Many people love to book spa treatments to relax. Day spas typically offer health and wellness services, such as massage, facials and body treatments. Spas often use purifying, all-natural ingredients, including wasabi, in body wraps, facials and other treatments. Wasabi has several health-enhancing qualities that make it a popular herb for use in spas.
What is Wasabi?
Wasabi is a type of Japanese herbal root that is dried and ground. It is light green in color and often is used as condiment with sushi or raw fish in Japan, due to its antibacterial nature. It has a distinctive flavor and smell, similar to mustard. Real wasabi is sometimes hard to find in the United States; artificial wasabi is more common.
Benefits
Wasabi is used in spa treatments because it is a source of antioxidants and known for its detoxifying effects. It also increases blood circulation and improves the overall appearance of skin.
Wasabi is often mixed with other natural ingredients, such as green or white tea, ginger or sugar, for balance. Many spas in Asia use it in their spa treatments, and wasabi is growing in popularity in the United States. Some spa beauty products contain wasabi.
Wasabi Body Wraps
Wasabi is most commonly used as an ingredient in full body wraps. You are wrapped in special blankets to retain heat during the process. Utopia Chalet Day Spa in Gainesville, Florida, offers body wrap therapy for dry skin. Wheat and honey are used for hydration, while wasabi, ginger and white tea help stimulate circulation. Rich massage oils are used for aroma and smoothing. A Wasabi Mint Foaming Body Wrap is on the menu at the Serenity Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. A wasabi mint sugar scrub is used to exfoliate your skin, followed by application of a full body clay mask, a rinse and moisturizing shea butter.
Wasabi Pedicure
In La Belle Day Spa in Palo Alto, California, order a wasabi pedicure. Feet are first exfoliated with a ginger and sugar cane scrub. Then wasabi gel is massaged in, while your feet are kept warm. A moisturizing layer of coral lotion and honey is added. Finally the toenails are trimmed and painted.
DIY Wasabi Facial
For a do-it-yourself beauty treatment, try a detoxifying ginger-wasabi masque from Bella Luccè. Mix the dry powder according to the directions to detoxify, cleanse and condition your face. You'll pay $30 for 6 ounces, but you can use it for several treatments.
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