Trend: Ganbanyoku (bedrock bathing)
Imagine that simply lying on your back for at least an hour is all it takes to release bodily toxins, increase circulation and lose weight?! This is the claim of “bedrock bathing” – all the rage in Japan apparently, with thousands of Ganbanyoku or bedrock bathing spas throughout.
Iyashi Bedrock Spa, located at Yonge Street (north of Eglinton) is Toronto’s only Ganbanyoku spa – with its healing silica rocks imported from Japan. I was invited to a 90 minute hot yoga/rock combo…
Like any spa, the atmosphere at Iyashi is serenely relaxing and welcoming (soft lighting, birds sounds in the background…). Yuka, the front desk woman showed me to my locker, stocked with towels, flip flops and if need be, a rock bathing outfit.
I began my session with a big cup of water (8 cups are recommended during the ‘treatment’ and easily consumed). From looking at the photos of bedrock bathers on the Iyashi website, I thought it would be weird lying beside someone on the ground for an hour, but it was totally fine – besides it took all I had to focus on how long I could last in that heat!
Fortunately for me, it is normal to leave the heated room every 20 minutes or so to cool down and drink water in the lounge area. Then on to round two:
Hot Yoga/Rock Bathing Combo
+ Yoga done on the heated silica stone (60 minutes)
+ All seated or lying poses held for 1-3 minutes
I’ve never done ‘Hot Yoga’ (only regular) so cannot compare my experience at Iyashi. I can say however that 1. I sweat more than more and was distracted immensely by sweat dripping down my forearms, etc. (first time is obviously difficult) 2. my patience and stamina were put to the test and 3. was very grateful for the mid-session break where we got to sit in the lounge and drink water for 5 minutes before heading back in. Loved the serenity and small class size – and was amazed at how much my heart beat although we barely moved position!
It is said that 60 minutes of rock bathing is the equivalent of running 6-9 miles. I can honestly say that after 25 minutes of the hot rocks and only 15 minutes of hot yoga, I felt like I had run 9 miles!
Benefits
The amazing list of benefits of far infrared technology, silica stone and bedrock bathing are endless; but the basic theory is that the heat and negative ions that come off the black silica heat your body a degree causing intense perspiration, which in turn kick starts the most internal parts of your body to push out the bad (toxins, cellulite…) and produce some good (sebum for skin, repairs cells…).
“In a study, the sweat of people using a conventional sauna was found to be 95 to 97% water while the sweat of those using an infrared thermal system was 80 to 85% water with the non-water portion principally cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals (such as mercury and aluminum), sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid.”
The results of bedrock bathing (better skin, weight loss, etc…) would be most noticed with regular attendance. Personally, after 90 minutes of being in the room, I truly got a kick-ass workout, I noticed less reddness on my face and I think even my pores are a little smaller. From speaking to some of the ladies there, I think those that most see the improvements are those that more need improvements.
Bedrock bathing in T.O. and the yoga combination class is a little pricey – but Iyashi has monthly specials on their website – like 2 for 1, 50% off for birthdays, etc…First time customers save 40% of their visit.
Iyashi Bedrock Spa
2662 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
416.488.ROCK (7625)
Tags: spa
I have been to Iyashi bedrock spa many times and believe in all of its claims. Hot spots, like suanas and hot tubs, are something I love and nothing compares to spending time on the warm rocks. I am a professional snowboarder who is on the National team and I train hard on and off the snow. This treatment is great for my sore muscles; you can really feel the heat from the inside out. It also helps me relax and enjoy what little “me” time I have. I always leave feeling calm and ready for whatever life will throw at me next. It is truly a sanctuary in Toronto.
I am also crazy about bedrock spa. Here in Tokyo, you will be able to enjoy various type of bedrock bathing, even in some hotels. I am now planning to make the website on Japan and hotels in which I can introduce much about them. I wish you enjoy a lot more in case you visit Japan.
The first time I came I hardly sweat at all; even after being there for 60 minutes. Creepy or what? I was totally relaxed and felt things going on in my body. After about 10 minutes, my insides started doing their aria. It sounded like I hadn’t eaten in about 2 weeks!
Being someone who suffers from MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities), an environmental illness which makes my body react violently to cigarette smoke, perfumes, many cleaning products, etc, I had already seen an Environmental Specialist. It has been found that sweating like most other folks without MCS/EI is just something which doesn’t happen for us. And here I thought while attending high school, that I was blessed. Therefore and infra-red sauna is recommended for detoxification for our chemically, toxic overloaded bodies.
Now imagine this. After about one year of coming consistently, I have experienced a much better life. The other benefits to Ganbanyoku is clearer skin, no dandruff for at least 3 days after a treament, shinier hair, improved body functions of all kinds, increased energy and healing in general, greatly reduced pain and, to top all this off, when I went to the optometrist for my regular check-up in January, my prescription was weaker; meaning that my eyes are seeing better, and I even lost some weight. Yes:)
By the way, during treatments now, my outfit is almost soaked and sweating is something my body has just decided to do on a regular basis. Am I becoming normal?!
As a last word, I really do not know who I would NOT recommend Iyashi Bedrock Spa to. Have FUN !!!
do you think that ceramic hot tubs are still the best or are there any alternatives?*.~