Food Feature: Rock steady

I have been told for some time now that hiking the Rockies, roaming the mountains of Nepal, biking though the Smokies and walking literally thousands of miles through airports takes its toll on the body. It certainly has. My muscles knotted and throbbing with indescribable discomfort, it was time to find some form of relief. “Give me your tired,” had a new meaning for me. What I discovered is a massage that started in India over 5,000 years ago. It’s all about “hot rocks.” The Aborigines used this to soothe their aching backs; they sat around the fire at night, gathered in a circle and rubbed warm rocks on each other. Sounds good to me. Today this type of massage is one of the most requested forms of relaxation to hit the West Coast. Spas from Beverly Hills to Arizona have therapists trained only in Hot Stone massage.
I set out on a virgin voyage to locate a spa in Atlanta with highly trained professionals skilled in this ancient treatment. Led to the Spa at Chateau Élan, I arrived early one morning filled with excitement but longing for relief.
After undressing I was told to lie face down on the bed with my head encircled by a cushion. Sheets were layered over my body and large, hot stones were placed on my shoulders and lower back. Immediately I could feel the warmth penetrate the sheets onto my skin. A liberal dose of oil was applied to my feet and my uncovered leg. With long comforting strokes, the massage therapist incorporated the techniques of a Swedish massage with the application of the hot stones over every inch of my body. The deep penetrating warmth of the stones gliding across my well-oiled derma reduced all tension held in my body, down to my bones.
With the precision of a diamond cutter, each quarter of my now limp body was soothed from the soles of my feet to my finger tips. Muscle tension melted away only to be replaced by a new energy and peacefulness.
The stones used during this hour of total bliss are different sized Lava rocks, which I am told hold up better than your basic garden variety. The rocks are constantly heated in water in a device similar to a slow cooker, then strategically placed along different muscle groups. After 50 minutes of massage, you’ll only wish you’d gotten stoned sooner.
A 50-minute Hot Stones treatment is $85. Chateau Élan, 1000 Tour de France, Braselton. For more information call 770-271-6064 or go to www.chateauelan.com.