What is paraffin wax therapy you may ask? Paraffin is a petroleum based wax and is melted in a controlled temperature wax pot for continuous use. It is commonly used in many salons and spas worldwide because of the variety of benefits it provides. It is offered as a luxurious addition to a manicure or pedicure but it is also typically used as heat therapy treatments for people with sore muscles, arthritis or other rheumatic diseases.

A paraffin treatment can feel like just a luxurious splurge at the spa but it is more than just an addition to a manicure or pedicure. At Mint Foot Care, we provide this treatment for about 20 minutes and once the treatment is completed, we follow it up with a peppermint lotion foot massage. This wax treatment has many benefits for both your skin and overall health and it has a long history of treating ailments naturally.

History

Paraffin wax was first discovered or engineered in 1830 by a scientist after it was learned how to separate the waxy substance from actual petroleum to be used to produce commercial items. Paraffin was a major advancement in the candle making the industry as it burned more cleanly and reliably and was cheaper to manufacture than any other candle fuel. The French and British were among the first to use paraffin wax medically during World War I. It was used to treat orthopaedic problems and its continuous use arose in popularity as it helped treat ailments.

How does it work?

Paraffin wax has a very high heat capacity in which it is able to absorb and retain a great amount of heat. In a simple process called heat transfer, the heat is transferred to the core of the affected area as paraffin goes through a phase change. As the wax melts in a heated bath, the paraffin becomes a liquid and it able to retain more heat. Then a hand, foot or other area is dipped into the heated bath, the paraffin surrounds the area and quickly turns into a solid, the heat is given off it called heat fusion.

Once the area is removed from the wax, the air causes the wax to harden. We place the foot and ankle three times into the wax bath and then the foot is placed inside a plastic bag before wearing a cotton booty to further insulate the heat. The hardened wax is then peeled away.

Paraffin wax therapy, however, is not recommended for people with diabetes, open wounds, allergies, hypertension and peripheral vascular disease.

Benefits

As mentioned before, paraffin wax has beneficial elements which is why it is widely used around the world.

• It is mostly used to treat arthritis, inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and other rheumatic diseases.
• It assists with tired and sore muscles, stiff joints, and muscle spasms.
• It increases the blood circulation in your body.
• It helps opens your pores.
• It leaves your skin radiant and improves your skin colour.
• It soothes and moisturises dry flaky skin.
• It assists in therapeutic massage, physical and occupational therapy.
• It increases your range of motion.