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The botanicals and essential oils in your bath water: Hydrotherapy for stress.
The anti-stress water therapy does not amount to the simple tossing of essential oils and botanicals into the tub. Management of stress through hydrotherapy requires a careful approach to temperature and time. It also includes other elements such as light, sound, and color which, though not indispensable, greatly enhance the anti-stress effects and help you create the ultimate bathing experience. Additional pages that will provide you with ways and ideas to build your very own bath oasis are in the works, so stay tuned!
We all know that chronic stress can wreck havoc on our physical and emotional well-being. Chronic fatigue very often is a symptom of stress. Muscle tension, irritability, depression, and sleep problems are other warning signs of stress. Can a therapeutic bath help? You bet it can! All too often, people think of therapeutic baths as alternative or supplemental ways to alleviate physical discomforts; mental peace is often overlooked. And yet it is so very important. Research proves, time and again, that psychological factors can greatly affect physical health. In fact, it has been proposed that the vast majority of physical illnesses have psychological components.
Usually, two types of botanicals are used in therapeutic baths: essential oils, and herbal extracts. Essential oils are plant chemicals that fall into the category of “volatile organic compounds ”Some of them are made up of large molecules and because of this they tend to last longer - they are less volatile. Extracts are herb compounds extracted from the plant by using solvents (usually water and alcohol combinations). In natural thermal pools you also have the benefit of minerals that are organically dissolved in the waters. At home, we replace the minerals (see the products listed on the “Hydrotherapy” page. The bath soaks contain these natural minerals to make up for the lack of them in our bath water).
Begin with the following: - prepare the softest, most luxurious bed you can (I’m really a fanatic when it comes to this!). Have an extra soft blanket handy, in case you need it. - a thermometer to check the water temperature. - a clock. Some people use a timer, but I personally do not like it as many of them have this annoying sound when they go off. - beside your tub, pour yourself a tall glass of cool water. - don’t forget to have a bowl of cold water beside you tub. In the bowl, place a facecloth. You may need it to cool your forehead. - Have the herbal bath soak/essential oils ready.
- Take a shower before stepping into the therapeutic bath.
The above are the essentials. As I mentioned earlier, sound, light, and color will be discussed later.
Your bath water should be around 105 degrees Fahrenheit, but you may certainly adjust it to suit your comfort level. Add the botanicals/essential oils, and immerse yourself into the water (keep you head out!). Make sure your entire body is submerged. Pay attention to your breathing. Take a few slow breaths, inhale deeply and exhale through pursed lips - fully exhale! Concentrate on your body, how it’s beginning to relax and release the day’s tensions. A few final points are in order here.
Please, no interruptions. Have young children? Have your spouse take them for a walk, let them go visit Grandma. Turn off the cell phone. Take the phone off the hook. If necessary, put a sign on the front door that says “Do not disturb”, “In the shower”, whatever you think may help. Rise slowly from your bath, as a slight dizzy feeling may be experienced. Drink a full glass of water. Wrap yourself in your favorite soft robe or p.j. and head straight for your plush bed. You may feel some warmth develop, but do not uncover this beneficial heat.
This is your time. Don’t rush it, do not feel guilty. You’re doing something good for yourself.
You may want to keep a journal where you jot down each therapeutic bathing experience. It'll help you notice patterns; you will have a handy reference to see what "works" and what doesn't for you. Write down the date, time, your physical and mental condition. Include in your journal what product(s) you use, the quantity, the time spent. What about your environment? Anyone outside the door whining for your attention? Do you have any music playing? What about lighting? Room temperature? Well, you get the idea, I'm sure.
Thank you for reading this page and visiting www.romancing-the-soap.com
The bath and hydrotherapy
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