Rasul is an updated version of an ancient Arab bathing ritual, which is now in fashion. It combines medicinal muds and steam to improve circulation and to exfoliate. It is said to boost the immune system by drawing out toxins. It is also said to be an excellent stress buster. It boosts the spirit and is deeply relaxing and makes your skin glow.

The treatment is meant to be a shared experience as you need a friend to apply mud on your back. After a quick shower, you enter an Arabian nights style chamber – where there is normally seating for four. Each person is given a tray of different clays – grey for the face, yellow for the body and black for the back. While applying the muds, steam emerges through a bouquet of herbs releasing a fantastic scent. The steam goes on and off at intervals allowing your body to relax and adjust to the rising temperature. You are then rinsed out in a tropical downpour.
Individual showers remove the last traces of mud before you apply a zingy ginger-based oil.

The whole treatment takes about an hour.

In the UK, Rasul is offered at The Sanctuary in London. Contact: 020 7420 5151.
It costs £30 per person.