Any Loss with Body Wraps?  

Body wraps originate from Egyptians, but there purpose was different from ours today. The original purpose for the Egyptian body wrap was to improve circulation especially in areas of the body where blood appeared to be clotting or pooling. Body wraps today have a new purpose - to lose inches or to lose body fat. Professionals have yet to determine which is actually the case if either is true or both are true.     

Body wraps have become quite popular of late in spas, salons and even the home. There are two forms of body wraps that can be utilized, one geared towards inch-loss while the other claims fat-loss. Next we will look at the two types of body wraps and how they work and if they work.   

First, is the Inch Loss Body Wrap. This body wrap works by removing water retention from the body. It is really only a temporary situation for looking one's slim-est, such as a large event, occasion or party. Eventually without change in diet the water retention will be restored in the body.     

Next is the Fat Loss Body Wrap. This body wrap functions differently from the Inch Loss Body wrap. It activates the lymphatic drainage in the body, where fatty acids and toxins are removed through bloated fat cells releasing to capillaries and removed through normal bodily functions. This stimulation to eliminate the toxins and fatty acids, aids in actual fat loss. Drinking large amounts of water encourage the desired result more efficiently. This body wrap may take more time in showing results, but it can be considered a permanent loss of fat if healthy diet is used.

Body wraps usually last for about one hour and are most often done in a spa setting. There are a few body wraps available that allow a person to still go about daily activities. Often the body wrap is done using lotions or oils soaked into the wrapping bandages mostly made of plastic, fabric or rubber. These are then wrapped around the body concentrating on the client's problem areas like the hips, thighs or waist. Specialty body wraps include boiled herbs, seaweed, salts and muds, all intended for either circulation purposes or as a treatment for the skin.     

Body wraps performed in the home can be misleading and are only the variety that reduces weight through water elimination and while that sounds good, it too is only temporary. Although the professionals can't agree on which body wrap is most efficient, they do agree that body wrap results are only a temporary fix for a long term problem. The actual problem can only be addressed through daily diet and exercise.     

Regardless if these body wraps work for loss of inches or fat, it is a great way to get in some alone time to rest and possibly get some "Zs" in while waiting for the procedure to finish. If it happens to provide detoxification benefits, there are no studies to prove such claims, but if it does, all the better while one gets some down time. It also provides a great way to stimulate the skin with moisture and conditioning.