5 watertight arguments for baths

A bath isn’t just about cleansing the body, it purifies the soul too – this wisdom was already known to the ancient Greeks. The remains of the first baths are 2.5-3,000 years old and the legacy of the ancient bath culture is with us to this day. Bathing in warm water has undoubted benefits and reams of research papers have established its healing, regenerating a revitalising effects.

What are they exactly? It would be impossible to list all of them here so I rounded up the 5 most important of them.

1. It helps to relax

The horizontal posture in itself helps to unwind but lying in warm (not hot!) water is even more pleasant as it makes you feel secure and comfortable as if in a womb. Taking evening baths regularly (2-3 times a week) help to slow down the stream of thoughts, beat stress and lift your spirits. You can further enhance those effects by adding medicinal herbs and some aromatherapy essential oil (mixed in a few drops of vegetable oil or honey) to the bathwater. Good music, a good book or candlelight can also help you unwind, however, I suggest that you don’t use paraffin-based candles in a confined space because its smoke is not good for your health.

It sooths 

The muscle-soothing effects of warm water helps to relieve tension. At the end of a stressful day, many muscles are tense and you only notice the overwhelming feeling of exhaustion. Poor head- and body posture, work while seated or standing all day are all exhausting for your body so it’s important to stretch and relax your muscles regularly. Following heavy exercise, you can help muscle soreness with cold water because it decreases the amount of lactic acid in the blood.

You sleep better after the evening bath 

Whereas a good shower can give you a boost, a nice warm bath in the evening will help you to a good night sleep. Your body temperature decreases slightly before you fall asleep and it stays so until morning. After a bath, your warm (but not overheated) body starts to cool down and prompts the production of melatonin (aka ‘sleep hormone’) in your brain, preparing your body for a relaxing sleep.

Steam helps too 

If you have a cold or your face is very dry or even spotty, steam is your best friend. Entering the respiratory system, steam cleans airways, reducing the irritation that makes you cough – especially if you add some eucalyptus essential oil. Steam will also soften your skin, widen your pores and make it easier to cleanse and hydrate your skin as the nourishing oils will be absorbed quicker.

It bolsters your body’s protection 

Viruses can’t survive at high temperatures; that’s why your body responds to infections with fever. A warm bath will increase your body temperature ever so slightly, stimulate your immune system and cut the number of viruses waiting to attack you.

IMPORTANT: the ideal temperature of a bath is body temperature, i.e. 36-38⁰C. Stay in the bath for a maximum of 15-20 minutes, especially if your skin is sensitive or prone to getting dry. Warm bath is not at all advised for pregnant women or people with a heart condition. It’s advisable to hydrate your skin with nourishing, natural oils directly after the bath. It’s best to go to bed afterwards. That’s how you can make the most out of a good bath.