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RAPAN APPICATIONS FOR HEALTH
PROBLEMS
Due to their numerous therapeutic properties thanks to the abundance of minerals, antioxidants, carotenoids, retinoids, hormones, vitamins and other biologically active substances, Rapan products are being used in Russian clinics and spas to address various medical problems – musculo-skeletal (e.g. arthritis, traumas, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis, disorders of the spinal column, etc.), disorders of the nervous system (e.g. chronic pain connected with certain changes in the central and peripheral nervous system, neuropathology, anxiety, depression, neuritis, etc.), skin disorders (psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, acne, etc.), genito-urinary disorders (prostatitis, inflammation of the ovaries, cystitis, endometriosis, etc.), circulatory system: angina, high blood pressure, varicose veins, poor peripheral circulation, oedema connected with circulatory problems, etc.), digestive disorders (colitis, gastro-enteritis, ulcers, IBS, etc.), respiratory disorders (including asthma, bronchitis, etc.), immune system disorders (susceptibility to colds, flu, infections, allergies), endocrine diseases, etc. The list is long. The procedures are prescribed and patients are supervised by medical doctors, since pelotherapy (the use of muds and clays for therapeutic purposes) is an integral part of conventional medicine there. In the EU, especially in the Western block, there is no such long-rooted tradition, so peloids are mostly used as part of beauty treatments in beauty spas, especially in the UK, which has no known resorts where peloids would be used for medical purposes. Rapan products have been allowed for marketing as cosmetic products. However, these products are being used with great results at Russian spas, resorts and clinics to help people with various conditions, and you can make your own choices. These recipes are non-prescriptive. They are just ideas. If you suffer from any medical problems, please consult your doctor, and certainly do not stop taking medication/treatment you are taking, nor resort to self-treatment. Rapan products are holistic by nature, since they benefit the body and mind as a whole, relying on the body's ability to use its internal intelligence and self-healing mechanisms. They supply the body with the building blocks in the form of minerals so it can heal, rebuild what has been damaged, and restore internal balance – homeostasis. I will not give you a recipe for this or that condition, since it will be a very narrow approach. Instead, I will give you general ideas on how the products can be used, and what conditions can be addressed by these methods. Remember to drink plenty of water before and after the treatments – it will hydrate you and promote removal of toxins.
EXPECTED EFFECTS OF RAPAN PRODUCT USE Rapan spa creates a sense of being born again – it revives and regenerates the body and soul, bringing both in a state of harmony with nature, because Rapan is nature itself. It restores the skin, nourishes it with micro-elements and other useful substances. There are numerous problems that can be addressed with the Rapan range. Therapeutic properties of Rapan are explained by the products' anti-inflammatory, analgesic, effects, their ability to improve circulation and lymph drainage in areas of pathology, desensitizing action, and stimulating effect on the body metabolism. Rapan has an analgesic, bactericidal, healing effect. It restores blood circulation in the skin and internal organs. The laboratory analysis of Rapan products has shown a presence of peptides. Peptides have an ability to reduce pain, stimulate anti-oxidant and adaptogenic regulatory body systems, as well as regeneration of the body cells, thus slowing down the body ageing processes. They are used to relieve rheumatic, joint and muscle aches/pains. Using Rapan products relieves fatigue, reduces anxiety, neurosis, insomnia, promoting circulation, reduction of muscle tension. They help restore energy, emotional and general health.
THERAPEUTIC COMPESSES/POULTICES
Compresses are a good old remedy for a number of problems. In temperature terms, there are hot, cold and contrasting compresses. Please remember two rules as far as compresses are concerned:
Hot compresses will attract blood to an area of application, relax muscles, widen pores, promote removal of toxins, dead cells, thus regenerating the skin. On a deeper level, they also attract blood to the underlying organs and structures promoting healing in them and restoring homeostasis. They relieve spasms, nagging aches/pains, relax tight muscles, etc. Cold compresses are tightening, cooling and refreshing for the skin and pain relieving for the area of application. They are used on inflamed areas, contusions, sprains, strains, especially within the first 24 hours after an injury (cold is essential to stop further bleeding into the tissues). Contrasting compresses promote good skin tone, stimulate and tighten the skin, improve its colour, texture and help keep it young and fresh. They are especially beneficial for ageing skin, but all skin types will benefit. On the therapeutic level, they stimulate the area into healing. Do not use on inflamed areas, recent traumas (within the first 72 hours), tumours and undiagnosed lumps.
