Spa Body Wraps - History & Science
The Cosmetic and Therapeutic Benefits of Spa Treatments
Mar 2, 2008
Body wraps top the list of spa treatments that offer cosmetic and therapeutic benefits for the entire body. Body wraps are therapies that can detoxify the body, remove excess fat and fluid from tissues, restore minerals, reduce joint pain, tighten and tone the skin, and nourish and soften the skin. Dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome body wraps have been traditionally used to beautify the skin, detoxify and heal the body, reduce weight by promoting fluid loss, and soothe the spirit.
The Science Behind Body Wraps
The cells of the skin are surrounded by interstitial fluid. This fluid can accumulate in excess within cells and between cells because of a lack of exercise, aging, diets high in salt and sugar, and a build-up of toxins. Body wraps contain ingredients designed to draw out these excess fluids while restoring nutrients to skin cells.
Components of Body Wraps
- The skin is first prepared by exfoliation with the assistance of mineral scrubs, exfoliating agents or body polishes. For instance, Dead Sea salt scrubs or citrus body polishes are frequently used before wraps are applied to remove dead skin cells and cellular debris.
- A specific blend of ingredients is applied to the skin. Depending on the type of body wrap requested, the blend might contain clay, flax, seaweed, various herbs, and other plant-based ingredients. The client is usually instructed to lie flat on a massage table while the blend is applied and sealed although in some types of body wraps, such as the Suddenly Slender Wrap by Mirabella, the client remains upright and moving to increase circulation and generate body heat.
- The blend is sealed with a layer of cellophane or foil so that the ingredients can penetrate the skin. A heating blanket is placed over the body to help the blend draw out impurities and restore minerals.
- Once the blend is rinsed from the body, the skin is massaged with oils that help seal in the benefits derived from the wrap.
Types of Body Wraps
Herbal body wraps were originally introduced in Baden Baden, Germany to remove toxins from the body. Investigating the benefits of herbal wraps, researchers discovered that the herbal wrap also removed fatty material from the body, which resulted in a reduction in inches. The active herbal ingredients are reported to break down cellulite and reduce the size of fat cells by drawing fat from cells into the interstitial fluid. The herbal wrap is reported to produce results that last for at least 30 days. Toxins eventually build up again at a rate that’s increased by poor diets and a lack of exercise.
Water elimination wraps are designed to remove excess fluid from tissues quickly. These wraps contain diuretics or other ingredients such as caffeine that facilitate fluid loss. Water elimination wraps cause effects similar to those of saunas. Although fluid loss is more impressive than that seen with herbal wraps, the results are only apparent for a few days.
Many spas also offer signature wraps designed exclusively for use at their facility. For instance, the Bliss Spas in New York City offer a wrap designed to remove cellulite. Some spas also combine hydrotherapy procedures that are followed by body wraps.
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