Body Wrapping

Wrapped-up (Credit: Manassas Cakery)

We’re familiar with gift-wrapping – bright, colorful, crinkly paper to wrap all sorts of gifts. But body wrapping, which sounds similar, is actually different from the paper and ribbons affair.

So, what is body wrapping? It is a procedure offered by spas that claims to removes inches from the waist, thighs, hips and other parts of the body. Body wrapping is a combination of special wraps or clothing and lotions and creams.

These wraps are made of plastic or rubber that cover nearly the entire body. Some wraps are worn while carrying out routine activities, some while exercising and others, while sleeping. Some of these wraps are used after applying creams or soaking the wrap in a special solution. A few are inflated with air while some wraps are used after blowing in warm air with an electric hair dryer.

Some of the favorite body wraps are the ones with herbs as well as the seaweed, mud and salt wrap.

The goal is to create a condition similar to fever, where the body eliminates toxins by sweating. Most medical experts say that though body wrapping will cause a loss of inches due to profuse perspiration, the reduction is temporary. Drinking or eating soon replaces the fluid.

Also remember that rapid and excessive fluid loss is potentially dangerous because it can bring on severe dehydration and can upset the balance of important electrolytes in the body. It’s advisable to do your groundwork and take a lot of care while selecting a good spa.