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Mud, Mud, glorious Mud, nothing quite like it for cooling the blood…
The latest health and wellness experience at Casa de Campo Spa includes a monthly mud bath. Why on earth, you might ask, would I want to take a mud bath? Well we would have to agree that it is a messy business, but ask any of the residents who joined in the activity at Minitas beach this month and they will probably tell you that it is well worth the mess and lots of fun!
Mud cleansing is an ancient healing technique used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks to purify the body. Mud contains a number of minerals including sulphur, iron, magnesium, potassium, iodine, selenium, zinc and calcium and is sourced from at least four inches below the surface of the earth. It is then purified of pebbles and dirt and left to dry in the hot sun which has a thermal effect and improves absorption of minerals into the skin. At the time of use, the sanitized mud powder is mixed with water to form a clay-like paste and then applied to the skin. Once the body is covered, the paste is kept moist so that the mud continues to absorb toxins from the skin for a period of between 30 – 45 minutes. As vitamins and minerals are more effectively absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin than through the digestive tract, mud therapy can also help nourish and re-mineralize quickly, making it especially useful in the treatment of the elderly and young children.
After 45 minutes, the cataplasm is washed off either in the sea or in the shower, and to maximize benefits the removal of the mud can be accompanied with an intense massage.
Some of the benefits of mud cleansing include reducing inflammation; helping to heal wounds and skin conditions; detoxifying internal organs; strengthening the immune system; removing dead skin and hair; reducing skin imbalances; improving circulation and reducing cellulite and varicose veins. It can also be used as a natural after-sun, a natural deodorant and stimulates collagen production of the skin.
From a healing perspective, mud cleansing has long been used in the treatment of the following imbalances:
And just to top it off, mud therapy can be used for weight loss! Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, this ancient technique can help you release excess fat stores by boosting metabolism and helping to burn fat and toxins faster whilst toning the skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
It is said that Cleopatra’s secret to eternal beauty was the dead sea mud that she used in her weekly beauty ritual. Today, with the excess of chemicals, toxins and pollutants that we are exposed to, mud therapy is a natural and effective way to help rid ourselves of impurities in the body.
For more information on mud cleansing, special discounts for residents and all upcoming wellness events, visit the Casa de Campo Spa or call Ext: 8529
Ki-Ra is now managing the Casa de Campo Spa and brings an additional holistic offering of health and wellness to the resort. The focus is on the whole; using local, organic products and authentic treatments to deliver an assured sense of overall wellbeing.
Kyra Montagu, N.D. is a naturopathic doctor, specializing in herbal medicines, ayurvedic practices, holistic healing therapies, tropical nutrition and yoga. Kyra was trained in Spain, the UK, India and Venezuela; has boundless enthusiasm for what she does and her training and passion have helped her choose the holistic lifestyle she lives today. She’s eager to share this experience – having a huge appreciation for nature and helping to develop mind, body and soul with a healing sense of fun. Kyra was brought up in London and Casa de Campo and is a Founding Partner of Ki-Ra where she lives with her husband and their 5 children.