In today’s fast-paced world, stress, poor sleep, and fatigue are increasingly common health concerns. To counter these, modern wellness experts are turning back to ancient traditions such as hydrotherapy
and stone therapy. These age-old methods, deeply rooted in cultures across the globe, are being revived in contemporary spas to help people heal, relax, and restore balance.
We spoke to Megha Dinesh, co-founder, Meghavi Wellness Spa, and Dr Cheruvally Sreenarayanan, Spa Manager, ITC Windsor, Bengaluru, who shared why these therapies are gaining renewed relevance and how they benefit the body and mind.
Hydrotherapy: The Healing Power of Water
“For years and years stones and water have been used as natural healers, and even modern wellness practices are rediscovering tradition with contemporary care to help people live stress-free lives,” explains Megha Dinesh.
Hydrotherapy is one of the oldest therapeutic methods, using water at different temperatures and in various forms, steam, baths, jet showers, or immersions to promote healing. Warm water helps relax muscles, improve blood circulation, and calm the mind, while cold water can reduce inflammation and energize the body.
According to Megha, hydrotherapy is especially recommended for people struggling with:
Chronic fatigue
Poor sleep quality
Long-term stress and tension
Adding to this, Dr. Cheruvally Sreenarayanan highlights the global roots of the practice:
“Hydrotherapy has been practiced since Greek, Roman, and Ayurvedic times, using the healing energy of water to relax and restore. Known to ease pain, soothe muscles, and calm the mind, it continues to be a cornerstone of wellness.”
He explains how modern hydrotherapy has evolved in spas today:
Steam and sauna baths for detoxification
Jacuzzis to ease muscle tension
Jet showers for stimulating circulation
Hot and cold immersions to restore natural energy flow
Together, these treatments refresh the body, clear the mind, and restore inner balance.
Stone Therapy: The Power of Warmth and Grounding
Another practice making a comeback is stone therapy. “In hot stone massage, smooth basalt river rocks are gently heated and placed on areas of tension,” says Megha Dinesh. These stones are then used to massage the body with medium to firm pressure, working deeply on muscles and tendons to:
Reduce pain
Ease stiffness
Relieve headaches
Bring a profound sense of relaxation
It is particularly effective for those dealing with severe muscular pain or long-term stress.
Dr. Sreenarayanan explains the deeper symbolism of this practice, “Stone therapy symbolizes strength, grounding, and energy, which are used to balance the body and mind. Smooth stones either warm or cool are placed on the body to release muscular stiffness, improve blood circulation, and harmonize the body’s energies.”
Beyond physical healing, stone therapy also helps calm the nervous system, lowering anxiety levels and promoting emotional balance and inner peace.
Ancient Therapies, Modern Relevance
Both experts agree that these therapies, though ancient, are more relevant than ever in today’s lifestyle.
“These ancient methods, when combined with modern wellness standards, ensure safe, effective, and deeply rejuvenating experiences,” says Megha Dinesh.
Similarly, Dr. Sreenarayanan emphasizes, “Together, hydrotherapy and stone therapy offer age-old methods with modern relevance, providing a pathway to deep relaxation, holistic healing, and complete wellness.”
Key Takeaway
Hydrotherapy and stone therapy may have their roots in ancient traditions, but they remain timeless in their benefits. By easing stress, improving circulation, calming the mind, and restoring energy, these practices are powerful tools for modern wellness seekers. When integrated into today’s spa treatments, they not only heal the body but also promote emotional balance, resilience, and longevity.
FAQs on Hydrotherapy & Stone Therapy
What is hydrotherapy used for?
Hydrotherapy uses hot, cold, or alternating water treatments to relieve stress, improve circulation, ease muscle pain, and support better sleep.
What are the benefits of stone therapy?
Stone therapy helps relieve muscle stiffness, reduce pain, calm the nervous system, and promote emotional balance, making it ideal for those with stress or chronic tension.
Are hydrotherapy and stone therapy safe?
Yes, when practiced under trained professionals in modern spa settings, these therapies are safe, effective, and deeply relaxing.
Who should try hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is beneficial for people with stress, fatigue, insomnia, or muscle soreness. However, individuals with certain medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider first.
Who benefits most from stone therapy?
Stone therapy is particularly effective for those with muscular pain, headaches, anxiety, or long-term stress.
