A Brief Description of Traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath
The hot stone bath is widely practiced in Bhutan and is also a method to overcome various complications and illnesses. Many people believe they should soak in the Menchu after visiting a hot spring. Besides the modern medical facilities, most Bhutanese prefer to soak themselves in the Menchu(water with medicinal properties). Many places in Bhutan have at least a spot to perform the hot stone bath.
Before the actual bathing, some fire woods are gathered from the nearby forest. Then some stones are also collected. A wooden bathtub is also needed but most spots have readymade wooden bath tubs. This particular spot has a readymade wooden bath tub. Then they pile up stones and woods together and burn them. During this process they make sure to heat the stones to red hot. The bath tub is filled with the Menchu and some Artemisia leaves are also added. They pitch tents to shelter them from the rain, sun and from the cold in the winter. Then the water is heated by dipping red-hot stones. Then two persons soak in the water at a time. After coming out from the hot water they wrap their body in a blanket and lie on a flat surface for some time. A good and nutritious meal is taken.
Some people perform it near their house by using the water and stones from the menchu.
The Menchu at Zeeba has a strong smell of bird droppings. Some village elders used to tell that initially this Menchu was a Tshachu(hotspring). According to locals the Zeeba Menchu is well known throughout the valley. This Menchu is said to be very strong for curing backaches, stomachaches and joint pains. But this very useful Menchu is in dearth of proper facilities such as a toilet, bathhouse and building to house the visitors. Privacy is a primary concern as both male and female use the same bath tub in open. It is accessible by road. A same Menchu with similar curative values also exist near Jogay. Many locals also soak themselves in this Menchu. It is also accessible by road.
Phuentsho's Journey 