Relaxation can come in many forms and for some a warm bath at the end of a long day can be just what the doctor ordered. Bathing has been a ritual of relaxation for many years – the Japanese have a specific wooden tub for bathing called the furo. Other cultures that popularized bathing include the Greeks and Romans with their famous bathhouses, the Turkish baths, and the Russian steam baths.
Creating a Relaxing Environment
Setting up a relaxing environment for a bath consists of lighting, sound and smells. Here are some tips the bather may implement in preparing for a relaxing bath:
- burn scentless candles to provide low lighting levels and not interfere with scents coming from the bath itself
- play a classical music CD or new age CD that is soothing to the bather
- dim the lights in the bathroom or use alternative lighting sources such as candles and a small lamp
- run a space heater before drawing the bath to ensure the room is comfortable to disrobe but not stuffy
If the bath will not contain scents the bather can opt for aromatherapy through candles or an essential oil diffuser. Essential oils can be applied to a cold light bulb to be later warmed when the bulb is lit. Care should be taken when applying only one or two drops to prevent shorting out the light socket or causing the bulb to break.
Elements of a Therapeutic Bath
Depending on the desired outcome, a bather can use a wide range of ingredients to enhance the benefits of a warm bath.
- a small sprinkle of powdered ginger can be added to the water of a bath for warmth or to help draw out a fever
- sea salts and Epsom salts are known for the muscle relaxing qualities and make inexpensive additions to a therapeutic bath
- essential oils can be added to a bath for aromatherapy and therapeutic benefits
- milk, honey and oatmeal aid in inflamed skin conditions and are beneficial in a bath for someone with sensitive or dry skin, the oatmeal can be measured into a tube soak and tied off with a rubber band to prevent leaking
Commercial Bathing Products
A visit to the bath aisle of a health food store or the pharmacy will afford the shopper with many options to choose from. Women bathers should take care to avoid bath bubbles, and very hot baths, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, due to vaginal yeast infection risks. Products with heavy perfumes and artificial dyes or colorings may pose health risks for those with sensitive skin conditions.
Resources:
Also see Relaxing Foot Soaks for tips on foot baths
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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