The right type of bath has serious benefits for your body and mind, like rejuvenating your muscles and taming any chaotic thoughts, experts say.
The right type of bath has serious benefits for your body and mind, like rejuvenating your muscles and taming any chaotic thoughts, experts say. Here’s how to create a luxurious, healing oasis.
Time it right
Take your detox bath before bedtime. “Your body does intense regeneration while you’re sleeping,” says Michelle Rogers, a naturopathic practitioner in Portland, Oregon. “A detox bath fuels the process by loosening up your muscles, boosting circulation, and raising your body temperature, which helps the immune system fight bugs.” Plus, warm water may help you drift off later.
Bring the heat
Close your bathroom door before drawing your detox bath, and make the water hot (37 deg C to 39 deg C, or jacuzzi-level heat). “Research has shown that sweating can help regulate the skin’s microbiome,” Michelle says. “This prevents harmful bacteria from entering the pores.”
Now add a bath blend
Epsom salts in the water will ease muscle aches. Also add an essential oil, which helps kick off the detox process in your lymphatic system – try cypress, lemongrass, grapefruit, or helichrysum. But be sure to dilute your pick first to prevent skin irritation. Michelle suggests mixing five drops of essential oil with 30ml of coconut oil before adding it to the water. Soak for about 20 minutes, then step out of the tub and drink 500ml to 700ml of liquid with electrolytes, like coconut water with a pinch of salt, to rehydrate, Michelle adds. Rinse off in the shower; apply a moisturiser to replenish your skin.
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Try Cuccio Somatology Yogahhh Detox Bath (www.cucciosomatology.com). It contains mastiha, a rare healing resin from a tree in Greece.
