The Art of Bathing

October 21, 2018

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Hi friends. So I have been thinking about what the next blog would be and after coming back from a hotel in St Thomas, USVI that only had a shower, I thought, what about the art of taking a bath? Yes, I know you are asking, “Is bathing an art?” Well let me tell you, I have made an art out of it. 😂

Bathing could possibly be one of my favorite things in life. It is one of the only activities that truly relaxes me and it has been this way for many years. It didn’t start out this way as a child. I was like most kids, I cried when I had to take a bath because it meant I couldn’t go back outside and play in the dirt.

Bath time is a relaxing ritual for me where I can wash away my troubles and stresses from a long day. It is a time when I can be completely alone with no computer, television or phone to obsess over. It is amazing as well what a bath can do for your body and your soul. So I wanted to share a few things I include in my bath ritual. Hope you enjoy.

In Japan, bathing is a therapeutic ritual that the Japanese believe is more than just cleansing the dirt off each day. Onsens or natural hot springs are used by many in Japanese culture, as well as a sentos (public bath) or furos (private bath). They believe it cleanses your body spiritually to take a bath.

What are some of the benefits to bathing?

Taking a hot bath can improve your breathing by increasing your oxygen intake, helps to reduce the risk of a heart attack, lowers your blood sugar and helps to alleviate pain in the body. Below is a larger list of known benefits to a warm or hot bath.

Taking an hour long bath, researchers found it can burn up to as many as 140 calories or equivalent to a half hour walk. The warmer water makes your heart beat faster. You can get similar benefits to using a sauna. What you put in your bath water can also facilitate our body’s natural detoxification process. In today’s world, our poor bodies are subjected to more toxins that in years past. We find toxins in the air we breathe, medications we are prescribed and in the processed food we eat. There are over 2000 toxins found in our water supply. So you can see, doing a detox bath is really important for our bodies to run smoothly.

So what can I add to my bath to start the detox process?

Normally I like to use Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) to draw out the toxins but I have found apple cider vinegar works well too. Epsom salt is known to help sore muscles, improve your sleep, reduce inflammation in the body, help prevent blood clots, flush out the toxins in your body and help with headaches. You can also add essential oils to your bath which has a ton of benefits as well. Aromatherapy can help with congestion by using eucalyptus oil, lavender is great for relaxing the mind after a long, stressful day. It has known benefits to helping with anxiety and depression and in general, aromatherapy will soothe the soul.

I hope you enjoy your next bath ritual. I typically try to take at least 5 baths a week but it depends on how stressed I have been through the day and if I am having insomnia issues. Below are a few products I like to include in my bathing rituals. Don’t forget to add dry brushing and after, relax a while in a nice, comfy robe. Take some time for yourself.

Just double click the photos if you see anything you are interested in adding to your own bathing ritual.