The Complete Spa Book for Massage Therapists HERBAL BODY WRAPS LESSON S-3.0 © Copyright 2010 Milady, a part of Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

SPA THOUGHT “If you’re going to incorporate herbs into your practice, you need to plan your space accordingly.” Rae Dunphy owner, Rae Dunphy Aromatics

INTRODUCTION Therapists like using spa body products: natural non-toxic therapeutic sustainable for the environment locally cultivated, when available For centuries, European spas have offered “the kür” with similar natural ingredients

PURPOSES OF VARIOUS BODY WRAPS To heat & detoxify the body To relax and improve mood & well-being To nourish, cleanse, & improve the skin To purge impurities & improve joint elasticity To remineralize the skin & entire body To soothe sunburn pain & improve circulation

SLIMMING WRAPS Claim that they aid weight loss & inch loss Effects temporary & caused by fluid loss Most spas do not feature slimming wraps Some day spas do offer them Textbook does not refer to slimming wraps

ADDED VALUE IN BODY WRAP SERVICES Important to offer extra $ value for expensive wrap services spa reflexology scalp massage not necessary for herbal wraps

TYPES OF BODY WRAPS Two main types heated unheated herbal aromatherapy wraps seaweed wraps mud wraps

HEATED WRAPS

UNHEATED WRAPS

MORE BODY WRAP CLASSIFICATIONS Loose wraps Tight wraps Partial wraps leg, foot, hand, back, & torso Whole-body wraps

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF BODY WRAPS Comfort and security: comfort of being “tucked in” only available in the spa Warmth: a sense of nurturing & deep relaxation Enclosed environment: ideal conditions for spa products to act on body

BODY WRAP GENERAL PROTOCOLS Communicate let the client know you are available inform client about wrap & how long it lasts offer water, cold compress, & other comforts Use a bolster under knees wraps create an extra weight load on legs

BODY WRAP GENERAL PROTOCOLS (CONT.) Exercise caution claustrophobia burning skin uncover mouth & nose check for allergies & sensitivities

FEAR OF BEING WRAPPED Approximately 25% of people feel at least a little claustrophobia in wraps Especially in hot sheets & blankets 99% of all spa clients can still experience body wrap treatments using a simple technique

TECHNIQUE TO AVOID CLAUSTROPHOBIA IN WRAPS Reassure client – can exit wrap at any time Leave arms unwrapped over head Lower arms onto wrap atop body Wrap only topmost blanket over arms Reassure client again – monitor comfort

HERBAL THERAPIES Herbs used for centuries for healing Medicines derived from plant compounds Herbal application in spas: full-body herbal wraps herbal compress therapy herbal baths herb-based exfoliation ingestion of herbal teas most common less common

HERBAL THERAPIES Herbs used in spa treatments are: cultivated wildcrafted Herbs often used in bulk for infusions Important active ingredient = phenols serve as plants’ defense

EFFECTS OF HERBS antipyretic – help lower fever antispasmodic – reduce muscle tightness demulcent – softening or soothing effect diaphoretic – increase perspiration diuretic – fluid loss through urinary system nervine – soothe the nervous system stimulating – uplift and energize

HERBAL WRAP

HERBAL WRAP One of the most effective spa treatments Can have a real impact on well-being True heat treatment Sheets soaked in herbs induce sweating Induces hyperthermia – a “false fever” Releases impurities through pores

HERBAL WRAP KEY INSTRUCTIONS Client warmed before (steam, sauna, bath) Client warmed internally with herbal tea Wrap should be snug – no cool air enters Sheets well-soaked in hot herbal solution Sheets wrung out extremely well

HERBAL WRAP USES Administered every other day, 3x/week Weight-loss aid, along with spa program Smoking cessation – to release nicotine To help soothe sore, aching muscles To relax muscular tension

HERBAL SHEETS Unbleached, organic, canvas-grade muslin Regular bed sheets not effective Launder new sheets prior to first use Must be folded properly simple for all therapists to work with fit well inside heating units stay hot longer – can be kept compact

HERBAL SHEET FOLDING Fold both edges into the center. Fold both edges into the center again. Fold this in half to create a strip. Fold the strip in thirds. Fold it in half.

HERBAL WRAP TIPS Use natural, organic herbs. Many herb combinations are appropriate. Some spas customize their blends. Detox blend widely used (Table 8–5) ½ cup herbs in small muslin bag sufficient

HERBAL WRAP PROTOCOL Preparation herbs in muslin bag, steep 45 minutes client in sauna, steam, hot bath for 15 minutes arrange blankets & towels on table 2 sheets in herbal infusion for several minutes wring out sheets, place in insulated container

HERBAL WRAP PROTOCOL Procedure retrieve client, offer tea, explain treatment unfold first sheet on table client lies down on back on table pull sheet over client & pull drape out pull other side of sheet over client

HERBAL WRAP PROTOCOL Procedure (cont.) lay second sheet over the client’s body ask client if any areas too hot – cool them wrap thermal blanket around client pull outer blanket over client tuck outer blanket snugly around client place bath towel at head & feet

HERBAL WRAP PROTOCOL Procedure (cont.) apply cold compress to forehead/neck lower lights, make sure client is comfortable offer to stay in room if client prefers step back in periodically to check on client offer cool water w/ straw, change compresses after 20 min, unwrap client, cover with robe instruct client to relax & let herbs dry on skin

HERBAL WRAP PROTOCOL Cleanup sanitize thermal blanket assure no water on floor launder sheets in hot water & mild detergent launder towels

SUMMARY You now know: types & purposes of spa body wraps avoiding claustrophobia in wraps body wrap protocols effects of herbs in herbal spa therapies herbal wrap techniques