What: Japanese medical stone spa

Why: Getting stoned is as relaxing as it sounds

How Much: RMB 148 for a stone spa treatment. First time and off peak (10am-6pm weekdays) RMB 128. With a spa, massages are RMB 68.

Where: Building 3, 555 Gubei Lu, near Maotai Lu. Tel: 62412228. Web: www.stonebath.cn

Stone spa treatments arrived in Japan just seven years ago, but they’ve quickly become popular thanks to benefits including clear pores, better circulation, the removal of toxins, diminished joint and muscle pain and even, some claim, alleviation of cancer symptoms. Japan now has thousands of stone spas, and China’s first has just opened here in Shanghai. Yi Sheng Tang is situated in Gubei, near Loushanguan metro station, and it’s a great way to melt away any winter chills settling into dem bones.

At 45°C and 80 per cent humidity, the stone spa is akin to a sauna but instead of sitting naked in a pine box you don a cotton, camel-coloured kimono and lay down on a floor of smooth, round pebbles imported from Japan. Yi Sheng Tang’s stone spa room has 20 berths, each about the size of a big beach towel. Once you lie down, assistants come and drape small but heavy pillow cases of pebbles over your shoulders and ankles. You’re encouraged to make a small pile of stones on your belly too.

Anchoring your body with stones seems prudent because after a spell of deep breathing in the stone spa room you’ll be, if not levitating, at least a little light-headed. Steam comes up imperceptibly through the various layers of rocks below you, picking up minerals such as iron and calcium en route and releasing negative ions, which are thought to help produce serotonin. The immediate benefits are easier breathing and relaxed muscles and mind.

One visit to the spa is usually composed of three 10 to 15 minute sessions on the stones with breaks of five to 10 minutes in a cooler but comfortable room where you continue to sweat and drink plenty of water. Each 15 minute session is a little harder to endure than the last, but nevertheless feels more comfortable than sitting in a typically hotter, drier sauna. Thanks to the jim jams, men and women can take the treatment together.

Chinese traditional massages are also available, and the masseuses do a great job detecting and dismantling tension bombs. There’s also a cosy, colourful lounge for hanging out with a cup of tea before or after you get steamed.