But it is. In fact, La Stone therapy, to give it its proper name, is probably the most fun you can have with a towel on.

Lina Sessa is the only person in Peterborough to offer La Stone and I paid her a visit one dark and dingy winter evening, and left her Orton Longueville salon feeling as fresh as a daisy – or a La Stone rock after a thunderstorm.

(Lina leaves her rocks outside during a full moon to recharge them. And thunderstorms really charge them up, apparently.)

Most people have heard of hot stone treatment – but La Stone involves both very hot and very cold stones. Very cold stones. Stones that have been chilled with ice cubes, in fact. But even they feel quite nice.

"I have had hot stone therapy before, and it left me feeling too hot," said Lina.

"The idea behind La Stone is that it brings balance to the mind, body and soul with the use of the stones – which we call 'stone people.'

"The physiological benefits of alternating hot and cold on the body have long been scientifically and medically proven, and La Stone is designed to clearyour body's 'chakras' – your body's main energy points.

"La Stone therapy leaves you feeling physically and spiritually uplifted."

A La Stone session involves Lina asking you to strip off and lie under a towel, but on top of a series of hot pebbles, which feel very nice on a back knotted with stress.

She then spends an hour-and-a-half massaging your arms, legs, back and neck with hot stones, followed by cold stones.

As she does this, gentle music plays in the background, and the scent of aromatherapy candles fills the air.

Let's just say you won't have much trouble dozing off the night after the treatment.

"I feel really energised after giving a treatment," said Lina. "I really believe in it.

"I also offer Indian head massage and reflexology, and I know they can really make people feel good about themselves.

"I think doctors are starting to come round more to complementary therapies now, they can do people so much good."

To be honest I can't quite put into words what being massaged with oil and stones feels like. Just very, very chilly-outy.

An hour-a-half La Stone Geo-Thermal Therapy with Lina at Art Hair Studio, 50 Church Drive, Orton Longuevillle, costs £40. For more information, call 01733 231393.

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