A soothing spa treatment in your bath can ease stress, moisturize and hydrate your skin, remove dead skin cells, remineralize your skin, relax your muscles, and reduce pain. It can improve your mood and help you sleep better.
Types
Cold or cool baths or showers are used to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. According to the book "Modern Hydrotherapy for the Massage Therapist," cool or cold baths are more stimulating than warm baths. Warm baths are used to reduce muscle and joint pain and to help you relax. Treatments with alternating hot and cold water application are often used for injuries such as a sprain or strain of muscles or joints. Other forms of water are used in spa treatments as well, from ice-cold compresses to a steamy sauna.
Products
Natural products like herbs or clay add to the beneficial effects of a water treatment. According to Jeanne Rose, the author of "375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols," herbs have varying qualities; for instance, lavender reduces stress and soothes inflamed skin. Chamomile is soothing and relaxing, peppermint is stimulating, and eucalyptus and rosemary relax your muscles and improve breathing. Clay is absorbent, removing toxins from your skin. Grainy products like salt, sugar or ground oatmeal are used to exfoliate, removing dead skin cells and smoothing your skin. Oatmeal and other grains are soothing for inflamed or itchy skin. Oil helps your skin retain moisture after your bath is over.
Supplies
For a spa treatment in your bath, gather products and supplies so that everything is conveniently at hand. You'll need bath towels and a towel for your hair, a washcloth or loofah, and a handful of dried herbs or six herbal tea bags. To exfoliate and polish your skin, you need clay, salt, sugar or ground oatmeal and a good oil, such as olive oil, walnut oil or any good quality food-grade oil. You can also add essential oils for fragrance.
Procedure
Fill your tub with warm or hot water and add the herbs or tea bags and essential oil. Soak until the water starts to cool and you feel relaxed. As the water drains, stand up and scrub with a handful of wet clay, salt, sugar or oatmeal. Avoid sensitive areas, and spend extra time on your feet, hands and elbows. Shower with warm water and gradually change the temperature until you are standing under a cool or tepid stream of water. Step out of the shower, massage oil into your skin, then wrap up in a fluffy towel and take a little nap.
Considerations
Don't shave your legs and underarms right before your spa treatment, as the exfoliation will make your skin feel burned. According to Mariellen Boss, hydrotherapy instructor at Somatherapy Institute, if your doctor recommends against a hot tub, steam room or sauna, you should not take a hot herbal bath. This may apply to people with high blood pressure, for instance, and any pregnant woman. If you can't have a hot herbal bath, you can still exfoliate and shower, following with an oil massage.
References
- "Modern Hydrotherapy for the Massage Therapist"; Marybetts Sinclair; 2007
- "375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols"; Jeanne Rose; 1999
- "Home Spa: Recipes and Techniques to Restore and Refresh"; M.R. Golden, M. Burns; 1997
- "Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homemade Herbal Formulas"; Stephanie Tourles; 2007
- "The Herbal Home Spa"; G. Breedlove; 1998
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