The Italian word for mud. Used in treatments, a highly mineralized mud may be mixed with oil or water and applied over the body as a heat pack to detoxify, stimulate the circulation and relieve muscular and arthritic pain. Sometimes only an area such as a shoulder is covered. Otherwise the whole body is dipped or covered. This treatment relaxes the body, alleviates sore muscles, and softens the skin.
Radioactivity is present in the mud at several spas.
Pregnant women and women in their reproductive years should not risk possible genetic mutation by avoidable exposure to radioactivity. Fango creates an all-encompassing, gooey warmth and works like a poultice, softening the skin. Natural ingredients, such as peat moss and sea kelp, often are mixed into the mud to help contain the warmth and increase mineral content. Should not be used by pregnant women, people with heart problems, including those who wear pacemakers, or people with cancer or epilepsy. See also slendertone.