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HOW WRAPS WORK
Although there is a multitude of body wraps out there, the science behind it all is pretty constant. A wrap tends to comprise of two stages: absorption (the process of osmosis) and squeezing. When the wrap is first applied the skin's pores become enlarged, allowing bodily fluids and accumulated toxins to be extracted or absorbed by the body wrap. At the same time the process of reverse osmosis takes place, with active ingredients in the wrap heading in the opposite direction to nourish the skin.
When the substance has been applied to the torso and the wrap is in place, the squeezing process begins. As the tissues of the body become compacted and waste fluids are extracted, empty pockets form between the cells. When these cells become squeezed together, the body becomes (in theory) thinner, leaner and more toned.
TYPES OF WRAP
The most common form of wrap uses a large sheet of cling film in which the person is covered. This not only helps to keep the substance used in contact with every part of the torso, it also aids the squeezing process, which is claimed to aid the reduction of cellulite in particular. Plastic sheets – used by the likes of Pevonia – maintain the humidity of the product, keeping the ingredients active.
Elasticated cotton bandages are used in treatments such as the Universal Contour Wrap to contour, lift and shape the body. They work by compressing soft tissue while the active ingredients get to work.
FEEL THE HEAT
Most wraps are applied warm to ensure the active ingredients work to their optimum level. A heated blanket may be applied or dry floatation session included, keeping pores open and the active ingredients working. The latter also adds an extra dose of relaxation to the mix. Cool wraps like Pevonia's Water-LilyAfter-Sun Soothing Wrap (www.pevonia.co.uk) employ a cooling gel and are designed to hydrate and refresh those suffering from sunburn or prickly heat.
WHAT THEY COME WITH
Most wraps will include either a massage to stimulate the lymphatic system, some form of exfoliation to remove dead cells and/or body brushing to enhance circulation. Head massages and mini-facials during the wrap are becoming an increasingly common constituent, adding value to the treatment and providing a more holistic overall experience.
Before you go for your wrap, it is advisable to have a warm shower as this opens up the pores and enhances absorption. Drinking lots of water before and after helps to flush out toxins, and it is best to steer clear of caffeine, alcohol and fatty foods.
THALASSOTHERAPY WRAPS
What are they good for? Inch loss, stress and pain relief, toning, cellulite reduction.
The largest range by quite some margin, thalasso wraps harness the nurturing power of sea algae and marine mud. Seaweed is the richest natural source of concentrated minerals and trace elements. The ‘magnetic' action of sea algae also releases excess body fluids from congested cells and dissolves fatty waste through the skin, while replacing minerals like potassium and iodine. Essential oils are often added to heighten the efficacy of the wrap.
You really are spoilt for choice here, with seaweed and marine wraps by all the top spa product houses. For detox and cellulite reduction try Pevonia's Detox Aromatic Seaweed Wrap. The ESPA Detoxifying Algae Wrap (www.espaonline.com) is a therapeutic, balancing and detoxifying treatment designed to ease away tension, boost the metabolism and speed up the elimination of toxins. Elemis has several marine-based wraps to choose from, including its Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap (www.elemis.com) that detoxifies and deep cleanses the body inside and out. Algotherm (www.algotherm.co.uk) also has a range of marine wraps to stimulate, relax and remineralize.
For inch loss try the Universal Contour Wrap Universal Contour Wrap (www.universalcontourwrap.co.uk). Specially applied bandages lift and shape while a sea clay solution cleanses and purges the body of toxins and kick-starts the lymphatic system. Peppermint Sea Twist by Repêchage (www.repechage.com) combines peppermint oil, seaweed and bandages to contour and firm, reduce cellulite and rejuvenate the skin. Thalgo's Micronized Marine Algae Body Wrap (www.thalgo.co.uk) has an advanced slimming and remineralizing action.
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