From its ancient Roman roots to its growing popularity in modern spa practices, paraffin baths have unleashed their powerful benefits upon mankind. In this article, we are going to look at exactly what their benefits are and how you can use them to get the most benefit from them. Get ready to learn all about this one-of-a-kind healing therapy by exploring paraffin bath therapy!
Paraffin: is it a form of wax?
Yes it is a different form of wax other than beeswax. Paraffin wax is used to help treat various skeletal health issues such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, rheumatism, and post-traumatic rehabilitation. One of the advantages of paraffin wax over beeswax is that it does not stick to the skin and can therefore be removed without any problem. It is also very popular with physiotherapists due to its vasodilating properties which help reduce pain by stimulating blood circulation. It is increasingly being used for its fast and effective pain relief associated with various conditions.
BENEFITS OF PARAFFIN FOR HANDS AND FEET
-
Improve elasticity.
In general, the skin becomes harder and rougher when we wear sandals or open shoes. In cold weather, our feet often become dry and require special attention: paraffin treatments can help restore moisture and even promote mobility.
-
Hydrate the skin.
Paraffin is typically applied and then removed from the hands during a spa treatment or manicure, resulting in soft, moist hands and cuticles. And of course, your feet are a part of the body that needs extra attention and care due to the stress they go through every day. A paraffin foot treatment is meant to soothe, heal rough areas of your feet and of course help you relax!
-
Relieve swelling.
When paraffin is heated, the heat from the wax works wonders and helps relieve muscle and joint pain in the hands and feet. You can also add additional oils to the paraffin to increase the soothing effect, such as lavender or tea tree.
-
Soften the skin.
Your feet are usually under a lot of stress from wear and tear, which can lead to the formation of calluses. The oils in paraffin help soften these calluses, and can even be helpful for sensitive skin issues like eczema.
-
Eliminate dead skin.
Dead skin can negatively affect your toenails and nail cuticles, and should be removed as soon as it forms. Paraffin wax is very effective in removing these dead skin cells, while soothing and softening calluses on the hands and feet, and healing dry, cracked skin on the heels of the feet.
How to produce a paraffin bath to revitalize the skin of the hands and feet?
- Enjoy the relaxing warmth of a thermal paraffin bath to immediately revitalize rough, dry skin on hands, elbows and heels. Your hands are immersed in a hot liquid wax. Paraffin wax deeply moisturizes and cares for the skin of your hands, as well as your nails and cuticles. The wax then hardens slightly on your skin and is removed after a few minutes.
- Dab some wax on the inside of your wrist. It should be very warm, but not uncomfortable. Do not dip your hand/foot/elbow in the wax if it is too hot.
- Spreading your fingers and toes, slowly dip your hand/foot into the wax. Slowly dip your elbows as well.
- Making sure to maintain the fingers/toes spread position, immediately remove your hand/foot or elbow. Wait 3-5 seconds until the paraffin loses its wet appearance, then dip again, repeating the process until 3-5 layers have been formed.
- Immerse to the same depth each time, so that the edge of the wax “glove” thickens evenly.
- Wrap hand, foot or elbow in basic household plastic wrap (not included) and relax for 10-15 minutes as the wax releases its heat to soothe and soften your skin.
- When the heat subsides, remove the plastic wrap and discard.
- Wiggle fingers/toes to loosen wax and remove paraffin starting at wrist/ankle and pulling down like a glove.
If you are the only one using the bath, you can save it for later use. To do this, put the wax back in the bath, put the lid on. Turn the switch OFF, unplug and let the bath and wax cool before storing.
