Not since the age when you made mud pies have you associated mud with fun. You may think that lolling in dirt can’t offer any real benefits, but mud baths are a relaxing way to unwind — and they’re good for you, too.
For thousands of years, mud baths have been touted as a cure-all for a number of health ailments. While some of these claims have never been proved, mud baths do have anti-inflammatory properties that make them beneficial [sources: Matz]. They also contain many minerals that can soothe itchy, irritated skin. [source: Bouchez]. In fact, people with conditions, such as psoriasis, rosacea and spondylitis, have found relief from their ailments by taking a dip in these seemingly innocuous dirt-and-water concoctions.
The name may be misleading, though — mud baths don’t contain your everyday backyard soil. Spas and salons typically use a soil composed of seaweed, volcanic ash, clay and other mineral-rich substances mixed with mineral or spring water. The mud is usually heated to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit — — the heat will relax your muscles, and you’ll probably perspire while you’re in the tub [source: HealthSpa].
Everyone deserves to be pampered once in a while, and few things are more relaxing than a trip to the spa. It may feel strange to submerge your body in a tub full of warm dirt and water, but mud baths do have several health benefits. For thousands of years, people all over the world have believed in the healing powers of mud, and natural hot springs were popular long before the creation of the modern health spa [source: Lund].
1. Anti-inflammatory properties
Soaking in mud and its minerals can help alleviate aches and muscle pains.
2. Sooth & exfoliate your skin!
It’s amazinv what soothing effect mud and its minerals — including sodium, magnesium and potassium — can have on the skin. Soaking in mud baths can even help relieve the symptoms of many conditions such as psoriasis and rosacea [sources: Matz]. However, people with these conditions should be careful that the mud isn’t too grainy — it can irritate their skin [source: Bouchez].
3. Improve back pain
Studies show that mud baths can even improve spinal symptoms in patients with spondylitis, a painful disease caused by inflammation of the vertebrae [source: Cozzi].
Sold yet? We’ve got a great idea for some mud treatment: Sign up for the Hollis Adams Mud Run! 🙂
Treat yourself to a therapeutic experience that is sure to cure everything that ails you! Sign up today for the Hollis Adams Mud Run (HAMR). It is guaranteed to be a muddy place. Our version of the mudbath replaces the “mineral springs” with local craft beer, and we even add in a huge piece of Nelson’s chicken. You will be getting dirty for a great cause as all proceeds go to improving the lives of adults with developmental disabilities in the greater Indy area.
This event is sure to leave you feeling great about yourself!
With all of these benefits, there’s no reason to wait for your next spa visit. Sign up for the Hollis Adams Mud Run!
