Children aren't the only ones who like to play in the mud. Mud treatment is becoming popular around the world for many reasons, including improving blood circulation, detoxifying skin, purifying skin, blackhead and blemish removal, anti-aging treatment and natural healing of certain medical disorders. The mud used in spa treatments is not the typical kind found in a person's yard, but more of a combination of several types of minerals and clay. There are several different types of mud treatments, each using a different variety of mud.
Peat therapy is a type of mud treatment with several uses. These uses include, but are not limited to, relief of musculoskeletal pains, eczema, detoxification, insomnia, relaxation, arthritis, fibromyalgia, infertility, immune system stimulation and common aches and pains. Peat is a type of mud containing water, sulfur, humic and fulvic acids and cellulose. It can be added to warm or room temperature water, or applied as a hot or cold pack, depending upon the desired results. This type of mineral treatment can be performed at a spa, or in the comfort of one's own home.
Peloid is a type of mud therapy used in the treatment of rheumatoid and gynecological disorders, osteoarthritis, skin diseases, and sciatica, as well as common problems such as blackheads, blemishes and wrinkles. A peloid treatment can only be performed in a mud treatment spa, as it is very expensive. Peloids are composed of humus, minerals and virgin clay that must be matured for a minimum of two years in special man-made ponds.
Parafango packs are used to slow down the degradation of elastine and collagen in the skin, soothe muscle tension, and reduce localized swelling around joints. Parafango contains paraffin, seaweed extracts and volcanic mineral ash. Paraffin is highly regarded for its heat conducting features, as it cools four times more slowly than water. This type of mud treatment is applied by soaking part of the body in the mud, or by brushing it onto the desired area. It is then allowed to harden into a waxy coating.
Mud masks are another type of mud treatment, often used in the treatment of skin blemishes are as part of an anti-aging regiment. They are available at most beauty supply stores and are relatively inexpensive. Unlike mud treatments available at beauty spas, this variety often contains dyes, perfumes and preservatives that may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
