Luckily my job as a writer for celebdirtylaundry.com allows for many luxuries and perks – especially when it comes in the form of heated bedrocks and Yoga.
I had the opportunity this week to check out Iyashi Bedrock Spa, located in the beautiful city of Toronto, Ontario. This unique spa has been open to the public for just over 3 years now, and judging by the many regulars that I had the chance to talk with while I was there, it is quite popular.
The concept is simple, and very rewarding. Fully clothed in your Yoga wear, the first 30 minutes is spent laying down on the heated bedrock. Before I get to that experience, it must be said that the décor and layout of the spa (ladies change room included) was very warm, inviting, and perfectly designed. Lockers were provided, along with flips flops, towels (which are definitely needed), environmental cups for drinking water (again, a must) and my host, the spa’s owner Norma Percy, greeted me with a warm and special welcome while continuing to check on me throughout my visit.
So the rock bathing treatment (known as Ganbanyoku) involves lying down on the black silica stone beds in a heated room of about 44C. Let me say this – it was hot! I’m not usually one for a sauna or a hot tub; so I was initially a little panicky, but once I relaxed I let the heat and the stones do the work. I might also add that I have a horrible back so I was looking forward to seeing how this might help.
The heat is meant to increase your metabolism, give you softer skin, and release harmful metals. All I know is that I probably lost about 5lbs in the first five minutes strictly from sweating. In the room were an array of hot rock beds, all filled by devoted followers. After my 30-minute session, the yoga practice began. My teacher Andrew had the softest most hypnotic voice I’ve ever heard, and had I not been moving my body I could have easily fallen asleep. In fact, I told Norma I wanted to record his voice to fall asleep to at night. I’m serious, it was very soothing. The 60-minute yoga practice might have been a bit much for me, as I’m someone who hasn’t practiced in quite some time and the heat does make a difference with ones breathing and concentration (or lack there of). I had to leave the room several times (to dose myself with cool water) and had the opportunity to chat with a woman who has been going to the spa once a week for 2 years. I was relieved to hear that she found the room hotter than normal, because I felt like a baby in the heat. That being said, I knew it was good for my body and soul. The hour class was a wonderful experience, and I was able to go at my own pace. By the end of it my towel was drenched, but I felt completely relaxed and light. I had a nice cool-down, and once again drank water like I’ve never tasted the cool liquid before. Needless to say, a shower was called for and although the spa had beautiful ones for us to use and enjoy, I wasn’t ready to peel off my clothes until I got home.
All in all, it was a great experience. Although I’m not a huge Yoga practitioner, it made me want to get back into it. My body felt so relaxed, and even though hot Yoga might not be always in the cards for me, I highly recommend Iyashi Bedrock Spa.
To visit the website and learn more about this little hidden gem, please visit HERE
*Disclaimer: Celeb Dirty Laundry has not received any payment or products as a result of this review.