Mineral compresses improve
circulation, skin tone, speed up metabolic processes in the skin and
muscles, reduce puffiness, irritation, are anti-inflammatory,
soothing and have the added benefit of controlling mineral balance of
the skin. For this purpose, Rapan products have been researched and
proved to be effective for numerous conditions. How to Prepare & Apply a Compress / Poultice
Compresses are very easy to prepare and apply both in a clinic and at home. For body compresses, you will need some gauze or thin cloth folded to create 4-8 layers (depending on the cloth thickness), compress/greaseproof paper, and an elastic bandage. For a hot compress – an extra piece of thick cloth to wrap the area around for extra warmth. Soak the cloth in the prepared liquid, apply quickly on an affected area, cover with the greaseproof paper, wrap around with the bandage, and another piece of material for warmth. Leave it on for the recommended amount of time – from 15-30 minutes to 8 hours (depending on the condition treated). In case you would like to use a poultice, apply the mixture straight on the skin in a thick layer, cover with greaseproof paper, bandage well and wrap up with a warm cloth. Poultices have a benefit of a direct contact between the skin and the product. This gives an extra benefit of heat retention and a more intense ionic exchange between the products and the skin.
RECIPES: RAPAN COMPRESSES, POULTICES
Recipe No 1 Warming or cooling: take some Rapan mud or clay (the amount depends on an area treated), add 20% Rapan salt solution to make the clay easier to apply. If a thick layer is preferred, no salt solution is needed, but in this case the product can be applied directly on the skin, as a poultice. Use it as a cold or warm compress – depending on the condition (remember – cold compresses are used to relieve acute pain, inflammation, reduce bruising, while hot/warm ones are used to relived spasms, chronic aches/pains not accompanied by inflammations). This compress can be prepared with any of the Rapan products. Rapan mud is the strongest, then comes the Yellow clay, than the blue clay, which is the mildest and can be used even on children and the infirm. Make your own choice. Recipe No 2 Warming: Take 5 parts of Rapan mud (or Blue/Yellow clay), 2 parts of honey, add 20% Rapan salt solution to form a semi-liquid mass (not necessary in case of poultice applications). This recipe is more suitable for warm applications, since honey adds to the heat retention property of the products. The mixture should be warmer than the skin temperature – about 45-50°C. Apply for 1-2 hours. If comfortable, leave on overnight.
Recipe No 3 Warming: mix 5 parts of Rapan mud/clay with 5 parts of vodka, 1 part of honey, warm up to 45-50°C. This is a warming compress, excellent for tense, aching muscles/tendons/joints, as well as for persistent coughs resulting from a cold/flu. Do not use if the person is running a raised temperature, or on inflamed areas. Apply for 1-2 hours. If comfortable, leave on overnight.
Recipe No 4 Cooling: Keep some of the Rapan products (clays are best for this) in the fridge/freezer. Use for cold applications in cases of traumas. The cold applications will have the added benefits of the healing properties of the products. Apply for no longer than 15 minutes at a time. If frozen, use a gauze/ material to prevent skin damage.
Recipe No 5 Cooling: 5 parts of Rapan mud/clay, 2 parts of aloe vera juice, apply cold or at body temperature on inflamed areas. Leave on overnight or as long as comfortable.
Recipe No 6 Cooling: 5 parts of Rapan mud/clay, 5 parts of apple vinegar (normal vinegar is suitable too - duluted). Mix well, apply cold on inflamed areas.
Recipe No 7 Arthritis: Mix 250g of Rapan mud/clay with 50g of Turmeric powder. Add a little warm water, mix well. Apply on inflamed areas, especially joints. Wrap up the area in cling film, then layers of warm material. Best applied before bed time. Turmeric is traditionally used in India to treat arthritis. Not to be used on inflamed areas.
