Body Wraps

Body wraps are spa therapies used to enhance skin health and other health benefits. This article includes various types of body wraps, their uses and benefits.

In the fitness rat race, when everyone around is putting their sweat off to look fit, there is a weird complex among people who have been unsuccessful in shredding their extra ounces. There is good news for them. Body wrap treatment has come up as the part and parcel of weight loss regime.

In the initial days after the discovery of body wrap treatment, it was known as ‘just another method of weight reduction’. But in the recent years, it has become the most natural way to improve the texture of skin and keep it moisturized. Thus, weight reduction is not the only benefit offered by body wraps.

Body Wrap Therapy

Body wrap therapy is one of the vital entities in spa menus. There are various types of body wraps available in the market to choose suitable for your body type and desired results. Depending on the type of result desired, a specific body wrap can be chosen. But it is important to acknowledge the fact that all the different types of body wraps serve some purpose to a lifestyle that is healthier and better.

Types of Body Wraps

Let us have a glance at the varieties of body wraps available in the recent days and their particular benefits.

Algae or seaweed body wrap

These wraps are basically designed to improve the metabolism of skin, nourish, detoxify and enhance skin health. In this type of therapy, algae or seaweed is applied all over the body in a foil wrap. The algae paste is usually applied warm and the clients are cocooned in blankets so as to keep their body warm during the process. Algae or seaweeds are rich in amino acids and vitamins that penetrate the skin to leave it detoxified and nourished from within. All the harmful toxins are eliminated from the body in the form of sweat. It is usually advised to shower before the therapy and while showering right after the completion of the process, refrain from using soap for attaining optimized results. People who are allergic to shellfish or iodine should be cautious in considering this body wrap.

Cellulite body wrap

Although dimples are desired by many, these wraps have been designed keeping in mind those people who want to reduce the appearance of dimpled skin.

Chocolate body wrap

Many of you must be aware of the whole range of benefits offered by chocolates. They are great skin-toners and are recognized for anti-ageing properties. Chocolate wraps help in stimulating the endorphins, soften the skin from within, tone the skin and then even out all the wrinkles.

Frigi thalgo body wrap

This is a special kind of cold body wrap. It has been designed to control the excess amount of fluid in some specific body parts such as legs, thighs and hips. This optimizes the amount of cellulite and fluid and retains them in proper quantities to relieve the weary legs. For people who have least tolerance to cold temperature, this type of body wrap treatment should be avoided.

Clay body wrap

Clay, also known as mud wraps are used for different therapies depending on their varied types. However, they are primarily meant to detoxify the skin and diminish the cellulite level, thereby helping the body to get rid of excess water. They are also known for increasing blood circulation in the body, tightening and firming the texture of skin. This treatment is done by applying mud to the entire body and allowing the nutrients present in the mud to be absorbed by the body for some time. After a certain period of time, the mud is wiped off with hot towel. For heightened results, exfoliating shower or body polish is suggested prior to the therapy. Mud wrap has additional benefits to offer; muscle relaxation and pain relief are the worth mentioning ones.

Herbal body wrap

Herbal wraps are commonly used for losing inches. These wraps are made up of cotton, muslin or elastic bandages; soaked in herb-infused solution. The body is cocooned by plastic or blanket to maintain the warmth necessary to heal and detoxify the skin. Besides being a frequently used slimming technique, this body wrap treatment tightens the skin and gives a smoother appearance.

Compression body wrap

This is the most popular body wrap for inch loss. Elastic bandages are mainly used in this process to attain maximum benefits. Compression wraps use various products such as herbal, clay; aloe vera for performing the therapy but the primarily used compression wrap is mineral body wrap.

Niacin body wrap

This wrap has been especially designed to boost circulation in the body. It helps in the splitting of accumulated toxins trapped within and releasing them from the body. Niacin wrap employs the usage of a cream product that is applied all over the body and then the entire body is wrapped with a plastic film firmly so as to keep the cream in close contact with the skin. The client is then made to relax for an hour cocooned in blankets to maintain the necessary warmth.

Paraffin body wrap

This might well be termed as an extension of manicure or pedicure. Right after the completion of pedicure or manicure, a lotion, oil or cream is applied all over the body and paraffin wax is brushed on the body to keep the heat in. On cocooning with blanket, paraffin body wrap treatment leads to a softened and moisturized skin. It also reduces muscle related aches and joint pains at the same time. This is a great way to treat arthritis.

Parafango body wrap

This body wrap uses a warmed mixture of both paraffin wax and mud to stimulate the skin and release toxins. This two-in-one therapy can be enjoyed for the benefits offered by mud as well as paraffin wax.

Bust wrap

This wrap is comprised of firming serum or mask that is used in the bust area targeted to tone and moisturize the skin.

Oil wrap

Aromatherapy oils are incorporated in this type of body wrap. It is aimed at moisturizing dry or dehydrated skin.

An insight into body wrap as a weight reduction solution

Body wraps primarily came into existence with the concept of weight reduction. They were designed in such a way that they led to slimming or losing of inches. But it is very important for the people to know that it is a temporary solution. So, refrain yourself from getting misguided by the spas who claim to offer guaranteed cellulite removal or weight loss on a permanent basis. One tip for people who made up their mind to get rid of their extra pounds through body wraps treatment; drink plenty of water both before and after the therapy in order to avoid dehydration because any kind of weight loss from this treatment occurs due to the loss of water from the body.

Eligibility criteria

Pregnant women should avoid body wraps treatment. Some of the treatments are not suitable for expecting mothers as well. Besides these people, others who fall into the following categories cannot avail this treatment:

1. People with high blood pressure (Hypertension)
2. Weak heart conditions
3. Diabetes
4. Claustrophobia
5. Eczema
6. Psoriasis

Before Trying Body Wrap Therapy

Points to follow before undergoing body wraps treatment

• Check with your spa regarding the costume you should be wearing while undergoing the treatment.
• Your spa might ask you to avoid shaving 24 hours prior to treatment.
• Sunbathing should be strictly avoided before the treatment.
• Alcohol and heavy meals are also prohibited before undergoing body wraps treatment.

If the above points are taken care of, you might end up having a smooth and hassle-free experience of body wraps treatment with satisfying results. This treatment is a great stress-buster. Therefore, if you are actually keen on pampering your skin; you may get hold of the wide range of luxurious body wraps treatment available and get a cleaned, toned, moisturized, tightened and energized skin in return.