Paraffin is a wax-like hydrocarbon that is used in a variety of applications, including candle-making, as sealants for bottles, as coating for candy, and even for making rocket fuel. The benefits of paraffin for feet are primarily to heal calluses and blisters, as well as open up the pores and deeply moisturize the skin. The heated wax can also work to soothe aching joints and promote blood circulation in the feet. The treatment may also help with people suffering from arthritis.
To experience the benefits of paraffin for feet the wax is first melted down and then typically poured into a plastic bag. The foot is then placed inside the bag with the open end secured tightly around the ankle, and the paraffin solution is then quickly rubbed over the foot and ankle. Care is taken not to allow any part of the foot to sit too long in the solution. Once the foot has been fully covered in the melted paraffin, the plastic bag is removed and the wax is allowed to cool and harden. The foot is typically wrapped in a towel at this point so that the wax does not harden too quickly as well as to trap the heat.
The trapped heat serves to ease any pain or aches that may be present in the foot. The treatment is gentle enough to be applied on a daily basis for people suffering from chronic pain, but for those that are simply looking for a softer skin applications once or twice a week should be sufficient. Paraffin wax is non-toxic if applied topically and it generally does not have any trace odors after the treatment. Sometimes essential oils can be added to the wax for a desired odor. When visiting a spa for a treatment it is recommended to check that the wax is fresh as bacteria can still grow in the solution.
Some of the other benefits of paraffin for feet can include reducing the effects of muscle spasms and tendinitis, which is when there is inflammation of the tendon. Paraffin treatment can include other areas of the body and fibromyalgia is another condition that it may be able to help. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can include pain over a wide area of the musculoskeletal system. Doctors are unsure what the cause of this condition is, but some believe that it may be linked to chemical imbalances and possibly stress or previous illnesses. Paraffin for feet treatments may be one way to begin to alleviate some of the potentially debilitating effects of some of these ailments.