Up your vacation with some mud therapy and experience its healing properties, as well as relaxing and revitalizing effect.
When you take a vacation, it’s mostly to turn off your busy lifestyle, disconnect and rest your mind. But it is equally important to think about pampering and healing your body.
Using the earth for remedial purposes has long been a part of healing rituals of nations all around the world. And why wouldn’t it be? There are no better ingredients to put on your skin than those created by nature itself.
Mud baths and mudpacks are ancient spa treatments used to relieve arthritis and rheumatic diseases, detoxify and rejuvenate the skin, and fully relax the body. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Well, you’ll be happy to know there’s a mud paradise near your camping spot! But first, let’s tackle the obvious question: “what is a mud bath?”
What is a mud bath
As the name suggests, a mud bath refers to the treatment of immersing your whole body in a mixture of water and mud — but not the one usually found after a rainy day. This is a special, healing type of mud that comes from natural springs, volcanic areas, or any other type of soil that’s rich in minerals.
Once you’re covered from head to toe, the mud is left to dry and gradually tighten. After some time, you can rinse it off in a shower, warm bath, lake, or sea, depending on whether you’re in a natural mud bath or a spa retreat.
This might not seem appealing at first, but the process itself tends to be relaxing and even fun, probably awakening our childhood desire to play in the mud!
Mud Bath benefits
Want to know how a mud bath can help you look and feel better? Here’s how!
It helps arthritis patients
While mud bath therapy can’t really cure or slow progression in those suffering from chronic arthritis, it does reduce inflammation and pain, offering some relief for the most stressful symptoms of the disease.
It rejuvenates, purifies, and heals the skin
The tightening effect of dry mud helps exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and leaving you with baby-smooth skin. Its benefits aren’t just surface-level: the mud also draws out toxins and impurities, achieving a beautifying effect both on the outside and the inside.
If you think your skin condition is too challenging for mud, think again! Mud baths are also reported to relieve the symptoms of many serious dermatological diseases, such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea, but make sure to consult your doctor beforehand.
It improves blood circulation
If you have poor circulation, warm mud can help improve it by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow. This means better circulation throughout the body, and also more nutrients delivered to your skin and muscles.
It relaxes sore muscles and joints
The deeply relaxing mud baths can benefit not only arthritis patients, but anyone else experiencing muscle and joint pain.
It soothes both body and mind
Besides the obvious mud bath benefits for skin, circulation, and muscles, it’s also worth noting the calming effect on the spirit. The process is deeply relaxing and therapeutic for most people, helping with stress, anxiety, sleeping problems and tension.
Pag’s Mud Bath
Location
On the southwest part of the city of Pag, right beside the city beach, you’ll find Lokunja, one of Pag’s best kept secrets.
There’s no sign, entry fee, or fancy spa. The natural mud bath is open to everyone, locals and tourists alike, and easily accessible from Šimuni. It’s about a ten-minute drive from the camp, and you just need to follow road D106. We suggest you make it a day trip: first, try the therapeutic mud of Lokunja, then visit the ruins of the former city of Pag (Stari grad Pag, or “old Pag town”), located a bit south of Lokunja beach.
History
Its 20 000 m² of shallow sea holds an abundance of layers of peloid, also known as curative mud. Peloid is mud that is mostly used for therapeutic bathing. It has been accumulating and layering for centuries, affected by different geological and biological processes, and this is why it is high in minerals beneficial for the human body. It can soothe inflammations, reduce swelling, improve circulation and relax muscles. Because of their mild exfoliation and hydration properties, peloids are often used in cosmetology, most prominently as an ingredient in facial masks.
Mud varies depending on its origin, meaning it has different properties depending on the flora, fauna and soil.
This particular type of mud was popular in several ancient settlements on the Croatian coast, so even without archeological evidence, we can assume the same is true for Pag. What’s proven is that tourists in the early 20th century used Lokunja’s curative mud, and it was already an established tradition by then.
Expert Analysis
Expert analysis of Lokunja’s mud reported high-quality peloid and its application in healing and rehabilitation of the locomotor system, neurological and skin diseases. The people of Pag have been using this mud for ages to treat their rheumatic diseases. Based on its amazing properties, Lokunja’s mud has even been used by Pag’s physical therapy department.
Tips & Tricks
Once at Lokunja, giving yourself a mudpack is pretty straightforward. Apply the mud to your skin in a thin layer, find a nice spot on the beach, get comfortable and let it dry for about an hour. The mud will turn from dark grey to white, and when it does, simply wash it off. However, we do have some advice to help avoid the unwanted effects of mud baths:
- Be careful around the eyes and mouth!
- Don’t leave it on too long — it won’t have any additional benefits.
- You can get a bit smelly from the sulphur, so maybe avoid visiting Lokunja before dinner in a nice restaurant.
Are you ready to get dirty? See what we have to offer and find your perfect accommodation for ultimate relaxation. Contact us, book your vacation and let the body and soul healing begin!