Using seaweed from the Hebrides, Blythswood Square Spa’s Treatments Manager, Natalie Rodgers explains why everything you need to reduce cellulite and water retention can be found in Scotland …

What exactly is a Turus Body Wrap?

It’s a 55-minute treatment which starts with a Himalayan crystal salt body scrub which is applied all over the body and then followed immediately with a seaweed gel mask.  The salt crystals are activated by the gel so each product makes the other work harder.  Guests are then wrapped in hot towels and while the wrap gets to work we do a scalp massage.  Guests then shower and we finish by applying a beeswax body balm from ilā.

Where does it come from?

The treatment has been designed for us in conjunction with the product brand we work with – ilā.  The salt in the scrub comes from the caves in the Himalayas and believe it or not is more than 100 million years old.  The seaweed gel mask contains powdered seaweed from the Hebrides which is then combined with an ilā gel – this is a really important part of the treatment for us because it references Scotland in the ingredients – the name of the treatment also has cultural relevance as it’s a Gaelic word for ‘The Journey’.  The beeswax balm at the end is a completely natural product which melts into oil when it meets the skin.  There are no preservatives in it except honey.

What is it supposed to do?

The main purpose of the treatment is detox.  Seaweed contains 101 vitamins and minerals which help with this process and combat cellulite, water retention and swollen joints.

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment?

By adding in the scalp massage there is also a relaxation element to the treatment, and it means there is something going on while the wrap gets to work, rather than just laying there.  When we apply the scrub we use massage techniques rather than quickly putting it on which is usually the case, so again relaxation is incorporated even though it isn’t the main purpose of the treatment.

Is there anything you recommend clients to do pre or post-treatment to get the most out of it?

Afterwards it’s very important to drink a lot of water.  The salt and seaweed are very powerful and act fast which can make you feel dehydrated.  Also, avoid stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol, which will further dehydrate you and counter the detox effects.

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

It is great for anyone who has been leading quite a toxic lifestyle – maybe drinking a lot or not eating well.  It’s also very good for women going through the menopause as it helps with fluid retention, and is quite cooling, so it’s good for hot flushes!  Generally, it’s a nice treatment for anyone though, men and women.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this treatment and why?

Because it’s rich in iodine, it isn’t suitable for anyone with shellfish allergies or with thyroid problems, diabetes, pregnant women, anyone being treated for cancer, and it isn’t recommended for anyone with high blood pressure.  With any other medical conditions it is advised to discuss it with a therapist beforehand.