Detox at Japanese Stone Spa by Narita Airport
Release Post-flight Toxins and Alleviate Jet Lag with Ganbanyoku
Ganbanyoku translates as "bedrock bath" or "rock bathing" and is reputed to improve circulation and skin tone as well as relieving muscle fatigue and tension. Many Japanese flight attendants believe it is an excellent way to rid the body of toxins after a long-haul flight.
Visit Japanese Stone Spa for Ganbanyoku near Tokyo
The Ishi No Yu Stone Spa is a short walk from the Aeon Center, a shopping plaza in Narita. Most of the major hotels close to Narita International Airport have shuttle buses to downtown Narita and nearby shopping malls.
Japanese protocol prevails as one enters the foyer of the ganbanyoku spa. Staff will bow to greet visitors and request that shoes are removed and placed in a special locker. Shopping bags and parcels can also be stored here.
In the lobby, guests can be found enjoying Japanese beverages after their stone spa treatment. Complimentary hot or cold tea is offered and one will pay in advance for other drinks and for the spa service. Noni juice is highly recommended for detoxifying though it has a bitter taste.
Ganbanyoku Instructions without Speaking Japanese
It is not necessary to speak Japanese in order to visit the Ishi No Yu Stone Spa for ganbanyoku. There is often an English-speaking staff member available and instructions are simple to follow.
The attendant will offer a locker key, a stack of terry towels, a pair of cotton pyjamas, a bottle of water and a large laminated card with instruction for the stone spa written in Japanese alongside simple descriptive drawings.
The small towel, or face cloth is used for brow wiping when sweating, the large towel is used as a mat on the stone bed and the mid-sized towel is rolled up and used as a pillow.
In the powder room, a demonstration will be given on how to create a rich lather by rubbing soap through a mesh cloth. The resulting mound of foam can then be used to remove makeup.
Each guest is given a small bottle of water conveniently marked with the time the treatment must be finished. Three bottles should be consumed during the visit tto the stone spa bed o replenish fluids lost while sweating. Refill the bottle from a cooler in the spa's inner lounge.
Shower Before Ganbanyoku
Surprisingly, many Japanese women say the sweat produced while at the stone spa is like lotion, and not sticky or smelly like regular perspiration. They suggest showering before, not after ganbanyoku.
Enter the private change room and store clothing in the locker. Shower, pull on the two-piece cotton pyjama and enter the stone spa. The entire facility is very clean and even modest women will feel comfortable during their visit.
Inside the Ganbanyoku Stone Spa
The spa room is as hot as a sauna, but without the typical dryness. Temperatures on the stone beds average 42 - 44 degrees Celsius. Classical music piped softly into the dimly lit room helps to create a serene, retreat-like atmosphere.
The ganbanyoku beds are separated by low wooden barriers to create private cubicles. There are clocks everywhere and an hourglass timer by the bed.
Lie face up for five minutes and face down for another five. Leave the two larger towels on the bed and return to the inner lounge for ten minutes to fill up the water bottle. Continue to drink the required amount of water while in the lounge and after returning to the spa.
Repeat this routine three times and the ganbanyoku treatment is complete.
Flight attendants find that the amount of sweat produced after a flight is less than normal due to the dehydration that occurs onboard an aircraft. However, this can also be the best time for releasing toxins.
After Ganbanyoku Stone Spa TreatmentCool off and get changed or shower again if desired. Drop the used towels and pyjamas into one of the wire baskets. Use the powder room to freshen up and then return to the spa lobby for juice or Japanese tea.
A membership card will be offered upon check-out which can be used on the next visit to the stone spa. Shoes and parcels can be retrieved and goodbyes, "Sayonara" and thank yous, "Arigato" offered.
Other Ganbanyoku Spas in Japan
According an October 27, 2006 article in Japanese Market News, there are over 2,000 stone spas in Japan. Finding one nearby will be easy for most visitors to Japan. The protocol in other Japanese ganbanyoku spas should be similar to that of Ishi No Yu.
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