Paraffin more than a Spa Treatment

Most people know about paraffin wax from going to a spa. The salon/spa industry has been using paraffin wax for years to help soften and moisturize hands and feet.

Well, paraffin treatments have been around since ancient times and have been used for much more than just soft hands and feet.

A nurse friend of mine reminded me some doctors will recommend and write prescriptions for home paraffin dips after certain hand, elbow and foot surgeries. This got me to research how paraffin could help create a more effective massage experience.

I have found, in literary research,  paraffin is used to help the following conditions:
1. Arthritis
2. Osteoarthritis
3. Scleroderma
4. tendonitis
5. bursitis
6. ligament issues
7. Muscles strains
8. Muscle sprains
9. Scar tissue

What is paraffin?
It is a component of crude mineral oil, which is refined or separated, purified, chilled and filtered into its usable form. It has a heavy molecular weight.

How does it work?
The paraffin is warmed to approximately 120-125 degrees to become a liquid. In this state a person either dips their limb into a wax bath or it is brushed on or placed into a bag/glove. The heat from the warmed wax penetrates the skin. The heat and the heavy molecular weight of the oil increases local blood flow (circulation is improved) and the muscles can relax as a result. The wax helps to open pores while at the same time draws the bodies natural oils to the surface. As the wax remains on the skin and cools the body's oils can then re-moisturize the local skin. If extra oil is applied to join with the body's natural oil then even greater moisturizing occurs. Some times an area having long standing scar tissue develops limited blood flow and lymphatic movement. When this happens the area can retain fluid. Paraffin's ability to open pores and activate both blood and lymph circulation can draw the excess fluid from the localized area.

I currently have been getting results with arthritic type of hand conditions, hammer toe issues of the foot and scar tissue related fluid retention. I have been using the paraffin to help me give a deeper massage with less discomfort. It has also been useful in softening the connective tissue of the tendons to allow me to work with the muscles without having a pull from the tendons. This has greatly helped give longer lasting results of straightening toes know as hammer toes.

 The following conditions are not suited for paraffin:
1. Uncontrolled hypertension
2. Diabetes
3. Varicose veins

If you are interested in trying paraffin for yourself please feel free to book any time by going to
http://eclectichealingguide.fullslate.com/

Also remember to do your own research and discuss your options with your health care provider before starting any treatments which are not familiar to you.