Recipe No 8 Back/muscle pain: Mix 250g of Rapan mud, 250g of Rapan blue clay, some 20% of Rapan salt solution (to form a spreadable mass). Warm it all up to about 50°C, apply in thick layer on the whole back and buttocks (avoid the heart area). Wrap the trunk with cling film, cover with 2-3 layers of blankets to keep the heat in. Let the person rest on the stomach for about 30 minutes. Wash off the product with warm water and do deep tissue massage. The same treatment may be performed for sore muscles.
BATHS WITH RAPAN: HEALTH & BEAUTY
Rapan products are excellent for relaxation, skin care and general detoxification of the body, which makes them an excellent choice for beauty baths. When the mind is relaxed and the body is cleansed of toxic waste, the body systems start working to their full potential. The body takes care of the organs and systems which have been crying for help because of being overloaded with the toxic products resulting from stress, poor lifestyle, environment and nutrition. I must say here that although they will help you relax, detoxify and promote health restoration like no other product, Rapan products are not a magic wand. It is you who has to take care of the changes in your lifestyle, nutrition and physical and psychological environment you work/ live in. I shall talk about it later. In the meantime, enjoy your bath!
Recipe No 1 Mix 500g – 1000g of Rapan salt in very warm bath water (use the temperature you normally use for a bath or warmer if your heart allows). Stay in it for 20-40 minutes, or as long as you feel comfortable. Use this bath to relax, relieve back / muscle / joint pain, tiredness, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, ulcers, or if your immune system is letting you down. Add some lavender & geranium oils for extra relaxation (6-10 drops total per bath).
Recipe No 2 Mix 500g of Rapan salt and 500 of Rapan Blue/yellow clay in warm water (use the temperature you normally use for a bath or warmer if your heart allows). Make sure the clay is dissolved properly by running your fingers through the bottom of the bath. It is thick, so you may need to keep stirring and using your hands to make sure there are no clumps left for maximum benefit. Stay in it for 20-40 minutes, or as long as you feel comfortable. For stronger action, use 1kg of salt and 1kg of clay, or more if desired. In world spas where such clay/mud is abundant it is common practice for visitors to take communal mud / clay baths (mud pools). Of course, there are drawbacks here (some people think it is unhygienic and counter-productive, since the eliminated toxins are reabsorbed into the body from the repeated product use), but I am mentioning this fact in order to say that high concentration of products is not harmful (except in cases where such procedures are generally contra-indicated). The Blue clay has a softer action on the body systems, so can be used by almost everyone. However, being soft, it is a very potent detoxifying product. It is also excellent in those cases where the body is deficient in minerals, and for various health conditions – see Rapan for Health. Use this bath to relieve stress, sleeping problems, general toxicity, lethargy, to re-enregise and promote health and vitality. It is also excellent for aching muscles & joints, as well as skin problems.
Recipe No 3 This recipe is designed to be used for sleep problems and stress. Dissolve 500-1000g of mud in a bathful of very warm water. Be careful if you are suffering from a high blood pressure, cancer, benign tumours, undiagnosed lumps, epilepsy, and anything else that does need any stimulation. Use the Rapan blue clay instead if in doubt. The high bromide content in the mud is a natural relaxant, and will send you to sleep very soon, so the best time to take a mud bath is in the evening before going to sleep. Add some Rapan salt (500g) to the bath for stronger action. This is also a very good recipe for skin problems and detox, as well as for muscle tension, back pain and fatigue.
Recipe No 4 Mix all of the Rapan products in a bathful of water – 250g each, or 500g for stronger effect. The products will work on the body in harmony, since they come from the same source, and you will benefit from all of them at the same time. Be easy on the mud if you have any heart problems or tumours. This recipe is excellent for almost every problem, and for general health. It will stimulate the body's defense systems and prompt it into healing itself.
Recipe No 5 “Wake-me-up” recipe: 500g of Rapan mud/clay + 500g of Rapan salt + 8 drops of Rosemary oil diluted in vegetable oil before being added to the bath.
