Let’s face it. The best things in the world are wrapped. Birthday presents, burritos, California rolls. And as any spa-maven will tell you, another thing that benefits from wrapping is, well, us! Body wraps are amazing and unique treatments that have become standard offerings at spas around the world. They combine the relaxation of a massage with the health benefits of a sauna, all from the confines of a human-sized seaweed tortilla that squeezes us free of toxins and water weight, improves circulation, and helps to tighten and tone. Like I said – the best things in the world are wrapped.
Body wraps are nothing new – in fact, they’re one of the oldest forms of body treatment, dating back to early Egyptian civilizations. Cleopatra is rumored to have been lathered in clay for the improvement of her skin. Body wraps first hit the States in the 1960s, offered up as an exclusive service at the most high-end spas. Oh, how times change! Now, half a century later, body wraps have gone from spa-bound to homebound. That’s right: you can do them yourself! Forget the days of $300 mud wrap sessions and scheduling appointments at your inconvenience! Do-it-yourself body wraps are the latest and greatest innovation of the world’s oldest spa treatment. Total privacy, total results…and total cost? About a third of what you’d pay at a spa! Here are some tips to help you self-wrap your way to happiness:
To kit, or not to kit? Online, body wrap kits are a dime a dozen. But as we all know, quantity doesn’t always mean quality. And when it comes to your skin, quality should never be compromised. To that end, I’d steer clear of most pre-packaged body wrap kits and instead opt for a totally homemade treatment using materials that you know and trust. And it’s much simpler than you might think! Body wrap mixtures generally consist of items you already have (see below for a quick wrap recipe) and the more you can make yourself, the more you’ll save. So if you can, skip the kit and customize your wrap your way. Or, if you’re set on something pre-made, ask your local spa (or even your salon!) if you can order a kit from them.
Basic Body Wrap
3 cups of water (spring, purified, or distilled)
1 cup of salts (mineral, Epsom, sea)
½ cup aloe vera and/or herbs
3 tablespoons oil (shea, olive, sunflower)
Heat the water and dissolve the ingredients. Once everything’s well-incorporated, cool down the mixture just until warm. Soak towels or ace bandages in the mixture and wrap your body (just from the neck down, wrapping your extremities individually), allowing for plenty of circulation. Then wrap yourself in a large body towel, plastic suit, or blanket for 30-60 minutes. Change up the herbs, oils, salts, and experiment with other materials, like clay, mud, and seaweed for a unique experience!
Cleanliness is next to wrapped-ness. For your at-home-wrap, you’ll want to pick a quiet spot with lots of space – and preferably one that won’t suffer from an occasional splash of water or clay. For your at-home wrap, raid the garage for some plastic painter’s sheets to cover the floor, or to lay over a massage table. On top, place clean towels or linens down for comfort, and as an extra layer of grime-protection. Remember – a clean wrap is a good wrap!
H-2-Oh Yeah! Like during any spa treatment, staying hydrated is absolutely essential. And body wraps are no exception. Keep yourself well-watered from the inside and outside before, during, and after your treatment. Drink up before you wrap up. Then, while you’re snug as a bug, keep a glass of water next to you, and sip regularly (don’t forget a straw – remember, you’ll be wrapped up!). Post-wrap, shower frequently to re-hydrate your skin and remove any surface toxins.
Set the mood…and the thermostat. Just because you’re kickin’ it in your home spa doesn’t mean the atmosphere should be any less spa-riffic! Light candles, burn incense, and crank some soothing tunes whilst en-wrap-tured. And don’t forget to turn up the heat – not only will the increased temperature aid the effectiveness of the body wrap but as the mixture starts to cool, you’ll become chilly before you’re wrapped up if the room isn’t warm enough!
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