2-12-08 Hot stone therapy has been used for centuries for both medicinal and spiritual purposes; now, LATHER Spa combines the healing benefits of an aroma stone massage with the luxury of a pampering pedicure to create a treatment that’s as good for the skin as it is for the mind.

Upon arrival, guests are seated in one of eight semi-private manicure/pedicure stations where they can tune into a selection of DVD’s or simply tune out and enjoy the treatment. The foot bath is filled with Bamboo Crème Body Wash to cleanse and soften. Therapists then gently care for nails, skin, and cuticles, treating the soles of the feet with Eucalyptus Foot Scrub with Pumice, followed by Lavender & Eucalyptus Foot Crème.

Legs are exfoliated with Bamboo Lemongrass Foaming Body Scrub, a deep scrub formulated with powdered bamboo that gently sloughs away dry, calloused skin. Gentle botanically-derived cleansing agents, sea algae extracts, herbal extracts and almond proteins lift away impurities while precious essential oils revitalize the skin, encourage new cell production, and impart a light, refreshing scent.

In the Balinese tradition of “batu”, the belief that stones embody the energy of the water that flows around them, smooth black stones are bathed in warm water and anointed with a spicy, sensual aroma. The therapist then places small heated stones in between toes, and envelopes the feet in a cocoon-like terry cloth wrap.

While the heat of the stones and towel wrap ease muscle tension, two larger stones are used to massage the legs and soothe away stress. Bamboo Lemongrass Body Crème is applied in tandem with the massage therapy, allowing the stones to glide along the body, locking in moisture, and calming the mind. Finally, the technician will remove the towel wraps, remove stones from between the toes, and use the larger stones to gently massage the soles of the feet. Polish is applied after legs and feet are scrubbed and rubbed to perfection, concluding this luxurious treatment.

The Bamboo Hot Stone Pedicure is exclusively at LATHER Spa, located at 127 East 57th Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues in New York City. Guests may call 212-644-4449 to book an appointment or log onto www.latherspa.com to browse the full service menu.