Recipe No 6 “Take-me-to-bed” recipe: 500g of Rapan salt, 5 drops of pine needle + 5 drops of sandalwood oil diluted in 5ml of vegetable oil before being mixed with the bath water. The water should be very warm. This is also an excellent recipe for respiratory conditions (cough, phlegmy chest, general congestion of the airways).
Recipe No 7 Immune system booster: 500-1000g of Rapan salt, 5 drops of tea trea + 5 drops of eucalyptus oils diluted in 5ml of vegetable oil before being mixed in with the bath water. The bath water should be warm, but not too hot. Stay in it as long as comfortable. Have a drink of hot lemon & ginger tea with honey (and a bit of brandy if you like!).
Recipe No 8 The “Beauty” recipe: 500g of Rapan blue clay, 500g of Rapan salt, 50g of powdered seaweed, 5 drops of juniper berry + 5 silver birch essential oils diluted in 10ml of jojoba oil. Soothing for the skin, stimulating and detoxifying for the body.
RAPAN BODY WRAPS - RECIPES
Body wraps are being used by many spas and beauty salons these days, as well as at home. They are quite simple to apply, but you will need help if you decide to do it at home. If you do not have a professional body wrap kit, do not despair. A good roll of cling film, an old spacious fleecy track suit and a warm blanket or two will do the trick just as well. The principle behind a body wrap is simple – get the body covered with the prepared substance (you will need a fairly generous coating for a better effect, so consider using up to 1000g per treatment. For myself, I use only 500g, since I use it for health purposes rather than weight loss/cellulite reduction.). The product may need some water added to it for a smoother and more effective coverage. Normally 1-2 hours will be enough, but rely on the person's feedback. If they start feeling uncomfortable, too hot, itchy, etc. - it is time to remove the products. Like with any other procedures with Rapan, I recommend having a patch test done 24 hours before a treatment. And finally, all the mixtures described her should be warmed up to comfortably warm temperatures before use. Mind the contra-indications.
Recipe No 1 500g-1000g of Rapan Blue clay, add 20% Rapan salt solution to form a soft spreadable mass. Good for detoxification/ body re-mineralisation.
Recipe No 2 500-600g of Rapan mud, add some water. Spread over the body. Excellent for skin problems, poor circulation, joint/muscle aches/pains, stress. Also speeds up weight loss/ cellulite reduction due to the mud's ability to stimulate metabolism and retain heat.
Recipe No 3 500 of Rapan clay (blue or yellow) + 500g of Rapan mud + 20% Rapan salt solution + 5tbsp of honey. Mix everything together, spread over the body. This is a very good recipe for weight loss, but should not be used if there are contra-indications (heart problems, tumous, inflammations, etc). It will make you lose a lot of water if you wrap up well, so make sure you rehydrate yourself by drinking enough water afterwards. This is also a good recipe for those suffering from after-effects of cold & flu (but should not be used during acute periods).
Recipe No 4 Crush 100g of Rapan salt to fine consistency, add 200g of honey, mix well. Spread over the body evenly, wrap it up well with cling film and bandages, then cover with a warm blanket or two. This recipe has properties similar to the one above, but the honey will make the person lose more water through perspiration.
Recipe No 5 Mix 500g of Rapan mud with 200g of seaweed powder. Add 20% solution of Rapan salt. This body wrap is very stimulating, and contains a lot of minerals thanks to both Rapan mud and the seaweed. It is also excellent for the skin. However, check for skin reaction to both products before using them, especially if you have known allergies.
Recipe No 6 Mix 500-1000g of any of the Rapan products (mud or clays) with 100g of warm vodka and 5tbsp of honey. This is a very warming recipe, will speed up removal of toxins, boost circulation and will help to get rid of the remains of a stubborn cold / cough.
Recipe No 7 This recipe is suitable for dry, sensitive skin. 500-1000g of Blue clay, 100g of jojoba or wheatgerm oil, 4 capsules of vitamin E, 4 capsules of vitamin A. Mix well, apply everywhere, even to the face if desired. It will condition the skin, leaving it soft and glowing.
Recipe No 8 Mix 250g each of Rapan mud, blue and yellow clay together, add 20% Rapan salt solution. Use it as a wrap to get the benefits of all the Rapan products. All-round treatment for any purpose.
