Wraps, packs and compresses

Wraps, packs and compresses Healthy and blissful

WRAP IT UP!

HOT Heat stimulates blood perfusion to skin, muscles and internal organs. This promotes relaxation, supports self-healing, removes toxins via the skin, and allows active ingredients to be absorbed.

COLD Cold treatments are analgesic, anti-inflammatory and relaxing. They ease swelling, draw out heat and reduce fever. They bind to inflammatory substances and thus remove them from the tissues.

Tip

Combine a body wrap with a nurturing body pack full of essential oils!

A special cream, tailored to suit your specific requirements, is gently applied to the body.

Choose from the following oils:

SWISS PINE For lethargy and sleep problems.

LAVENDER Improves circulation, has a soothing effect.

FIR Relieves colds and muscle pain.

PINE Stimulates blood flow and reduces inflammation.

ROSEMARY Heals wounds, and combats infections and colds.

PEPPERMINT Relieves headaches, has a relaxing effect. Austria’s traditional home remedy kit is filled with wholesome wraps and packs to treat all kinds of complaints: from vinegar leg wraps to reduce fevers and onion poultices for coughs, to curd cheese compresses for inflammation and potato cataplasms for pain. Whether hot or cold, wet or dry – there was a wrap, pack or compress to deal with any conceivable issue.

Many of these home remedies have now become part of standard medical practice here in Austria, where they are regularly administered by physiotherapists and balneotherapists. But how do these traditional treatments work, and when should we apply them? Brigitte Kraxner and Daniela Mauer from the baths department at Park Igls enlighten us and share useful tips.

HOW AND WHEN ARE WRAPS, PACKS AND COMPRESSES APPLIED? The specific application of these remedies depends on each patient’s symptoms. A cold compress is usually applied for acute inflammation, but chronic inflammation requires heat. Whatever the choice, it is always cleared with a doctor prior to treatment.

TOP TIPS FOR WINTER

LAVENDER CHEST COMPRESS Soothes the symptoms of bronchitis, asthma and COPD. Lavender compresses also help with insomnia, nervousness and anxiety.

BEESWAX COMPRESS Soothes throat irritations and has a mucolytic effect. Warming and relaxing, it also eases joint, back and stomach pain. Can also be used as a liver compress to promote detoxification.

TERRA-VIT FULL BODY WRAP Medicinal clay, aloe vera, jojoba and soya oils, plus a special wrapping technique activate the lymph system and promote the excretion of metabolic waste. The connective tissue is cleansed and tightened for a noticeable reduction in waist size.