A body wrap or mud wrap is a spa treatment involving the spread of a clay-based substance over the skin, followed by wrapping the body in bandages. The client will lie in this state of mummification for a certain period of time before having the bandages removed. Depending on the concoction used, body wraps are purported to be very useful for losing inches, detoxifying the body, improving skin tone and reducing cellulite. Here we will investigate the possibility of body wraps living up to the expectations of the user.

The main component of the body wrap is the clay or mud. The formula for the mud should be wholly organic and most spas will have a selection of mud for specific purposes. Clay straight from the earth has natural detoxifying elements to it, and with the addition of organic herbs other benefits are apparently experienced. Some formulas are designed to slough off dead skin cells and aid in the drainage of toxins under the skin. Others are formulated for the purpose of anti-aging or slimming.

Bandages are made from cotton based materials and usually have some elasticity to aid in the wrapping process. Some technicians combine the use of infrared heat with the body wrap process as it is reported to produce a faster result and help raise the metabolic rate. Bandages are usually left on the client for one or two hours, depending on the desired effect and the clay formulation.

If anyone interested in body wraps were to spend five minutes looking online for reviews, they would come across thousands of positive reports. Whether those reports are genuine or not is another question. Let's look at some facts to determine the reality of the effectiveness of body wraps. There are certain vitamins and minerals the human body needs to function properly, fight disease and maintain a healthy mental state. When those components become depleted or altered, then the body suffers. A simple and obvious example is that of iron.

When iron in the body becomes depleted, anemia sets in. Anemia leads to serious side effects such as hypoxia, angina, depression, palpitations, tinnitus and a whole host of others. American chemist and recipient of two Nobel Prizes in both Chemistry and Peace, Dr. Linus Pauling, spoke of mineral depletion in the body: "You can trace every sickness, every disease and every ailment to a mineral deficiency."

The first thing we look to when thinking about vitamin and mineral refurbishment in the body is food. Surely a balanced diet of colorful fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins will fix the problem? Ideally, yes. Unfortunately the soil in which our produce is grown is also mineral deficient. The World Health Organization reported that the soil in the US is "95% depleted of essential minerals." Produce shipped to North America from overseas is likely not much better as it is harvested before ripening can produce the full nutritional benefits. Many families are choosing to purchase organic foods or even grow their own products, and while these are great ways to live a healthier lifestyle they do not replace all of the nutrients every human body needs to fight disease and aging.

This is where the body wrap steps in. Many people, women in particular, seek out a body wrap as a means of losing inches and having a soothing spa treatment. There is no definitive research proving body wraps assist in permanently removing inches from the body. However there are clear benefits to overall health and skin health. The natural properties of the clay absorb dead skin cells, leaving a supple smooth skin after treatment.

The organic minerals in most natural formulas will produce a healthful affect. Plus, one cannot discount the benefits of being forced to lie peacefully in a warm environment for one to two hours. That in itself is a great way to relieve stress, foster better mental health and remove oneself from the hustle of everyday life. The truth about body wraps is simple: do not expect miracles, instead learn to appreciate the benefits natural earth elements have on the body.