Recipe No 9 Mix 500g of Rapan mud with 50g of ginger powder and 100g of honey, add some warm water. This is a stimulating, detoxifying, circulation boosting body wrap which promotes weight loss and cellulite reduction.
Recipe No 10 Mix 500g of Rapan clay (any) with 100g of coffee lees (the thick mass that is left in a jug after coffee has been strained). Warm it up. Use as a body wrap to stimulate circulation, for cellulite reduction & weight loss. When removing, rub the skin with it using it as a body scrub (especially the stomach and thigh areas). It will also leave you feeling fresh and re-energised. Like with all procedures, drink plenty of water afterwards.
GARGLES / MOUTHWASHES WITH RAPAN
Gargles are an effective way to relieve a sore throat, gingivitis, sore gums, mouth ulcers, halitosis. The recipes would involve Rapan salt and clays. The high salt content of the Rapan products helps kill bacteria and other infection, thus promoting healing.
Recipe No 1 Mix 1 tbsp of Rapan salt with 200ml of warm water. Use as a mouth wash or a gargle for mouth/ throat infections. Recipe No 2 Mix 1tsp of Rapan salt with 1tsp of bicarbonate of soda in 200ml of warm water. Use as above.
Recipe No 3 Mix 1 tbsp of Rapan blue clay, 1tsp of Rapan salt in 200ml of warm water. Let the mixture stand for a few minutes. Gargle/rinse the mouth.
Recipe No 4 Mix 1 tbsp of Rapan salt in 200ml warm chamomile tea. Use as above. Soothing, antibacterial.
Recipe No 5 Mix 1tsp of Rapan salt with 200ml of warm water and 3 drops of tea tree oil. Use as a gargle/mouthwash.
NOSE WASH
Rapan salt is an excellent for nose washes – it neutralises the bacteria/viruses in the nasal passages, restores the mucous membrane, and draws out the mucus from the sinuses, and relieves inflammation, thus helping to prevent sinusitis. Excellent both for new and chronic infections. It is also a good natural remedy to relieve excessive sneezing and inflamed mucous membranes in cases of allergies and Hayfever.
Recipe No 1 Dilute 1 heaped tbsp of Rapan salt in 0.5 litres of warm water. Take some of it into the hand and draw in slowly with the nose while bending forward. Alternatively, use a pipette, but it will not get the solution into all the important parts of the nose.
Recipe No 2 Dilute 1 tbsp of Rapan salt and 1 tbsp of Rapan blue clay with warm water. Shake well and let it stand for about 15 minutes. Follow the same procedure as above. The clay has added benefits of extra minerals and healing substances.
VAGINAL DOUCHE
Dilute 1 tsp of Rapan salt with 1 litre of warm water. Can be used occasionally as a vaginal douche – for hygiene and as a natural remedy against common infections. Always make sure to see the doctor in cases of uncommon vaginal discharge / pain. The same proportion can be used for stiz baths (where one sits in a large bowl of war water which contains various therapeutic substances). Sitz baths are also an excellent natural procedure for cystitis.
Recipe No 2 Dilite 1 tbsp of Rapan salt, 1 tbsp of Rapan clay (blue or yellow) in 1 litre of warm water. Use as above.
Dilute 2 tbsp of Rapan salt in 4 litres of warm water. Use in enemas to treat constipation, for colon cleansing, piles, etc. Always consult the doctor in cases of bleeding and pain from the rectum – it can be more serious than piles.
Recipe No 2 Dilute 2 tbsp of Rapan salt and 2 tbsp of Rapan clay in 4 litres of warm water. Use in enemas to treat constipation, for colon cleansing, piles, etc.
FOOTBATHS WITH RAPAN
Rapan products are excellent for foot baths. They relieve fatigue, burning feet sensation, promote relaxation, help deal with bad odour, excessive perspiration, muscle/tendon tension, poor circulation and resulting cold feet, water retention, cramps. They also promote detoxification and re-mineralisation of the body through the feet.
