By Janet Henshaw |
Have you ever wondered about body wraps? What are you actually wrapped in and how it is done? Here are some basic fundamentals about wraps: the different kinds, what works and what doesn’t, and what to look for so that you get maximum benefits.
One of the most important things to determine is how oils are used in wraps. Many facilities use oils on the skin prior to the wrap to “make the skin moist and hydrated”. The problem with this approach is that the oil acts as a barrier, so the skin cannot absorb any of the mineral or herbal properties of the wrap itself. Any benefit from the medicinal properties of the herbs and minerals is basically negated.
Therefore, when looking for a good body wrap, the first thing to notice is if they tell you not to use lotion or oils before your wrap, because they want your body to absorb the minerals. Additionally, your body needs to be hydrated in order to remove the toxins via the kidneys. Some spas may offer alkalizing mineral rich water for you to drink during the process to keep you hydrated throughout.
Mud is often a primary ingredient in body wraps. It has been used as a body cleansing agent for literally thousands of years by many cultures. Certain aboriginal cultures “bury” people in mud and dirt to cleanse them and remove body odor. Many wraps today use exotic muds such as Dead Sea mud or special mineral muds, to pull toxins from the body — but the action can also be extremely drying. (Think about your hands after working in your garden with no gloves on!) That is one reason why facilities use oils on the body after the wrap.
Sea weed wraps are another good wrap option, providing they contain no oils. Sea weed provide many ionic minerals that are very beneficial to your skin and body. However, your body will continue to absorb these minerals only as long as the wrap is on you.
An herbal rub combines aromatherapy and massage. The herbs adhere to the skin by using coconut or other oil. Therefore, because of the oil barrier, aromatherapy is the principal benefit.
The key to radiant good health is keeping the body mineralized and alkalized. When a body wrap brings you back to this state, your body can rid itself of metabolic waste and reach a healthy balance. That is why your skin is soft, supple and hydrated after beneficial wraps. This is not due to oils; it is due to the minerals enhancing and stimulating the skin’s natural lubricating ability.
In addition, when the body is more mineralized, it releases the waste that makes it feel sluggish. You will feel revitalized after an effective wrap, and sleep well that evening as the body uses this cleansing opportunity to heal itself during sleep.
Body wraps run in the range of $90 to $150; each type will make you feel better and enjoy better looking skin.
There is, however, one wrap to be careful of — a dehydration or compression wrap, designed to make you “lose inches.” Dehydrating products are placed on the body and you are wrapped in ace bandages and plastic. Then you go into a sauna to sweat. Water is not offered during this wrap, which encourages the body to give up water, thereby shrinking tissues and reducing overall body fluids/hydration. The possibility of heat stroke or kidney failure is very high during such an unhealthy process. Moreover, as soon as you drink fluids, the body returns to its original condition (size). You may wish to avoid dehydration wraps because of the possible harm to your system.
For more info call Circle of Life Spa at 775-825-7727.
