Body wraps have become increasingly popular in spas over the years because of their quick weight loss and skin-toning claims. Among the two categories of body wraps, herbal and mineral, some of the most popular wraps in spas today include algae, mud, clay and seaweed.
History
Body wraps originated in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Body wraps were used to heal the body and many natural solutions, such as green tea and aloe were put into liquid, paste or cream, applied to the skin and wrapped for a designated amount of time to help the body heal, states "Wrap Yourself Slim: The History of Body Wraps." Body wraps were introduced to the United States as a service offered by spas to help clients lose fat quickly.
Benefits
Body wraps have many benefits, including reducing excess water weight and softening and smoothing the skin. According to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, body wraps are a natural way to improve the texture of your skin. Other benefits include skin tightening and the temporary loss of inches. In addition, body wraps stimulate the lymphatic system for the release of toxins and boost metabolism.
Considerations
According to CelluliteUSA.com, body wraps can help to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. It is necessary to use a more absorbent and detoxifying solution, such as sea clay, to apply to areas with cellulite. The theory behind body wraps reducing the appearance of cellulite is that once these fat pockets are squeezed by the wrap and dehydrated by the solution, the accumulated fluid is released, giving skin a more smooth and firm appearance. After applying sea clay to cellulite, wrap the areas with thin, warm towels and allow to absorb for one hour before washing the body clean.
Misconceptions
In "Dispelling Body Wrap Myths -- Which Wraps?" BodyWrapProducts.com explains that one misconception of body wraps is that mineral wraps detoxify the body. Mineral wraps do not detoxify the body. In order for a body wrap to be detoxifying, it must contain herbs. Another misconception is that body wraps help you permanently lose weight. The fatty acids and toxins that are released by doing a body wrap will accumulate again over time. Regular body wraps help to maintain desired results.
Warning
Before going to a spa to get a body wrap or doing your own, you should not drink alcohol, eat a large meal or shave your legs, says Natural Therapy Pages. If you are expecting or may be pregnant, ask a doctor before getting a body wrap. Many of the herbal solutions are not suitable for pregnant women due to the deep skin penetration. Also, consult a doctor if you have any skin disorders, heart disease or diabetes.
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