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[[image:African Bush Elephant mud bath.png|thumb|Family of African Bush Elephants taking a mud bath in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya.]]

'''Peloid''' is [[mud]], or [[clay]] used [[therapeutic]]ally, as part of [[balneotherapy]], or therapeutic bathing. Peloids consist of [[humus]] and [[minerals]] formed over many years by [[geological]] and [[biological]], [[chemical]] and [[Physics|physical]] processes.

Numerous peloids are available today, of which the most popular are [[peat]] pulps, various [[medicinal clay]]s, mined in various locations around the world, and a variety of plant substances. Also, [[health spa]]s often use locally available lake and sea muds and clays. Peloid procedures are also various; the most common of them are ''peloid wraps'', ''peloid baths'', and ''peloid packs'' applied locally to the part of the body, which is being treated.

Peloid packs and, specifically, peat, have been used in Europe for medicinal baths and wraps for the past 200 years.

Peloid preparation varies in different spas. Typically, peloids are matured for a period of up to 2 years in special ponds.
<blockquote>
"The majority of spas ... use artificial ponds where the natural ("virgin") clay is mixed with mineral, thermo-mineral, or sea water that issues in the vicinity of the spas or inside the spa buildings."<ref>Carretaro MI, Gomes CSF, Tateo F. "Clays and human health." In: Bergaya F, Theng BKG, Lagaly G, editors. ''Handbook of Clay Science, Developments in Clay Science''. Vol. 1. Elsevier Ltd; Amsterdam: 2006. pp. 717–741. ISBN 0080441831, ISBN 9780080441832 p. 724</ref>
</blockquote>

Peloid treatments have been used for [[rheumatic disorders]], [[osteoarthritis]], gynecological disorders, [[sciatica]], [[skin diseases]], [[Physical trauma|trauma]] and many more various afflictions and ailments.

Peloids are widely used in [[cosmetology]]. They are applied as face masks. Applying peloid masks once a week helps to revitalize the skin, tighten it and bind fluids in the skin layers. Regular use of peloids cause wrinkles to disappear and prevents new wrinkles from appearing.

==See also==
* [[Balneotherapy]]
* [[Mud bath]]
* [[Peat pulp bath]]
* [[Medicinal clay]]

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==References==
* [http://www.infoplease.com/ipd/A0582298.html Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease]
* [http://articles.syl.com/howpeloidproceduresworkandwhattheyaremadeof.html Types of Peloid Procedures]

[[Category:Therapy|P|]]
[[Category:Balneotherapy]]
[[Category:Medicinal clay]]

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