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Body
Wraps.....The Plain Truth
There is so much
controversy and debate about body wraps...which ones work...do any
of them really work....are they safe? At the Body Wrap Spalon, we
believe you should know the truth and be well-informed before making
a decision to have a body wrap of any kind. I have tried to give you
answers to most of the common questions, but if you see something I
missed, please send an email and let me know.
The
History of Body Wraps
Body wraps have
been around for many years, dating all the way back to ancient
Egypt, Greece and Rome. Body Wraps are therapies that can detoxify
and heal the body, remove excess fat and fluid from tissues, restore
minerals, reduce joint pain, tighten and tone the skin, and nourish
and soften the skin. Over the past 30 years, with the increase in
science in the cosmetic industry, body wraps now top the list of spa
treatments that offer cosmetic and therapeutic benefits for the
entire body.
The Science
Behind Body Wraps
Just below the
skin, there are three layers of fat. Within each layer of fat, there
are individual fat cells which are surrounded by interstitial fluid.
This fluid can accumulate in excess within the cells and between the
cells because of a lack of exercise, aging, diets high in salt and
sugar, and a build up of toxins. Body wraps contain ingredients
designed to draw out these excess fluids and toxins while restoring
nutrients to the body.
Understanding
Toxins
Toxins are
chemicals and preservatives that enter the body through the air we
breathe, the foods we eat, the liquids we drink, and are absorbed
through the pores in our skin from the products we apply daily to
our hair and body. Normally, our bodies are designed to flush these
toxins out through the liver and kidneys. But the amount we take in
is much greater than what our bodies can safely process, so the
excess toxins end up being stored in the interstitial fluid where
they are then absorbed by the surrounding fat
cells.
Three Different
Types of Body Wraps
There are
essentially three different types of body wraps on the market today.
All three types employ a large emphasis on moisturizing, healing and
conditioning the skin. However, the primary function of the three
types is drastically different
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Pampering Wraps:
I fondly refer to these as "foo-foo" wraps. They are more along the
lines of a glorified massage where some sort of mud, cream or oil is
applied to the body, you are then wrapped in a nice, warm blanket
and relax in a darkened room while listening to soft music. This
type of wrap is wonderful for moisturizing the skin and helping you
to de-stress.
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Dehydration
Wraps: This type of wrap creates a minor amount of
inch loss and weight loss (1 - 2 pounds) primarily through water
elimination. These water elimination wraps are very useful for women
who tend to retain fluid and feel bloated much of the time. The
results are similar to that which could be obtained through
excessive exercise or time spent in a sauna. You will feel better
for a short period of time and the inch loss and weight loss is only
temporary (2 or 3 days).
Industry experts
will tell you that a large majority of body wraps on the market are
the dehydration type wrap, so always ask what type of wrap a salon
offers, ask what the after-wrap instructions are regarding fluid
intake, and how long the results can be expected to last. An easy
way to spot a dehydration wrap is there will be no guarantee
regarding inch loss or longevity for the results.
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The Body Wrap
Spalon Offers - Hydration Wraps: The last type of body
wrap creates inch loss in two ways. The first is by aiding the
lymphatic system in the removal of stored toxins. These wraps
stimulate a process called lymphatic drainage, where toxins and
fatty acids from your cells are released into the capillaries and
eliminated along with the body's waste. Being advised to drink large
quantities of water (64 ounces per day) after this type of body wrap
is common to help flush the toxins. By following these instructions,
you will most likely notice additional inch loss in the days after
your wrap.
These wraps also
help to eliminate the excess fluids and toxins by drawing them out
through the pores of the skin. The result is an immediate and
noticeable inch loss in the areas of the body where there is a large
accumulation of fat; the hips, thighs, stomach and rear. This is
where your "inch loss guarantee" comes into play. A more effective
body wrap will offer total body inch loss of up to 20 inches, but
please note, this type of loss can only be expected in larger
people.
You will also
notice when researching this type of body wrap that there are little
or no claims of weight loss. This is because the product being used
is actually absorbed into the body to nourish and hydrate the body.
