wraps

Definition of Pack

A pack or compress means a very special treatment which consists of applying bandages, gauzes or cotton cloths soaked in water to the skin mixed with essential oils.

The wraps represent an interesting use of aromatic waters dating back to ancient times: today, compresses are commonly performed for therapeutic purposes, replacing the classic essential oils with more powerful and appropriately diluted bio-aromas or medicated drops. However, there are also "neutral" wraps made only with bandages and hot or cold water without the addition of medicines or essences: in this case, the therapeutic / beneficial action of the treatment is subjected exclusively to the temperature of the water with which the wrap is performed.

Note : to avoid misunderstandings and misunderstandings, it is good to point out that the "tablet" mentioned above has nothing to do with the homonymous pharmaceutical form to be taken by mouth. In this case, the terms "tablet" and "pack" are used without distinction as synonyms to indicate the same ancient treatment with aromatic waters / medicaments, which is carried out precisely through the application of moistened bandages or gauzes to the skin.

How to prepare

The preparation of a compress is very simple, but to exploit the maximum therapeutic efficacy it is necessary to know (and put into practice) the correct method of use.

Before proceeding with the realization of the pack, it is necessary to prepare all the instruments:

• Water (hot or cold, depending on the needs and the disturbance you want to restore)
• Essential oils or medications in the form of drops
• Bandages, gauze, cotton cloth or folded flannel

In general, the packs are prepared by adding a few drops of the chosen essence to a container containing cold or hot water. After immersing it in the aromatic water, the bandage (or gauze) must be immediately extracted, well wrung out and applied directly to intact, clean and dry skin. The wrap must be kept close to the interested part as long as its temperature has reached the body one.

The operation must be repeated several times to fully benefit from the effectiveness of the pack.

Hot and cold packs

The only element that distinguishes hot and cold packs is the temperature of the water in which the essences are dispersed. This particular, apparently insignificant, is actually very important to distinguish the various types of wraps and their therapeutic purposes:

1. The hot packs - which must be held on the skin until the bandage cools, thus reaching the same body temperature - find particular indication as a support to the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and back pain
2. Cold packs - which must be held on the skin as long as the bandage warms up, thus equaling body temperature - are particularly indicated for the treatment of headaches, strains, hyperthermia (fever) and all other disorders characterized by heat or swelling.

Hot and cold packs base their therapeutic activity exclusively on water temperature. In any case, to enhance the desired effect it is possible to add essences or medicaments to the water: in these cases, the temperature of the pack facilitates the absorption of the substance contained in the liquid (of which the bandage is soaked). In fact, the humidity conferred by the skin pack tends to "macerate" the skin, thus favoring the absorption of the essence.

• The therapeutic action is an expression of the temperature of the pack and / or of the functional substance dispersed in the liquid

Aromatic waters

Since time immemorial, aromatic waters have been exploited to promote the well-being of the skin and the spirit: as we know, the perfumed waters (hydrolates) - an essential ingredient in the preparation of an aromatic pack - are made up of an aqueous base enriched with essential oils.

The choice of scented water in a pack is very important because the final therapeutic effect will depend on it.

Let's see, then, which are the aromatic waters most used in the preparation of a pack:

• Rose water: it has refreshing, toning and astringent properties, ideal for treating red skin. Rose water can also be used in greasy hair packs
• Lemon water: has astringent, purifying and disinfectant properties, indicated for the treatment of impure skin and oily hair
• Orange blossom water: its delicate effect is indicated for the treatment of sensitive and reddened skin
• Lavender water: its detoxifying and regenerating properties make it suitable for acne affected skin, couperose and blackheads. The packs with aromatic lavender waters are also indicated to strengthen muscles, relieve itching from mosquito bites and insects in general, and relax the body (anxiolytic properties).
• Water flavored with centella asiatica or ruscus essence: the microcirculation stimulating properties of these plants find indication in the treatment of cutaneous adiposities. Not surprisingly, centella, rusco and horse-chestnut extracts are used to make compresses, mud or anti-cellulite masks.
• Water enriched with arnica essence: the arnica extract is widely used in phytotherapy to combat rheumatic pains. Not by chance, the plant's anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory), analgesic, revulsive (stimulating the microcirculation) and antineuralgical properties find indication in traumatology in the presence of post-traumatic edema and traumatic articular disorders in general.

Aromatic packs, as well as neutral ones made without the use of essential oils, should not be considered drugs: in fact, in general, these treatments do not resolve the disease, but they can still attenuate or temporarily mask a specific disorder, supporting any therapy medical.