They were pretty smart those ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans; they discovered the benefits of the body wrap very early on. They knew that this relaxing therapy could not only soften the skin but also heal the body, reduce pain and remove excess fat.
We use body wraps today for exactly those same reasons. We have modified the therapy a bit to offer different treatments for varying conditions so always explain to your therapist what you would like to achieve.
Salons today tend to offer the choice of detoxing, hydrating and slimming wraps. Some also have an Infrared Body Wrap and we'll come back to that.
All body wraps start the same way with some kind of exfoliation, ranging from dry body brushing to a full body scrub. This is done so that the ingredients in the wrap can penetrate as deeply as possible.
If you want to detox your body it's likely your wrap will be mud, clay or seaweed-based. This is technically a body mask but is also called a wrap. In just the same way we use mud or clay face masks to unclog our pores, the detox body wrap will draw out all the impurities to clean our skin and improve overall wellbeing.
Once the clay, mud, seaweed or algae is applied you will be wrapped in plastic and covered with a blanket. This is to generate the heat needed for the product to penetrate your skin, boost your circulation and draw out toxins. It will also deliver a healthy mineral boost.
A hydrating body wrap is designed to soothe and hydrate dry or dull skin. Following the body scrub, super rich moisturisers will be applied and allowed to soak in. Again warmth may be used to boost penetration. Unlike the detox wrap which needs to be rinsed off, a hydrating body wrap is usually left on the skin.
A weight loss wrap or slimming wrap is one of the most sought-after treatments for obvious reasons; it can give you instant centimetre loss.
Once again your body will be dry brushed or scrubbed first. Then bandages soaked in minerals will be tightly wrapped around your body. What comes next varies from spa to spa. Many incorporate some form of exercise to boost your heat level whilst others will put you in an infrared spa.
A slimming wrap can be used as part of your diet and exercise program but it is not a weight loss solution on its own. The centimetre loss is usually temporary but is great if you want to slim down for a special occasion.
Body wraps are often packaged up with other treatments such as a Vichy shower or massage.
Now back to the Infrared Body Wrap. This is a relatively new type of body wrap that uses Far Infrared Heat Energy (FIR). This can penetrate twice as deep as the other heat sources and is used to target toxins and cellulite trapped below the surface of the skin.
As the heat builds up your body will turn on its natural cooling system. This combination kick-starts your metabolism to burn calories, reduce cellulite and dispel toxins. It is also brilliant for weight loss and body contouring. A great side effect is that an Infrared Body Wrap will also relieve chronic pain, improve joint mobility and boost circulation.
So the modern body wrap offers a whole host of benefits from toning and tightening skin to detoxing and body contouring. It offers the most deeply penetrating moisturising treatment and is a great way to boost your metabolism. Most of all it is an enjoyable and relaxing treatment that can melt away stress as well as centimetres.