18 DEC 2018: It’s been a long year to say the least. But, as the big man himself is chimney bound in a week’s time, it is finally coming to a close. While children everywhere are frantically cleaning their rooms in hopes of making up for lost time, I, on the other hand, am in search of a nice spot of mud.

Cleanliness and sterilization are nearing obsession in North America with cleaning products, antibacterial soaps, and hand sanitizers all boasting the eradication of 99.99% of germs. A climate in which playing around in the dirt, means a one way ticket to Santa’s naughty list.

But, to the cells of your body, it means a gold ticket to wellness.

There’s a reason that a healing mud bath is such a classic spa offering that has stood the test of time. Cultures all over the world continue to enjoy the many benefits of soaking in hot mud. Many find a mud bath brings them relief from stress, aches and pains (particularly muscle stiffness and joint arthritis) chronic dry skin, and respiratory conditions; it even boosts your immune system! The heat from the mud draws your blood towards the surface of your skin, improving circulation (goodbye cellulite) while also supporting healthy cellular detoxification. Mud itself is very absorptive which encourages impurities out of your skin, clearing the skin and reducing acne.

The nitty gritty of a mud bath at the spa typically involves a blend of mud, clay, and mineral rich water, often from local hot springs. Some even throw in some local volcanic ash for good measure. The mud is heated to a few degrees warmer than body temperature, typically 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit. You simply soak and let your troubles melt away.

While the heat is a critical part of the healing experience, the real magic of a mud bath comes from the mineral content. Too many of us are deficient in minerals because of over-farming in depleted soil. Blending together mud, clay, water from hot springs, and volcanic ash, we create a densely mineral rich substance. When we cover our bodies largest organ with it, our skin, we eagerly soak in all those minerals. Obvious and near immediate improvements in skin moisture, elasticity and softness, are common, while other benefits occur beneath the surface. Minerals play a key role in the formation of enzymes that are necessary for proper digestion, immune system function, and even arthritic pain relief.

While most spas near you will likely offer various forms of mud bathing from foot soaks to full body wraps, the most popular destinations for an authentic experience include the volcanic regions of Miravalles and Tabacon in Costa Rica, the Euganean Hills of Italy, and the volcanic mud baths of Cartagena, Columbia, as well as Napa Valley, California. While these volcanic regions are often highly regarded, the Dead Sea region of Israel is also an excellent option because it has the highest mineral content of all water on planet earth. The exceptionally high sulfur content will reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

While it seems to be a cure-all for nearly everything, those with heart conditions, blood pressure issues, open wounds, and heat sensitivities are cautioned against taking this particular plunge. And let me be clear, that the quality of the mud in question is of utmost importance. Flailing around in the puddles of your local park post rainfall could expose you to harmful bacteria and other toxic substances, not to mention a potential permanent stain on your record. Santa’s not the only one watching these days, so while you may find mud all around you, keeping it clean in the spa is best.