By Venetta Kalu, LDN, CNS, ND
There are different types of body wraps that can contribute to the lessening of the toxic burden on the body. The body wraps work by assisting the body to excrete these wastes through the organs of elimination such as your liver, kidneys, colon, lungs, and lymphatic system.
Body wraps serve unique purposes, and it is important to understand the difference between detox, hydrating, and slimming wraps so you get the experience you want. Some body wraps may start with some type of exfoliation, which you may be instructed to do at home, or it may be done before the service by the technician. Some spas may use an exfoliating cream or at the very least, dry body brushing. The reason for the exfoliation or dry brushing is to assist the wrap solution to penetrate the skin as deeply as possible.
Here are a few different types of body wrap products you will find in spas that offer that service:
THE NIACIN BODY WRAP
This uses a niacin-based cream that has a little heat to it. The cream is applied, and the body is wrapped tight with plastic to contour the body.
CLAY, SEAWEED, AND MINERAL BODY WRAPS
Detox wraps use a variety of products such as algae, seaweed, mud, clay, or gel to help rid the body of toxins. When the product is applied to the body, it is called a body mask. After the product is applied, you are wrapped in plastic and covered with a blanket for about 20 minutes. These products work by stimulating your circulation, drawing out impurities, and giving your body minerals it might be missing. Afterward, the body mask is washed off and the esthetician will apply lotion (though not through a massage).
HYDRATING BODY WRAPS
Hydrating body wraps use creams and gels to soften, soothe, and hydrate the skin. Usually, the spa will use a super-luxurious body cream. Generally, with a hydrating wrap, the therapist massages the body cream into the areas you want to work on, and the cream is not washed off. Hydrating wraps are great for cold winter months when your skin is dry and flaky. Aloe vera wraps (popular in the Caribbean) can also help your skin recover from too much time in the sun.
SLIMMING WRAPS
Slimming wraps are a labor-intensive specialty that is not found everywhere. For a slimming wrap, each limb is tightly wrapped in Ace bandages that have been soaked in a high-concentration mineral solution to detoxify and re-mineralize the body. You look a little bit like a mummy once you are wrapped. You exercise or spend some time in an infra-red sauna.
ALOE and HERBAL BODY WRAPS
Herbal wraps usually have an aloe vera base and is either a liquid or loose gel solution that is mostly wet and is applied by cloths soaked in the solution, which is wrapped around the areas of concern or applied directly to the skin and then plastic wrap is loosely wrapped to hold the heat and moisture close to the skin.
The slimming effect of wrapping is only the tip of the body-wrap iceberg. Wraps can also help in a healing protocol to improve arthritis, skin ailments and cellulite. Try making body wraps a part of your health regimen.
