Mud, glorious mud

Popular since ancient times, mud baths continue to provide a soothing, feel-good escape

You feel a little self-conscious as you scoop the warm mud into your hands, but as soon as you start smoothing it over your bare skin, you realise there’s something satisfying and primal about covering yourself in mud. You’re reminded of making mud pies as a child, and jumping in muddy puddles.

Soon, you’re squishing the mud between your toes and rubbing it onto your face. You can’t help but smile as you imagine how your caked face must look. Then comes a whole new sensation as the mud begins to dry and tighten on your skin. You pull a funny face – like a teenager doing a mud pack at a sleepover – and relish the feeling of mud cracking as you move.

When you finally clean yourself off, there’s a sense of rejuvenation. The nourishing minerals have soaked into your skin and you feel at once relaxed and energised – like you’ve just finished an amazing yoga session. The mud has worked its magic.

An ancient practice

The use of hot springs, mineral waters and natural pools is woven into age-old ideas of healing, purification and ritual. Throughout the world and across cultures, people have long turned to the earth for comfort and restoration. Mud bathing – known scientifically as pelotherapy – is one of the oldest methods of natural healing, and has been practised for thousands of years to support health and wellbeing.

Archaeological studies reveal that as early as 5,000 years ago, the Sumerians in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) used muds and clays for medicinal purposes. The ancient tablets of Nippur, which provide insight to Sumerian and Babylonian cultures, list clay as an essential wound-healing medicine.