Girls might think they are made of sugar and spice, but if they know better and want a great smooth skin, they’ll take a hint from the boys and play in the mud!

SPA stands for ¨Sanus per Aqua¨, which means ¨health through water¨. But did you know that all of that good water also produces fantastic mud? When used in an appropriate way and comes from an adequate source, mud is one of the healthiest components of spa therapies! There is a huge variety of different types of mud, with each its own qualities.

The spa therapy in which mud and/ or clay is used for healing purposes is called Fangotherapy (fango is the Italian word for mud). Mud used in mud treatments you can find throughout the world. Depending on the source of the mud, each mud has different characteristics. This means that each mud has different curative effects, varying from rheumatoid arthritis, immune disorders, fibromyalgia, muscular pain, pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchitis, acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic dry skin, scars, etc.

Fango is an unglamorous grayish-brown slime. It is made up of a solid, clay-like component, marine or thermal water and an algae-based flurry. Fango is organic and undergoes a maturation process before being considered therapeutic. All types of fango have heat-retention properties and can be warmed up and applied to the skin, which leads to perspiration from the client. The result is increased circulation, which aids nutrient and waste exchange. The body will be stimulated to eliminate any toxic substances in the body. (Mud treatments are therefore also very often used in Detox or Weight loss programs). While clay should not be allowed to completely dry out on skin, it can be allowed to dry slightly to aid natural exfoliation and improve skin texture.

Spanish mud

Many types of clay are commercially available from different soils and environments around the world. Spain has many natural mineral water springs and the Mediterranean sea has great sources for high quality mud with a general higher mineral contents than other clays. Spanish clay, either from the Mediterranean or the mineral water springs in the inland, is highly absorbent and is used to draw impurities and moisture from the surface of the skin. This drawing action stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow and purifies the skin.

There are some excellent places in Spain where they use mud from their own spring! Our top picks:

Balneario de Archena

Balneario de Archena located in Spain’s Murcia region, is renowned for its therapeutic mud, rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and sulfur. These elements provide powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and detoxifying effects, making the mud ideal for treating rheumatism, arthritis, and skin conditions. The mud is applied warm, enhancing circulation and soothing muscle pain. It is left on the skin to allow the minerals to penetrate deeply, followed by a cleansing thermal bath to enhance the healing process. The treatments at Archena offer a natural, holistic approach to wellness, combining ancient practices with modern therapeutic techniques. mineral water source.

You can opt for a hot mud pack, or the ¨Archena Massage¨ signature treatment of Balneario de Archena, which uses a combination of Vichy shower and Mud.

Fontsanta Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness

Fontsanta Hotel, located in Mallorca, Spain, is renowned for its thermal mineral water springs and healing mud treatments. The water, rich in sulfur, minerals, and therapeutic properties, emerges naturally at 38°C and is known for alleviating conditions like arthritis, respiratory issues, and skin disorders. As the only natural hot springs in the Balearic Islands, visitors can enjoy the unique pleasure and well-being of this thermal spa. The mud, derived from the spring, is infused with minerals that detoxify and rejuvenate the skin. Font Santa’s spa offers mud baths, wraps, and other treatments, promoting relaxation and enhancing overall health.

This blog is written by your Sister in Wellness Femke, one of the two sisters that founded SIS Wellness Holidays. The SISters Femke & Neel live in Spain, where they continuously seek out the finest health and wellness resorts, as well as rejuvenating retreats. We hope to motivate you with our advice and tips on living a healthy lifestyle, so you can be the best version of yourself!