If we travel back into history, we can find evidence via works of art such as painting and sculpture that helps enhance our understanding about how ancient cultures endeavored to develop grooming practices which we continue to benefit from even in today’s modern world. For example, the practice of therapeutic bathing has its roots in several ancient cultures: Greek, Egyptian and Roman.

Dr. Richard Hansen, M.D., a medical director of the Poland Spring Health Institute affirmed: “The use of water is rivaled only by physical exercise as a reliever of the intolerable physical symptoms of stress.”
Not a single person can deny the relaxation and rejuvenation experienced as a result of a long, luxurious bath, or shower. The Egyptians placed cleanliness above many other daily rituals and developed a system for bathing, later adopted by the Greeks and Romans.

The ritual after bathing included applying fragrant oils and ointments to their skin, not only for hydration, but for sensual and delightful enjoyment akin to self-pampering.

The Romans also had access to a diversity of special fragrances concocted from fresh flowers, almonds and saffron. Both the Greeks and Romans constructed elaborate buildings designed for bathing.

Of course, a therapeutic bath does not have to be ostentatious following the Greek or Roman style- it can be simple to enjoy. A bath tub in an ordinary bathroom or a Jacuzzi will do. Today, bathrooms can be transformed into spa-like environments and we are only limited by our imaginations. Since stress and worry are an inevitable part of life, retreating into your own private sanctuary- even it is your bathroom can bring many healthful benefits.

Aromatherapy, the art of using highly concentrated distilled plant essences, called essential oils is ideal in the pursuit total relaxation. You don’t have to create the oils yourself, in fact in the interest of saving time and money, Dr. Teal’s Soaking Solution, a relaxing bath salt blended with lavender essential oil is readily available for under $10 in most stores that cater to the mass market like Wal-Mart.

Essential oils affect the mind and body via olfactory stimulation to the brain, and the essential oils that are ideal for relieving stress are lavender, bergamot, and sandalwood to name a few favorites. Adding about 10–20 drops to a warm bath is usually suggested for the best results.
As far as bath water temperature is concerned, Dr. Hansen’s research supports that a neutral bath, or close to skin temperature – 92 to 94 degrees Farenheit works best for most people.

And if you are wondering about the time of day to indulge in an aromatic bath to achieve optimum results, an English study outlined in Prevention Magazine, demonstrated that persons who bathed just before going to bed tended to sleep more deeply.

Jackie O‘Neal writes a weekly column In the Name of Beauty™