A Wonderful Body Bath - Tips for Relaxing

by Herb Leibacher

Doesn't everyone enjoy a great body bath? It's relaxing, enjoyable, and even good for you. You may even feel more beautiful after a bath! It's kind of like a massage at a spa - only quicker and less expensive.

First, and not immediately before your bath, make sure your bath is clean and free of clutter. You don’t want to think about dirt and mess when you are trying to relax! Create an environment that reminds your of beauty, tranquility, and calm. Make sure to collect all the supplies you will need for before, during, and after your body bath. Get your towels, candles, essential oils, music, soap, and sleeping clothes together in the bathroom. Nothing spoils a relaxing bath like having to run around during or after it to get something you’ve forgotten. Prepare your bath water to be 100 degrees Fahrenheit / 38 degrees Celsius. Some studies have shown that this temperature relaxes your muscles and stimulates calming chemicals in your brain. Essential Oils For additional relaxation effects, consider adding natural essential oils such as:

- Lavender – Used by many people across many generations, lavender is valued for both it fragrance and beauty. It is generally considered a great essential oil for a body bath, from age 2 to 102!

- Bergamot – With a fresh smell, bergamot creates a relaxed and happy feeling. It has a citrus smell with spicy and floral qualities. Bergamot has been used to treat depression, stress, tension, fear, and skin infections.

- Cedarwood – Well known for its known for its tranquilizing and soothing effects, Cedarwood boasts a rich woody spicy aroma. It is terrific for providing a sense of well being and relaxation.

- Patchouli - Traditionally used in the East for both medicinal and aromatic purposes, Patchouli originated from Malaysia is used frequently in perfume and cosmetic applications. Patchouli is a ‘love it or hate it’ type of oil, so smell it in the store or borrow a bottle from a friend before investing in a bottle for yourself.

Normally a total of 8-10 drops of the oils makes for a pleasing experience.

There are many sources of essential oils, including health stores and the internet. If you absolutely can’t get essential oil, consider using a bubble bath – they are widely available in grocery and other general stores. Watch out for dangerous chemicals and fake perfume smells. Look for a product that is as natural as possible - it will you will feel more beautiful, attractive, and healthy.

Other Tips for Your Bath

Turn the lights down or off and light a candle to provide a soft glow to help you relax. Enjoy, but don't stay in for more than 30 minutes - you could fall asleep. After enjoying your body bath, put on your night clothes and slip into bed for a relaxing night’s sleep.

While soaking, make sure you breathe deeply. Breathe slowing in your nose, filling your chest with air. Breathe out through your mouth. As a test to see if you are breathing deeply and properly, put one hand on your chest and the other hand on your stomach – your chest should not move. Remeber to relax.

Consider adding some extras to make your body bath especially special:

- Add a pillow: Put a kitchen trash bag over it to keep it dry and place it inside a normal pillowcase
- Play some soft music: Select your favorite relaxing music and set it up to really set the mood
- Treat yourself to a face mask
- Select a special, all-natural soap
- Put on some natural lotion with natural perfume smells and essential oils

Above all, enjoy the relaxation and health benefits of the bath for your body!