Health tip: the Hot Bath

When I start to feel under the weather, I take action.  At the hint of a headache, cramp, beginning of cold or flu symptoms or muscle aches, my favorite remedy is a hot bath.  A bath can be as elaborate or simple as you want it.  Check out books like Water Magic, if you want more elaborate information.   Here’s my recipe, which works best just before bed. 

1. Light a candle  or nightlight.  As you diminish other sensory input, the mind is able slip into a relaxation state more easily.  
2. Stay hydrated.  I like to have hot herbal tea and a big glass of ice water nearby for sipping.
3. Throw ½ cup of Epsom or sea salt in the tub.  If you have muscle pain add ¼ cup of baking soda.  Another nice option is a couple drops of pure lavender essential oil if you have it.  Avoid anything perfumed or unnaturally scented.
4. Have 2 wash cloths and/or loofah handy.

Step one:  It is ideal to have the water as hot as you can stand it.  This causes vasodilation, a widening of the blood vessels which lowers blood pressure and moves more oxygen to the muscles.  I suggest getting in the bath as you begin to fill the tub with water.  This allows you to get used to the water more quickly.

When the tub is as full as desired, lay submerged in the water and take 5 minutes to clear your mind and deepen your breath.  At any time if you feel dizzy or faint, drink the cold water or turn the cold tap on lightly and keep your feet in the stream.   When I performed hydrotherapy treatments for an Aveda spa in Honolulu we swept cooler water up over the body (cold flush) for a refreshing sensation.

Step 2: The second part of the bath is important. Take the wash cloth or loofah and begin to gently scrub the body.  I usually start on the thighs and work my way down covering all the surface area. This works to move and decongest the lymphatic fluid under the skin.  You can increase pressure as desired. Work your way down the legs and pay special attention to the feet.  In Reflexology, each part of the foot is linked with a part of the body.   Really good attention to the feet can cause the rest of the body to feel much better.  Scrub in between the bones on the top of the foot, the toes, arch and around the ankle.  Then give yourself a nice foot massage before scrubbing the arms, chest and back.

Step 3: Adjust the temperature.  Put a hot cloth on the face, sip on the liquids, and relax as long as possible.  Afterwards finish drinking and head to bed.  You should be feeling much better by morning.  But if there are still symptoms the next day, repeat the bath again. 

 

There are many other things you can do in conjunction with this to boost your immunity as well.  Let me know what methods work for you!