TURKISH MUD BATH: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE VISITING
In a modern world, spa centers are usually preferred for relieving stress and relaxing with all sorts of massages and baths. Mud bath is often preferred for its benefits to the skin yet it can also be costly when it is done in a spa center. On the other hand, mud baths can be naturally found all around the world. Natural mud baths are the areas that both locals and tourists love to spend time in. Some of the most famous natural mud bath locations in the world are found in Turkey. If you are planning a visit to one of those mud baths, there are several things you need to know before visiting.
WHAT IS A MUD BATH?
Maybe we should start with a basic question as understanding the importance of mud baths may encourage you it visit one. Mud bath is an ancient beauty regimen even though it has become popular over the last decade or so as the spa centers started to offer mud baths.
Natural mud baths usually emerge from where hot springs, sea, lakes or even volcanic ashes are found. They are essentially the mixture of hot thermal springs and volcanic ash. Even though volcanic ash may sound a little scary, it is not harmful at all. Rich with all sorts of minerals coming from the thermals waters, these mud baths have healing properties for a good reason.
Mud baths are believed to have many positive effects on health and skin. Some mud baths are known to have healing effects on skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema. The warm nature of these mud baths is also known for relieving aching joints.
Along with its health benefits, mud baths are frequently used for cosmetic purposes as they are known to rejuvenate the skin, moisturize it while tightening it which is beneficial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
WHY IS IT WORTH A VISIT?
Many people prefer to visit the mud baths on a regular basis as they claim to experience its benefits for a long time after visiting it and they return once they feel its effect is fading away. Due to the minerals found in the mud baths, they are known to act as peeling and exfoliate dead skin, clean the skin impurities, relieve pain, heal skin conditions and tighten the skin.
You may also want to bathe in the mud baths and chill in the thermal springs to experience its benefits in accordance with your specific health condition. However, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration before attempting to visit any mud baths or thermal springs.
Each mud bath has a different set of minerals found in it, therefore, it is a good idea to choose the right one for your specific condition if you are planning to visit a mud bath for its healing properties. By simply doing research online or asking the facilities, you can get information about the minerals. It is also a good idea to consult your doctor before visiting the mud baths as every condition and its needs are unique.
Although mud baths are incredibly beneficial, they are not for everyone! Mud baths are not recommended to those who are taking specific medications, have a heart condition, have high or low blood pressure, have broken skin, cuts, open wounds or a severe skin condition, drink an excessive amount of alcohol and who are pregnant. It is also recommended to avoid getting the mud in your mouth, eyes, nose or ears in order to be safe from any infection.
On the surface, mud baths are not any different from your carefully prepared baths with all sorts of bath bombs and salts. They allow you to wind down and relax, enjoy the warmth while pampering yourself to have a glowing, healthy skin. It is worth a visit if you want to relax while having all the benefits that a traditional bath cannot offer.
If you are suffering from a certain skin condition that has a difficult healing process such as eczema, mud baths may be the miracle you are looking for. The minerals in the mud like magnesium, potassium and sodium have a soothing effect on irritated skin which would immensely help relieve the rashes and the itch you have. The healing effect of the mud on the skin conditions may also be related to its relaxing nature as such conditions are usually affected by stress as well. However, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor first to see if a mud bath would have any negative effects on your condition to stay on the safe side.
The mud is also known to have an anti-inflammatory effect which is why it helps relieve many pains and aches. If you are suffering from muscle pains or arthritis, you may want to visit a mud bath and experience its benefits. And again, it is recommended that you talk to your physician first to see if a mud bath is a good choice for your condition.
Similar to the mud masks, mud baths help the skin tighten and reduce the wrinkles while making the skin look healthier and glowing by pulling out any impurities and exfoliating the dead skin cells.
It must be mentioned that the healing effects of the mud baths are not scientifically proven but they simply help your body and muscles to relax which, in the end, has a positive effect on your overall health. However, they should not be considered medical treatment.
THE FAMOUS MUD BATH LOCATIONS IN TURKEY
Turkish mud baths are one of the most famous ones found in the entire world along with Dead Sea, Costa Rica and Peru.
Dalyan Mud Baths
Dalyan mud baths are the most famous ones internationally. The rumor has it, Cleopatra herself bathed in Dalyan mud baths where she took care of her legendary beauty. Each year, not only the Turkish citizens but also the international tourists visit Dalyan which is located in the city of Mugla. The entrance to the mud baths is quite cheap compared to the ones that spa centers offer. You only have to pay 6 TL to enter the mud baths in Dalyan.
Once you enter, let the fun begin! You have probably never played with mud since your childhood. Here, you are completely free to play with it. Cover your entire body and face with the mud and then let the sun dry it while you are resting. After waiting for about half an hour, you are ready for a shower to get rid of all the mud. But no worries, the fun is not over just yet. After cleaning yourself, you can hop into the thermal water which is known for healing painful joints, aching muscles and even rheumatism.
Afyon Mud Baths
Afyon mud baths are the most famous ones among Turkish citizens. Even though it is not as well known by the tourists, there are still many tourists who visit the mud baths every year along with Turkish citizens. The experience in Afyon mud baths is different from the Dalyan mud baths as professionals apply the mud on your skin while you are resting and relaxing with the beneficial effects of the mud itself. There are many hotels and resorts in Afyon only serving the people who are wanting to benefit from the mud baths and thermal springs.
The Gazlıgöl thermal spring in Afyon is thought to be the best one in the country as it is known for healing skin problems, rheumatism, kidney diseases as well as cardiovascular problems. The thermal spring includes minerals such as sodium chloride, bromide, fluoride, sodium bicarbonate and carbon dioxide.
Another famous mud bath in Afyon is Sandıklı. Sandıklı’s mud is known to have radioactivity however, it is not at a harmful level to humans. It is also said that the radioactivity in the mud is the key to its healing effect on pains.
Pamukkale Mud Baths
Pamukkale is one of the well-known areas among tourists due to the pure white travertines formed by minerals coming from the mineral waters. Pamukkale has three different areas that offer thermal springs and mud baths to visitors. You can benefit from the thermal waters while admiring the magical view of the cotton castles.
Susurluk Mud Bath
Susurluk mud bath is located in Balıkesir and it is very famous especially among the elderly as the mud bath and thermal waters in this specific place are known to have a healing effect on joint pains and diseases. Not as crowded as the other mud baths, this one may be just for you if you are looking for a smaller and a less crowded place.
WHERE SHOULD YOU GO?
That is completely up to you! Each mud bath has its own unique minerals and benefits as we have already mentioned. Check different mud baths and research their minerals. After doing your research, choose the best one according to your needs and condition. Then, enjoy the warm mud on your skin, feel the relaxation in your body in the thermal springs and have a rejuvenating time.
