Since the beginning of time, a healing bath has been a medicinal time-honored practice. For centuries, in many cultures, people traveled to hot springs to heal. It’s also been recognized as an important spiritual ritual. In our hurried society, we rush in and out of a shower, and a bath has become a luxury. Research shows us that a bath relaxes our mind, body, and soul.
5 Mindful Tips for a Healing Bath
- Schedule it. Don’t wait until you have time for a bath. Take your calendar and schedule your bath night once a week. It will become something to look forward to. If you live with others be sure to give them advance notice so you won’t have to worry about interruptions.
- Aromatherapy. Create a relaxing environment by choosing the right fragrant candles and soaps. There are many relaxing fragrances to choose from. Lavender, vanilla, and chamomile relax and restore the mind and body. Putting fresh citrus peels in your bath water will rejuvenate your senses and it can help your skin. Adding rose pedals in your bath can added a visual and sensory effect as well.
- Light. Relax your eyes while you take a bath by lowering the lights in your bathroom. Consider adding candles to your bath in order to create a rejuvenating experience. If you don’t like the idea of continuously buying candles for your baths, consider flameless candles with LED lights. They’ll create a romantic environment and you won’t need a match.
- Clear your mind. Your mind may race with your to-do list or worries when you descend into the warm water. If that happens, put on some relaxing music or read a spiritual, motivational, or inspirational book to relax and refocus your mind. Put your cell phone on vibrate so you won’t have to worry about interruptions.
- Mineral bath. For an even more healing bath, add some Epsom salt or other minerals or essential oils known to aid in congestion, circulation, and digestion. Consider the essentials oils of basil, thyme, eucalyptus, or rosemary for a relaxing bath.