The Bath - history and therapeutic effects

If your the kind of person that does not like to take baths, let me help you reconsider.  Water is one of the most ancient healing elements known to mankind. Sometimes we don't realize what a luxury it is to have our own personal bathing tub that can be filled with water in minutes and adjusted to a perfectly desired temperature. Come on now...how lucky or how spoiled are we?

Water - the magical elixir or life
Water is essential to all life. It is a magical elixir that comprises two-thirds of our bodies and two-thirds of our planet. Immersing our bodies in water is an affirmation, a renewal, and a remembrance. Its liquid texture caresses us and our senses. Its gentle buoyancy relieves us of the burden of gravity, freeing us to float in that perfect protected space we knew before we were born to air.

The Ritual Bath
Rituals help us commune with our selves. They nourish the quiet, fragile beings we really are. Rituals help us reach deep inside and get in touch with our essential natures. Bathing rituals have been around for centuries. Primitive societies revered water as mystical and divine. The Kama Sutra, the erotic fourth-century Sanskrit treatise, instructs lovers in the sensual arts of bathing and exotic massage. The Caracalla baths of Rome had 1,600 carved marble seats where philosophers and writers could lounge amid the steam and clatter to discuss ideas or read their latest work. The Japanese Onsen (hot spring bath) blends the mysticism and spirituality of the East into the traditional sweat bath practice, lending it a Zen, meditative quality. The Hamam, or Turkish bath, embraced many rituals for the cleansing and purification of the body. The Banya, or Russian bath, employed the use of steam to cleanse the body of toxins and keep one healthy.

  Preparing for your Bath

1. Clean your bathroom and bathtub making it free of clutter.
2. If you are sweaty or feel grimy from the day, take a quick shower to wash the dirt and grime away.
3. Light 2-4 candles in your bathroom and strategically place them to provide ample light and ambiance.
4. Run your bath water. Adjust water temperature according to the temperatures below.
5. Add bath oils or mineral salts after the tub is full.
6. Relax and enjoy your bath – 20-30 minutes.

Bath Temperature and its effects

Hot Bath (100-104 degrees Fahrenheit)
Eliminates body toxins and muscles soreness. Not recommended if you are pregnant.

Warm Bath (90-98 degrees Fahrenheit)
This temperature creates the most soothing bath and is best for cleansing the body. This is the ideal temperature if you are pregnant.

Cold Baths (Under 75 degrees Fahrenheit)
This temperature constricts blood vessels and is used to reduce swelling. Not recommended if you are pregnant.

Aromatherapy Recipes for your bath
Essentail oils should be combined with a carrier oil because they can be caustic to the skin if applied directly onto the skin. The following recipes contain a few rare and precious oils that can be costly to purchase. If you don't want to invest in some of the expensive essential oils, I will be more than happy to make a personalized blend for you. Just give me a call.

Peace - This blend is used to relax the mind and body. Can be used by both men and women.

10 drops Tangerine
5 drops Lavender
2 drops Neroli
3 drops Cedarwood
1 oz. Grapeseed oil

 
Rosie - This blend is used to lift the spirits. It is designed specifically for women.

10 drops Bergamot
3 drops Rose
5 drops Lavender
6 drops Sandalwood
1 oz. Grapeseed oil

Spice - This blend can be used in the bath prior to intimate relations.

8 drops Orange
3 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Jasmine
2 drops Patchouli
1 oz. Grapeseed oil