The Pageant Fans: July 2014

Bikini babes soaking in mud

Mud baths originated hundreds of years ago. It is said that Cleopatra pampered herself in mud baths with mud from the Dead Sea. Today, people flock to spas to immerse themselves in the thick substance that rejuvenates their mind, body and soul.

The skin is the largest organ in the body, so needs to be cleansed often and looked after properly. The easiest and quickest way to detox is through the pores in our skin – sweating out toxins is one way, but using mud also helps to draw out impurities which in turn can increase energy and improve our overall health and well-being.

Covering the body in mud not only detoxifies, but also plays a role in improving the skins general complexion. As toxins are drawn out of the body, acne and spots may reduce, whilst blood circulation improves revitalizing skin tissue.

A mud bath typically consists of soaking in a mud paste which is about 100 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes. From there, you rinse off in a mineral shower and move to a whirlpool bath and then are wrapped in blankets to slowly cool down the body.

The type of mud used for a mud bath will depend on location of the spa. Typically, mud paste is a mixture of clay, ash, peat and water. It is usually acquired from locations around the world, such as the Middle East.

Below the the surface, mud baths work deeper into the body, benefiting the muscles too. It is said that using mud for therapeutic reasons can reduce inflammation, alleviating the pain of arthritis, rheumatism and relax muscle stiffness and tension,

A mud bath offers both physical and mental benefits. It detoxifies the skin of chemicals, exfoliates and softens the skin, clears up acne, relieves tension and stress, and has been known to help with arthritis. It also offers relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind and body.

Relaxed muscles also means a relaxed mind. Not only that, but splashing around in a bath full of mud is bound to bring a smile to your face and reduce any stresses and anxieties you may have.

Absorbing mud into your skin, means you also extract all of the minerals present, such as, magnesium and potassium. Magnesium plays a vital role in the health of our hearts, bones, blood pressure, and helps treat depression. Potassium is similar, stabilizing blood pressure, helping heart and kidney disorders, benefiting brain health, water balance, and boosting the metabolism.

Many travel to California's Napa Valley region, which offers Calistoga mud baths, where the mud is a mixture of clay, peat and Calistoga hot springs mineral water.