Spa Aromatic Bath
The Relaxing Bath:
To calm yourself after a fraught day or to prepare yourself for a peaceful night’s sleep, turn your bathroom into a private sanctuary. Keep the light soft if possible, or use an eye mask or burn aromatic candles. Plants create an oxygenated atmosphere. Support your head with a bath pillow, close your eyes and inhale deeply. Concentrate on your breathing, empty your mind and let the oils soothe away the stresses and strains. After a 15-20 minute soak, get out slowly and wrap yourself in a large, warm towel.
Oils For Relaxation:
Basil, Bergamot, Cedar wood, Chamomile, Frankincense, Hyssop, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sage, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang. Although these oils have a predominately calming effect some can also be used to stimulate the circulation and lymphatic system, in particular lavender oil and also bergamot.
The Stimulating Bath:
Best for the morning to get you started or to revive you before an evening out. Keep the water fairly cool and use an invigorating bath mitt to rub down and stimulate the circulation. When you’ve soaked, rinse yourself with water as cold as you can bear, either by splashing directly from the tap (faucet) or shower, or by adding more cold water to cool down your bath. As you get out, either slap yourself dry to make the skin tingle or rub yourself vigorously with a towel.
Oils For Stimulation: Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Geranium, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon grass, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Thyme.
The Therapeutic Bath:
– Oils for Dermatitis: Chamomile, Hyssop, Lavender,
– Oils for Eczema: Chamomile, Geranium, Hyssop, Juniper, Rosemary, Myrrh.
– Oils for Psoriasis: Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender
– Oils for Arthritis/Rheumatism: Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme.
Showers And Cold Rinses:
Invigorating jets of water are ideal for getting the blood pumping and there’s no need to forego the benefits of aromatic oils. Skin tends to be sluggish in the cold winter months but sloughing off dead top layers can help regenerate cells and allow moisturizers to be absorbed more easily. Showers are ideal for smoothing skin with exfoliating rubs using wet salt, a loofah or a mitt to slough off the top surface of dead skin cells. A dry friction glove or loofah is too harsh for most skins so soften first in warm water. Soft bristle brushes can also help to get the circulation going with gentle massage on problem areas like hips and thighs. To keep friction brushes and mitts fresh always rinse and bang up to dry. Essential oils can be used under the shower: try a base oil mixed with invigorating essences and with a clean face-cloth or sponge, pour on the oils and rub all over the body in circular motions whilst showering. To clear the sinuses and help coughs and colds, sponge the chest with a mix of eucalyptus and peppermint oils. A cold-water shower after cleansing improves the circulation and tightens skin pores. Start off your shower or bath routine by whisking off dead skin cells with a friction mitt. Moisten the palm of the mitt with warm water or softening oils such as sweet almond or evening primrose. Concentrate on outer thighs, working from the knee in upward circular movements across the buttocks.
