The Hindu Business Line : Seaweed wrap

Since time immemorial, people have flocked to the sea for its restorative and curative powers. Seaweeds are believed to be several times richer in trace elements than land vegetation.

Seaweed body wrap is found to stimulate the body’s sluggish metabolism, augment blood circulation, stimulate the production of lymph which helps expel toxins from the body and boost health and general wellbeing, says Jane, a therapist in a UAE-based spa.

Detox seaweed wrap involves exfoliating and detoxifying the body. Typically, the therapy begins with treating the feet and hands with hot and cold towels respectively. Heat to relax the feet and improve circulation and cold towels to clean and strengthen hands.

The next step involves exfoliating the entire body using a scrub to remove dead skin cells. The 15-minute session involves a gentle body massage followed by a shower after which the warm seaweed mask is wrapped around the body and cocooned in user-friendly plastic for 20 minutes. Jane explains that the seaweed wrap may be combined with one of three options: wet room, Turkish room and Oxyspa. The wet room involves using significant amounts of water to achieve the desired results following the 20-minute wrap. With the Turkish room, a steam bath helps open up skin pores and speed up the cleansing process. Oxyspa involves lying down in a capsule through which oxygen is passed. Here a sauna-like effect is achieved where dry heat is used for the detoxification process. Jane says seaweed wrap is recommended even for those with hypertension, diabetes or cardiac problems as it has no adverse effects. The wrap therapy also aids weight loss, says Jane.

The session at the spa must be followed up with a Home Care Programme involving a healthy diet and exercise regimen.