Since most of us do not drink enough water and our bodies are
constantly dehydrated, this type of body wrap helps us to feel
rejuvenated and energized. Although the results of this type of
body wrap will vary depending on how effective the ingredients are
and on an individual's toxin level, the inch loss obtained from this
wrap is often permanent.
Please rest assured
that although our wraps deliver results, we will do our very best to
also pamper you and make your time at the Body Wrap Spalon and
enjoyable one.
Two Stages of a
Body Wrap
Body wraps work in
two stages: absorption and compaction. In the absorption stage, you
apply a substance on your body either directly onto the skin or by
wraps soaked in a liquid solution. There are several types of
absorbents: sea clay, seaweed, mud, herbal, mineral and aloe vera.
The effectiveness of the wrap is determined by the ingredients used.
Compaction is
simply squeezing the tissues together after the toxins and
interstitial fluid has been extracted. Once the fluids have been
extracted, there are empty "pockets" between the fat cells. Without
using compression of some sort, after removing the toxins and excess
fluids, the fat layer would be very relaxed and limp. Not a pretty
picture! In order to prevent this, and to compress the fat cells
back together again for a firmer, smaller appearance, a tight wrap
is used.
Most everyone is
familiar with the old body wraps that use plastic wrap to induce
sweating, to hold the product on the body and apply moderate
pressure. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but by using an ace
type bandage as we do at the Body Wrap Spalon, along with our
advanced wrapping techniques, we have more control and are able to
lift and contour the body during the wrapping process.
Body Shapers
Girdles are making
a huge come-back these days, but we now call them "body shapers."
You can do your part to increase your inch loss results and maintain
your new shape even longer by purchasing a body shaper and wearing
that each day for about a week after your wrap. As your body
continues to eliminate toxins as natural waste material (you are
drinking more water!), you will notice additional inch loss and body
toning if you wear a firm body shaper. These do not have to be
expensive. For a woman ~ one that goes from mid-calf to just under
the breasts is best. For a man ~ a body shaper with firm support
through the stomach and upper thighs is best. These are not to be
worn at night.
How Long Will the
Results Last?
I really hate this
question, but it's the one that everyone asks. To refresh your
memory about toxins.....remember, they are chemicals and
preservatives that we take in through the air we breathe, the foods
and drinks we consume, and the products we use on our bodies. Okay,
so how many of us are going to stop eating, drinking, breathing and
smearing lotions on our bodies? Right! So, common sense tells us
that the toxins will be back. It's up to you to determine how fast
they accumulate again. Will you change your eating habits, go
organic, drink more bottled water, etc.? Even though we know we
should do these things, not many of us make these major changes.
A safe rule of
thumb on how long the inch loss results last is to say that the
average person will not show signs of the inches returning for 2 to
3 months. This is why we recommend regular body wraps to not only
keep you healthy, but to maintain your results. You should consider
getting a body wrap as part of your routine just as you do with hair
cuts, nail appointments, dental check-ups, physicals, etc.
What About
Cellulite?
Ah, those dreaded
"butt dimples." The word cellulite is a combination of the French
word for "cell" and the suffix "-ite," meaning disease. The fat
cells of our body are surrounded by a liquid called interstitial
fluid that both nourishes it and provides it with an effective waste
system. When that fluid becomes filled with toxins, it thickens and
hardens the connective tissue just below the skin and creates a
dimpling effect that can be seen on the outside of the body as
cellulite.
Cellulite affects
only a small percentage of men in the stomach and chest areas, but
about 90% of all women are affected and it can be a problem
regardless of size, age or weight. It normally occurs after age 30,
worsens with age because of poor muscle tone and circulation, and is
more evident in heavier women. It can even affect those who exercise
regularly, including athletes.
There is no "cure"
for cellulite, but as you can see from the list of causes above,
there are some common sense steps you can take to fight it.
At the Body Wrap
Spalon, we want our clients to be well-informed before having any
body wrap. We want you to know what to expect, to have realistic
ideals and goals, and to understand what we are trying to do for
you. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don't
hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to answer all of your
questions.
FOR MORE INFO
CLICK HERE FOR...FAQs
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