To complement the MASSAGE Magazine article, “The Physiology Behind Body Wraps,” , in the October 2013 issue. Article summary: Ancient Egyptians were on to something when it came to skin care: They applied papyrus leaves saturated with a solution of natural herbs to the body to relieve stress, soothe aching muscles, cleanse internally and moisturize skin. While body wraps of today no longer depend on papyrus leaves, they can achieve the same, and better, benefits for clients. These benefits include detoxification, contouring, rejuvenation and balance.
Aloe vera is the perfect main ingredient in body-wrapping solutions. The enzyme-active nature of aloe vera is the binder that allows other ingredients to work synergistically and helps active properties penetrate deeply into the skin. Aloe vera and herb solutions will provide synergistic values of those herbs, such as detoxification, relaxation and cellular regeneration.
Aloe vera also provides a bonus of holding its water content until it reaches deeper tissues, where it releases moisture. This provides deep hydration of skin tissue and additional benefits of the ingredient blend.
Skin soothing and cell renewal are two important characteristics of aloe that can be utilized in body-wrap treatments. Body wraps that use aloe vera will moisturize while delivering skin-strengthening plant hormones to skin layers. Using water-soluble aloe tea ingredients will create a refreshing treatment without the need to shower or clean off product after treatments.
Benefits of an aloe vera body wrap include relaxation, skin conditioning, cellulite reduction and body sculpting. Aloe vera is calming and normalizing to skin; in fact, it is rare for a person to be allergic to aloe vera.
Many clients prefer the traditional mummy-style application of a body wrap, which can feel pampering and luxurious. Some clients prefer the quick, express-wrap style that uses gelled solutions and plastic film. Still, other clients enjoy the relaxation and comfort of a cocoon-style body wrap. Aloe-based treatments are available for use in any of these options, and require minimal preparation and cleanup. Aloe vera solutions are available in liquid and gel forms.
Aloe-based treatments usually have a lower cost per treatment and can boost your revenue. Treatments can cost as little as $5 for wrap solution, while you might charge between $55 and 125 for a body wrap. Body wraps are usually scheduled in a series of seven to 12 treatments, and clients return every four to five days for continued body wrap results. Aloe-based home-maintenance products will lead to repeat visits and sales, even after clients finish with their series of treatments.
Adding aloe-based body wraps to your massage practice can be a beneficial choice for clients and yourself. Using professional methods of treatment and understanding ingredients will build confidence and satisfaction into every service offered. Varying your menu offerings will create excitement and bring clients to your practice to see what is new.
Jan Heinrich is managing director at Set-N-Me-Free Aloe Vera Co. (www.set-n-me-free.com). Since 1980, Heinrich and the Set-N-Me-Free team of professionals have been manufacturing healthy aloe vera-based creams, lotions and spa-industry treatment products. Heinrich was a salon owner for nine years and has worked with the Oregon Road Runners Club, Nike games, Oregon Chiropractic Association and many other groups associations in the areas of training and product support.