Recipe No 1 Mix 250g of Rapan mud or clay, 100g of Rapan salt and 5 litres of water. The water temperature depends on want you want to achieve. If the feet are burning, tired and sweaty, then a cool foot bath is more appropriate. If the feet are cold, or you are suffering from a cold/cough/poor circulation, then you may want to choose a warm temperature. Generally, listen to what your body asks for.
Recipe No 2 Mix 250g of Rapan blue clay, 100g of Rapan salt in 5 litres of cool water. Add 5 drops of peppermint essential oil. This is a very refreshing foot bath for those tired aching feet which have been walking all day long. Especially helpful on hot summer days. The clay also helps to draw out the toxic waste.
Recipe No 3 Mix 250g of Rapan yellow clay, 200g of Rapan clay with 5 litres of warm water, add 6 drops of tea tree and 3 drops of lemon essential oils. This foot bath is good for those predisposed to foot infections, as well as sweaty feet accompanied by bad odour. Water can be cool if you want.
Recipe No 4 Mix 250g of Rapan salt, 200g of cider vinegar with 5 litres of water. Use in the same way as above. This foot bath will help to deal with sweaty feet & minor foot infections, as well as bad odour.
Recipe No 5 Mix 250g of Rapan clay, 5tbsp of ginger powder (check for skin irritation before using ginger powder) in very warm water (about 50°C). This foot bath is very good for difficult to fix colds & chest infections. Pull on warm socks and cover yourself with warm blanket. Drink warm ginger, honey and lemon tea.
MASSAGE WITH RAPAN
Rapan products can be used in massage to help exfoliate, detoxify the body, increase circulation andreduce bumpy appearance of the skin due to uneven fat distribution, as well as reduce unwanted fat. Make sure the products are soft enough. Add water and oil if necessary to prevent micro-traumas. Use slow motions, but quite deep movements, and always ask for the client's feedback. This can be the most heavenly experience, leaving the client with the sense of being throughly cleansed, relaxed, and with the aches and pains been dealt with. Ask the client to eat fruit and vegetables and drink just juice/water 24-48 hours beforehand, in order to promote even a deeper sense of internal and external detoxification. When using Rapan products to exfoliate the face, be gentle. Regular exfoliation with Rapan (once a week for normal to dry skin and twice a week for oily, porous skin) will help get rid of dead cells, visibly improve skin tone, improve circulation, reduce puffiness, improve underlying muscle tone, reduce blackheads, remove impurities, deal with bacteria, restore the natural skin pH. This in turn will help rejuventate the skin, reducing wrinkles, blemishes, spots, leaving it feel and look refreshed, younger and with a healthy glow to it.
Recipe No 1 Mix 150g of Rapan mud with 150 blue clay, add some warm water to form a soft paste. Exfoliating, detoxifying, relaxing.
Recipe No 2 Mix 150g of Rapan mud with 150g of Rapan salt (finely crushed), add 2tbsp of honey and some warm water to form a soft paste. Use very slow movements to exfoliate the body. This is a throughly cleansing, relaxing and circulation boositing massage medium which will help exfoliate the skin, promote cellulite reduction and weight loss.
Recipe No 3 Mix 250g of Rapan Blue clay with 3sbsp of ginger powder, add 2 tbsp of sunflower oil and a little warm water. Stimulating, invigorating, circulation boosting, weight reducing.
Recipe No 4 Mix 250g of Rapan clay with 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 3 tbsp of sweet almond oil (or any vegetable oil) and a little water. Very relaxing, cleansing, circulation boosting.
Recipe No 5 Mix 250g of Rapan mud with 5tbsp of dried seaweed. Add some warm water, 2 tbsp of vegetable oil. This is a nourishing, exfoliating, re-mineralising and stimulating massage medium.
Recipe No 6 Mix 250g of Rapan mud/clay with 50g of vodka, add 5 drops of peppermint oil. This is a throughly relaxing and cooling massage medium. Good for hot summer days. Recipe No 7 Mix 200g of Rapan mud/clay with 200g of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This massage medium is also cooling and refreshing.
Mix 250g of Rapan mud with 50g of spirulina, 2tbsp of vegetable oil and a little water. Stimulating, nourishing, cleansing.
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