By Katrina Doran.

Hot Lava Shells are the first 100% natural, self-heating massage tool and are now available at Aura Day Spa on the Lisburn Road, Belfast.

Fans of hot stone massage will love this treatment – but where it differs from hot stones is that the therapy uses Tiger Clam shells from the Philippines as the tool with a self-heating mixture housed inside the shells which delivers the soothing heat to the muscles during the massage.

Varying techniques and pressures are applied from the curved side of the shells to the more pointed edge for deeper pressure to the hinge of the shell, which can be used like a thumb to work into specific areas to work on those knots.

Unlike hot stones – there is no bulky equipment to heat the stones so the treatment is very portable and with no electricity required to head the water to heat the stones - it's a very green eco-friendly option.

The shells are also completely non-porous and are polished for a smooth finish so no bacteria can absorb into the shell as it can with the stones.

The lava shells are completely natural, biodegradable and contain no toxic substances or produce any harmful by-products – you really can be a green goddess while indulging in this incredibly relaxing therapy.

They also support a whole industry in the Philippines – from the people who collect and polish the shells – the contents of which are also a food source.

The heat in the shell comes from what professionals call 'charges'. Before the treatment the therapist places what looks like a teabag of magnesium and iron, marine algae and sea kelp into the shell and then pours the activator, which contains seawater and essential oils. A chemical reaction causes the mixture to generate heat and steam can be seen rising from a little air hole at the top of the shell.

The professional tools require extensive training and practice to be able to manage the heat of the shells as well as the therapeutic movements to deliver the most effective and relaxing massage.

Sugahgal Sarah Piper went along to Aura to test out the treatment and report back for Sugahfix.com.

Sarah said "The spa experience itself at Aura really was divine - you really feel like you're away from the hussle and bussle of it all upon entering it's doors. The ambience was very relaxing and calm and the staff were very friendly.

The therapist, Deborah who looked after me was amazing and couldn't have made the experience anymore relaxing. When I go back, I'll be asking for her!

The massage treats the whole body including a facial at the end was complete heaven. The shells felt like silk and the warmth of them was very comforting. Their shape meant that they could get right into the knots in the back muscles especially, and left me feeling like I had absolutely no tension left in my body at all!

I floated home and had the best night's sleep I've had in a long time- highly, highly recommended!!!!

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