Originally, body wraps were used to lose weight. A client’s body was wrapped with a form of plastic wrap, and the heat generated caused the person to lose water weight. However, despite some claims to the contrary, this form of losing weight does not offer long term results. If the early forms of body wraps had any benefit at all, it was to people who needed to lose weight quickly, such as to fit into a wedding gown, and keep it off for only a couple of days.
Nowadays, body wraps are more geared towards healthy detoxification. The detox being done is not for drugs or alcohol, but rather for the toxins that build up inside the body. These toxins are caused by the food we eat and the air we breathe, as well as by stress.
Body wraps today are often made of clay, mud, green tea or even algae. When done at a quality day spa, the treatment is usually preceded by skin exfoliation. Often, because slight dehydration might occur, the wraps are followed by special moisturizing treatments.
Some spas offer a massage before or after a body wrap. The only massage that is generally offered during the actual body wrap will be a scalp massage. If you have never had a body wrap, and you are not sure how you will react to the feeling of being confined, consider scheduling your first one where massage is available beforehand. This can help release endorphins and other feel-good brain chemicals that will relax you during the treatment.
Most body wraps last about 20 minutes. The entire treatment time, however, depends on what exactly is being done. If you choose a mud or clay wrap, you will be able to rinse off whatever is remaining after the main portions of the wrap are removed.
Body wraps have come a long way since they first began. They are offered by many spas around the world, and are an excellent way to relax and rejuvenate.
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