Mother Nature’s very own rescue remedy, smearing yourself in mineral-rich mud is a great way to sooth tired muscles, improve circulation and soften the skin thanks to its therapeutic thermal properties.

As you begin to get mucky in the mud, your body will start to swelter and as a result, draw out any impurities you might have lurking underneath the skin. Perfect for prepping your body before a rubdown - strip off, slap on that sludge and start sweating.
How it works

From traditional mud baths and wraps to the more contemporary rasul mud treatments, the underlying message is that mud is good! Despite having similar results, it’s the therapy process that differs, so choose your muddy method and start to get au fait with its earthy effects. And just in case you were wondering exactly how earthy the mud is when it touches your body, before it’s used it will have been dried, powdered and sieved to separate stones, grass and other impurities (including creepy crawlies) out of the recipe, so there’s no need to worry about coming face to face with any bug eyed beauties.

Mud Baths

The name says it all. A form of therapy in which you immerse yourself in a warm mud bath, you can wallow away in your muddy hollow on your own or with others, so if you’re feeling a bit sheepish about getting knee deep in mire, you can bring along your pals too.

Once you’ve submerged yourself, it’s advisable to cover as much skin as possible including your face, you’ll then be left to sit back and soak up those minerals. So the mud doesn’t harden leaving you to be chiselled out of your beneficial bathing experience, the formula is mixed with naturally heated mineral waters to keep everything free-flowing.

On your first few visits to a mud bath or pool, it’s recommended that you don’t outdo your stay so normally sessions will generally be no longer than 10 minutes. However after regular visits, it’ll become less of a dip and more of a drench, as treatment times will be bumped up to an hour.

After you’ve been marinated in mud, you’ll be whisked out of the pool and directed into a fresh water shower to wash off all the swampy sweat you’ve been sitting in. Depending on your chosen treatment, mud baths are sometimes followed by a session in a steam room or a therapeutic body massage.

Often considered a group treatment, don’t go with anyone you’re not going to feel comfortable getting your kit off in front of, as attire can vary from your swimsuit to a skimpy pair of paper pants, so maybe not one to indulge in with your boss or the in-laws, especially if you’re feeling a little bashful.

Mud Wraps
The same as a mud bath, but on a smaller scale. The mud is still combined with warm water but instead of it filling a bath or pool, it’s made into a smooth paste which is spread onto the body.

Not only will you be ensconced in layers of mud, you will also be asked to lie on a bed of the gloopy goo. Mud will then be applied directly to the skin at a set temperature and thickness for around 15 minutes. As the wrap deeply warms your body, the mud will start to draw out impurities from your skin’s pores and relax muscles alleviating any inflammatory aches and pains and improving minor skin irritations.

Rasul Mud Treatment

A combination of the mud bath and the wrap, this also involves slapping on some mud and sitting in a warm place while the mud works its miracles. But instead of relaxing in a pool, this treatment involves a concoction of steam and mud.

Rather than coating yourself in one type of mud, Rasul divides the mud up into three different coloured mineral groups for specific parts of the body - your face, your front and your back.

Carried out in a special Rasul steam room, there will usually be two sets of heated seats facing each other. Normally decorated with pearlescent mosaic tiles and fairy lights, these little pods of peace and quiet are where you apply your mud. Depending on where you are having your treatment, the mud can be applied by a therapist or directly by you (although you might need some help with your back which is why, like the mud baths, this is a popular treatment for couples and groups). When you’re caked in your various mud mixtures, you’ll be asked to perch on one of the heated seats for around 15-25 minutes to warm the mud. Then, when you’re about to reach baking point, sprinklers in the ceiling will be turned on to wash away the mud and leave your skin feeling sparkly and smooth. The impromptu shower also returns your body temperature back to normal.

Is it for me?

Famed for its refreshing, invigorating and revitalising properties, mud is particularly renowned for helping to heal rheumatic complaints thanks to the heat helping to relax muscles and improve circulation. Mud treatments have also been used to treat swellings, skin problems, kidney disorders, gout, nervous disorders and stomach troubles.

Good to know

Native American Indians would often bury disease ridden people up to their necks in earth and leave them there for hours, believing that the body would draw all kinds of healing minerals directly from the ground.

Suddenly Slimmer Day Spa is located in Phoenix / Scottsdale Arizona. If you would like to book an appointment please call 602-952-8446.