A fine bath can go along way towards health. There are times that the body is trying to eliminate waste and toxic substances through our skin. Sometimes we can smell it, other times our skin feels itchy, and then there are times we are not getting any outwards signs, just feel sluggish. This is time for a cleansing, nourishing Bath!
Also when we are going through intestinal cleansing practices, we can add some of these baths for a wonderful relief.
Our skin is the largest organ of our body and plays a crucial part of several bodily functions.
Not only is it the flexible, self-healing barrier that supports the immune system, but it’s also part of the integumentary system, the network of dead epidermal cells, our hair, fingernails and toenails, that helps slough off cellular waste material.
Sweat glands in the skin also play active roles in the excretory system, or the organs and glands that flush out toxins and excess minerals from the body.
Soaking baths help the skin to renew. Dead skin cells are a form of bodily waste and baths help to facilitate the growth of new epidermal cell by softly removing dead skin.
Every minute, our body loses 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells, all of which are replaced immediately by fresh skin tissue.
Our Lymphatic system can send out waste through the skin or down through its channels and out by way of our intestinal tract.
One way to assist the body to release any buildup is by bathing. Taking a hot bath with certain additives can be calming, soothing and also slough off what the skin is trying to eliminate. Using Sea Salts will also assist the body in gaining certain minerals and trace elements the skin needs.
As everyone is unique, only take a bath in a temperature you are comfortable in. A hot bath will help the body to open up the sweat glands so that the body will move fluid outward.
A warm bath may do this to a lesser extent but is still beneficial. Feel all bath water before putting yourself in it, so you will not hurt yourself.
Beneficial Sea Salt Soak
When the salty water of ocean is evaporated, the sea salt is formed. The biggest difference between sea salt and its processed counterpart is that it is not altered artificially, while the latter needs to go through multiple processing methods. Therefore, the sea salt holds quite a lot of crucial nutrients that can do wonders for us. It offers numerous benefits for the health, skin and hair.
Sea salt is full of vital vitamins and minerals, which are required for providing proper nourishment to the skin cells.
These nutrients can improve the cellular energy metabolism, keep the tissues hydrated, boost blood circulation throughout the skin surface and increase the strength of cell membranes.
The calcium content of sea salt can help in cleaning up clogged skin pores. If you have an acne-prone skin, go for the sea salt pore cleanser. It keeps your skin clean and clear by reducing the chances of skin infections. Sea salt is a natural exfoliator; the texture of this salt helps remove the upper layer of dead skin cells and reveal a fresh one underneath that when lightly rubbed on the skin.
1 to 2 cups of natural Sea Salt to a full bath of hot or warm water. Soak for 20 minutes and dry off.
Rest and drink plenty of water. You might sweat some, so wrap in a large towel and rest.
Sometimes you can find natural sea salt in Asian food stores at a lower price than other stores. Naturally dried sea salt won’t be totally dry, but slightly wet and has over 84 minerals and trace elements. Hard dried white sea salt will have less minerals nad trace elements, but it is still very beneficial! Use what you can find.
Nourishing Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt, hydrated magnesium sulfate, is rich in both magnesium and sulfate.
While both magnesium and sulfate can be poorly absorbed through the stomach, studies show increased magnesium levels from soaking in a bath with Epsom salt!
Magnesium and sulfate are both easily absorbed through the skin.
1 to 2 cups of Epsom Salts to a full bath tub of water. Soak 20 – 30 minutes.
Epsom Salts are easily found in the grocery stores and some are scented with essential oils. You can add your own essential oils to your bath, about 12 drops would do.
Cleansing Baking Soda and Sea Salt Soak
Baking soda is used to detoxify and alkalize your body. It is natural, safe and inexpensive.
People who eat a diet consisting of sugar, red meat, cheese and other refined foods have a high acid consumption, which baking soda baths can neutralize. You can also detox your body from alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and medications.
Baking soda in a sitz bath to relieve pain from hemorrhoids, vaginal yeast infection, anal fissure, and other discomforts in the genital or buttock area. Baking soda soothes irritated skin, relieves itching and reduces burning sensation and Sea Salt helps to remineralize.
1/2 cup of Baking Soda and 1/2 cup of natural Sea Salt or Epsom Salts to a full bath. Soak about 20 minutes.
If you cannot find natural sea salt, regular sea salt and even regular table salt will still be helpful.
Testing the Waters
Always test the water temperature before adding anything to it, and make sure it will not burn or irritate your body. Stay in the bath as long as you feel comfortable, and get out when you sense you have had enough.
Although we give guidelines, it is up to you to determine how much you can handle in a good way. If you are pregnant or having health issues, please consult your health practitioner about using special baths. These ingredients are not really harmful in any way, just be practical and ask for advice when in doubt or concerned.
Additions to Your Bath Practice
Drink some peppermint tea or ginger teas before bathing for more cleansing effects. You can also add brewed peppermint tea or ginger tea to your bath to promote release of toxins through your skin. This will enhancing sweating.
For a soothing aromatherapy soak, add 10-15 drops of essential oils, such as rose or jasmine, to your bath. To relieve stress, add relaxing herbs like lavender or chamomile.
Do not add any bubbles or soap to your bath as it is counter productive. Do not use soap to wash your skin during any of these baths as it removes the wonderful minerals you are working to add to your skin and body.
You can add flowers and candles, special lighting, music to make this bath even more personal.
Remove dead skin cells by dry brushing using a loofah sponge or body brush before your bath. This also stimulates the lymphatic system which will send out what it might through the pores.
For a nice boost, get in to a cold shower right after and cool off, then wrap up in towels and sweat. This really allows the pores to cleanse.
Put a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door handle if you have a busy home! Take time to nurture yourself! You are worth every bit of it!
