1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

8. HEATED WRAPS

9. UNHEATED WRAPS

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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. HERBAL WRAP

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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.

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

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

31. 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