Aromatherapy Bath |
An aromatherapy bath is a great way to unwind and melt away the anxiety and stress of a busy day. Instead of taking a regular bath or shower, where your main goal is to get clean as quickly as possible, an aromatherapy bath is intended to be an experience, an activity that soothes both the mind and the body.
There are also real heath benefits to aromatherapy, and these baths are a great way to ease the pain and tension in achy muscles and joints.
Aromatherapy baths were once considered "new age" therapy mainly for women, but these days more and more people of both sexes are coming to realize just what an enriching experience awaits them in their own bathroom. Parents are even finding that these baths are a great way to help their kids unwind after an active day, and that they tend to sleep better through the night after soaking in the tub for 15 or 20 minutes.
There are two primary methods of preparing an aromatherapy bath in your home. One is by using aromatherapy bath salts, and the other is by using essential oils to create the same effect.
Aromatherapy Bath Salts
Aromatherapy bath salts come in a variety of scents, with lemon, lavender and chamomile being among the most popular. In addition to the relaxation benefits mentioned above, there are also tangible health benefits to these bath salts, as they've been known to improve overall circulation, as well as relieving aching joints and muscles. Even performance athletes often use aromatherapy salts to ease sports-related injuries and the pounding the body takes from hard physical training. There are also positive benefits to the skin from these salts, as they help to open the pores and purify the skin in a natural way.
When choosing the right scent for your aromatherapy bath, you might experiment to find out which scent works best for you. Lemon scent is known to lighten the spirits and re-energize the mind and body. This is a great pick-me-up if you're exhausted and looking for a way to get motivated and moving again. Lavender or chamomile scented salts, on the other hand, are deeply relaxing, and should be used when you just want to unwind and let the stress and anxiety of the day melt away. These are great right before bed time, or if you have trouble sleeping through the night.
Another way to enhance your aromatherapy bath experience is to use these salts in a warm jetted tub. This augments the effects of the salts, and this is method used by rehab clinics, day spas and physical therapists. These jetted tubs aren't cheap, but you may find them well worth the extra expense if you plan on making these baths a regular part of your daily routine.
Aromatherapy Bath Oils
The other way to get an aromatherapy bath experience is to add essential oils to your bath water. This is as simple as adding a few drops of one of these essential oils to one ounce of a "carrier" oil, or mixing them in a glass jar so you'll have more for later. You'll find that sweet almond oil works very well as a carrier oil when preparing this type of bath. Once the oils are well blended, simply add them to the hot running water and enjoy the soothing aroma wafting up from the tub.
The primary ingredients for these essential oils are plant extracts. Essential oils have been developed and used for centuries for their natural healing properties. Some cultures even use them as folk medicines. While all of these aromatherapy oils are great for relieving stress, some have other health benefits as well, such as helping your digestion, relieving your allergies, and of course helping you get a good night's sleep.
There are a wide variety of essential oils to choose from, and just about all of them will work well as bath oils. Some popular scents include jasmine, sandalwood, rose, chamomile, lemongrass, mint, lavender, or valerian. Valerian is especially known for helping to relieve tension in sore and achy muscles, and this is a favorite of athletes after a long hard workout or training session.
One final note on essential oils: to prevent any potential problems that may arise from your aromatherapy bath, make sure you're only using bath oils that to which you have no sensitivity. If you're not sure whether or not you may have a sensivity to a particular oil, you'll want to experiment first to find out. Try a bath and see if you notice any unwanted after effects. There are also a number for oils that should never be used in your bath, and these include black pepper, cinnamon, clove, bay, nutmeg and oregano.
Get Organized With Vertical Storage Cubbies - most bathrooms have a lot of horizontal counter space, but items start to pile over time and counters can start to look cluttered.
One solution is to add a vertical storage cubbie with 20 to 24 compartments. Many small bath items can displayed in an organized manner, leaving your valuable counter space for more important things like soap and washcloths.
