Paraffin wax has been used for sore muscles and joints since the time of ancient Rome, perhaps even before. Romans poured melted wax over sore areas of the body before massage therapy, as well as for other conditions. Other cultures used melted paraffin, most likely after the Romans had assimilated their countries into the Roman Empire.
Today most people use melted paraffin therapy for painful, swollen joints. Arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, is soothed by the gentle heat.
Other conditions can benefit from the heat and circulation stimulating properties as well: Eczema, fibromyalgia, inflammation, psoriasis, scars, sore joints, stiff muscles, and tendinitis.
To use melted paraffin for your own aches and pains, you can purchase a paraffin kit or create your own. Most kits have a container to hold the wax deep enough to submerge your hands or feet.
For other parts of your body, you can slowly pour the wax over the sore area. Once the wax has dried, it is peeled off. You can then massage the area or have someone do it for you.
Commercial paraffin wax kits usually have a built in heater to keep the wax melted while you dip your hands or feet. It isn’t recommended to try to build your own self-contained heating container.
You can use two containers to make a safe melted wax container. You will need one waterproof container with hot water. Inside of this container you will place another slightly smaller one filled with melted paraffin.
The hot water should keep the paraffin melted while you dip sore hands or feet. If the wax begins to harden, add more hot water or remove your hands/feet. Remember, you just dip, not soak.
photo credit: Retro Moderns
