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Seaweed Wrap
Seaweed wrap has become an increasingly popular treatment found in spas. Rooted
in the principles of thalassotherapy, seaweed wrap is a popular treatment that
utilizes concentrated seawater and seaweed that is wrapped around your body
for health purposes.
Thalossotherapy is a highly popular body treatment in Europe that utilizes
the therapeutic properties of seawater and seaweed in order to oxygenate, tone,
moisturize, and revitalize the body and skin. Coming from the Greek word for
sea, Thalassa, this type of body treatment is particularly popular in France.
Although not as well known in North America, thalassatherapy has its roots in
early European medical practices. As early as 1578, seawater and sea derivatives
were administered in the treatment for rheumatism and general rehabilitation.
By 1780, the year of the first marine hospitals, the seawater craze spread through
Europe where seawater and seaweed were exploited for their high concentration
of minerals. Recent studies have shown that seawater and seaweed contain at
least 60 different minerals and trace elements with the majority of them being
essential to humans. Such minerals and trace elements contained in seawater
include: iron, copper, zinc, manganese, strontium, molybdenum, and boron. More
importantly, seaweed contains all of these essential elements but at concentrations
of 50, 000 to 100, 000 more than that found in seawater.
Seaweed wrap is one of the most popular treatments found in thalassotherapy
and is believed to aid in the detoxification of the body by increasing blood
and lymph circulation in the body. The minerals and trace elements contained
in seaweed produce these positive changes. Additionally, the use of hot water
only enhances the effects of seaweed. By dilating peripheral blood vessels and
pores, hot water increases the skin’s ability to absorb the minerals and nutrients
found in seaweed.
A Seaweed Body Wrap session tends to last 1 to 1½ hours and takes place in
a highly relaxed environment. It is important that your body is completely clean
and that any lotions, oils, or creams are not applied six hours prior to wrapping.
After wrapping commences, you are cocooned in layers in order for you to retain
body heat. The reason for this process is because it allows your skin to stay
warm and therefore your pores will stay open and absorb the nutrients of the
seaweed. To receive the maximum benefits of this treatment, it is recommended
that you are wrapped nude or wrapped wearing thin, cotton undergarments.
Seaweed Body Wrap is a highly relaxing process and allows its recipient to
achieve a positive state of mind while in a tranquil environment. This treatment
is believed to increase circulation within the body, which produces a detoxification
effect. Additionally, it is believed that it improves the appearance of cellulite.
It has been used to treat injuries, sprains, strains, arthritis, and skin conditions.
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