The Art Of Bathing
I love baths. I love water and how it has the power to wash away everything. Absolutely everything - stress, dirt, illness, concerns and on and on.
One of my teachers in herb school share with us that water is very accepting and healing. He said that when sitting by a stream you can ask the water to take away your worries, and it will. Having tried this, I can attest that water will do this for you, even when you are in the tub. As the water drains from the tub ask it to take away your pain, your cares and give thanks to the water.
All the Elements are present in the bath
Water
Surrounding, cleansing and supporting, it is truly magical and healing.
Fire
It is Fire that heats the water and the soul.
Earth
Our plant allies become part of the bath whether in the form of herbs or essential oils, they add their special properties and energy.
Air
A deep breath is instigated by the deep warmth of water and by the fragrance of the plants.
Breathing deeply centers and calms the spirit.
Spirit
This is you, this is me, bringing ourselves to the moment. To be healed and nourished.
Taking time for a nice long bath is really taking out some time for yourself. It means a lot to close that door on the world, slip into a warm fragrant tub and rest there undisturbed. Can you find some time to do this for yourself? At least once a week? Give it a try and see how you feel.
Here is my favorite no fuss recipe for making a healing, relaxing bath
Fill your tub with warm to hot water.
While your bath fills, in a bowl combine the following:
1 to 2 cups of relaxing Epsom salts, depending on the size of your tub
1/2 teaspoon carrier oil such as olive, almond, or avocado oil
6 to 10 drops of beautiful cleansing lavender essential oil (add directly to the carrier oil)
Stir well and dump the whole mixture in the tub.
Have a big glass of cool water nearby to sip and bring a good cozy fiction book with you to read, if you so wish.
Get in and relax, let go and know the water will wash away anything you no longer need or want.
Note: the tub may be slippery, so use caution.
More essential oil blends for the bath
Help to awaken the brain while also providing relaxation: 4 drops each rosemary and lavender
Great for easing stress and fatigue at the start of menstruation: 5 drops of clary sage and 3 of lavender
Soothe mental fatigue and anger, plus smells divine: 4 drops cardamom and 4 drops ylang ylang
For easing stress and when you need a bit of happiness: 5 drops rose geranium, 3 drops orange & 3 drops lavender
A couple more notes:
Always add the essential oils to a bit of carrier oil before placing in the bath to ensure proper dilution of the essential oils.
Whenever possible add a big handful of Epsom salts to your bath which can help to relax muscles and draw out toxins plus so much more, they are magical!
Previously posted on Mama Rosemary