Bath Time: An Important Relaxation Ritual

After working in a few different day spas, one of the things that I've come to value very much in life is the bathtub and the bathing rituals people around the world participate in for health and well-being. In fact, when we were considering buying a home, I told my husband that the one and only thing that I desired in our new home would be a truly great bathtub.

The most inspirational and influential bathing rituals for me are those from Japan. In Japan, bathing is not for cleanliness, rather it is a relaxation ritual to unwind from the daily Japanese work schedule, which is known to be quite strict and rigorous. You must first shower to wash your body before stepping into the bath. The baths are called ofuros and are much deeper than our western baths, usually at shoulder level. Traditionally, people visit the public baths, called sentos or onsen. Onsen are heated by natural springs, while sentos can be any heated water. In case you're wondering, sexes are segregated within these public bathing houses, and sometimes people will use small towels to cover up (but I personally think, "When in Rome...."). There are still many onsen and sentos still running in Japan, especially in the older cities.

But you don't need to have a fancy bathtub to create your own personal escape within the comfort of your own home!

Lighting:

I recommend purchasing several tea lights, keeping plenty extra on hand. Be sure to get unscented candles so that it doesn't clash with the aromatherapy you're about to put into your bath! You can find darling tea light candle holders and unscented tea lights at any store such as Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc. Just be extra, extra careful to keep your lit candles away from any flammable materials!

Aromatherapy:

I recommend purchasing your aromatherapy from a natural foods store versus purchasing them online so that you are sure to be able to smell the aroma in person. If you have any questions, the store has knowledgeable employees who can help you.

Keep in mind that the aromas that smell the best to you are the ones that your body is craving the most. That often changes day by day, week by week. Before each bath test your aromas to see which ones your body is craving that specific day.

Here are a few to try that I personally recommend. Feel free to mix and match to your liking:

• Relaxing: Lavender, Rose, Vanilla, Chamomile
• 
  Energizing: Grapefruit, Tangerine
• 
  Depression/Mood Lifters: Peppermint, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Bergamot, Tangerine
• 
  Warming: Cinnamon, Eucalyptus
• 
  Cooling: Rosemary, Peppermint, Geranium
• 
  Use for a Cold: Lavender and Eucalyptus mixed
• 
  For Digestion: Peppermint, Ginger

Music:

This is a totally personal choice, but if you're like me, and you tire of the likes of Enya, let me make a recommendation. I love (LOVE!) Donna D'Cruz of Rasa Music. If it's a little too urban sounding for you, though, I also recommend simple instrumentals such as piano, classical guitar or the lute. Be sure it's a selection that really touches you to your soul.

Here are a few more recommendations courtesy of Amazon.com:

What to Do While In the Bathtub:

• 
  ~Meditate.
• 
  ~Deep breathing from the diaphragm, letting your belly rise first, then your lungs, then shoulders respectively. As you breathe out, reverse the order.
• 
  ~Contemplate the blessings in your life.
• 
  ~Read your favorite novel.
• 
  ~Lie back and listen to the music of your choice.

Try it out... add a bath to your own personal relaxation rituals and see how it affects the way you feel mentally and physically.