Alternative health ...Body wrap industry takes off in Ozarks

by Steven Diegel

SBJ Contributing Writer

A trendy new service continues to catch on in the Springfield area, promising clients the chance to remove unwanted inches and improve skin condition.

Herbal body wraps were introduced to a number of locations in and around the city last year. The service promises a variety of health benefits, including lower body fat and healthier skin.

"What it does is lower body fat, reduces inches, detoxifies, and replenishes your skin," said Carrie Barefield, manager of a Springfield location of Wrap-Id Success. "It also gives the entire body the benefit of softer, smoother, tighter skin, reduces cellulite and helps with stretch marks."

The wrapping process is actually quite simple, according to Barefield. A bleaching process removes chemicals from ACE bandages, which are then soaked in an amino acid and herbal solution. The finished result is then warmed and wrapped around the body so the solution can seep into the system.

Barefield said the wrapping process does not actually reduce weight, but essentially re-shapes the body by as much as several inches or dress sizes, depending on the size and build of the individual. The herbal solution also remains in the system for an additional 72 hours to break down fat.

"We do not claim to be a weight-loss" technique, she said. "What we do is reduce inches."

The effects of the process can last more than a month before another treatment becomes necessary, provided no substantial change in lifestyle or diet is undertaken.

"This is not a temporary fix," Barefield said. "The inches that come off will stay off for four to six weeks without a change in lifestyle."

The concept of body wraps is believed to have started long ago in Europe, according to Barefield.

The idea caught on in America a few years ago, especially on the West Coast where several different forms have become popular.

"While it has been in America a few years, as clients have had different types done in California and in Vegas, it just hit in this area in the past nine months," she said.

Wrap-Id Success and similar companies are doing well as they fill an increasing demand among new and repeat customers.

"I think it has done extremely well so far," Barefield said. "Business has absolutely exploded here and in the surrounding area."

Barefield attributes the growing popularity of the program to people's desire to improve their appearance.

"Women and men, too are always looking for ways to improve themselves," she said. "Any time they can find a way to lower body fat, reduce inches and replenish their skin, they will do it."

To achieve the best long-term results, Barefield recommended combining the wraps with diet and exercise. Creams are also available for day-to-day use between sessions.

Barefield does the wraps at "A Finishing Touch" nail salon, located in the Savannah Square shopping center. A number of other locations are scattered around Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Rogersville and Springfield.

Surprisingly, area physicians are hesitant to comment on the health benefits of herbal body wraps. According to representatives from several Springfield hospitals, most physicians do not yet have enough information to comment on the process.

PHOTO CAPTION:

Herbal body wraps involve wrapping the client in warm ACE bandages soaked in an amino acid and herbal solution. Carrie Barefield, shown above wrapping Janet Champion, is one of several local people who have become involved in the quickly growing business. [[In-content Ad]]