspers.
The stones are heated and used in the Anma massage, which consists of two parts—Yin and Yang. The ‘Yin’ part of the massage involves using the pressure points to stimulate the body. The Yang part consists of deep pressure kneading and rubbing with the crystals to release the tension in the muscles and bones. The facial includes cleansing, exfoliating, toning and a massage with the special crystals and a face pack. Olive oil is used all over the body so that the stones can be manoeuvred better.
“It is a must for both the therapist and the client to drink a lot of water after a session, as the heated stones dehydrate your body. Ideally, after a session, one should remain relaxed and not get involved in any tiring activities,” Eden said, adding that to achieve the full benefits of the therapy, the patient needed to go through at least three or four sessions.
Businessman Raja Manikam is a regular and swears by crystal therapy. “The heated gemstones help you relax and take away your aches and pains. I play tennis, so I do a regular weekly session of crystal therapy in order to relax and relieve any aches,” he said.