Bath Time, Bath Oil

TAKING THE WATERS

Bathing is a form of relaxation and rest that has been used throughout the ages to restore the body's equilibrium and to accelerate its natural renewal process. And while a bath may be disguised as a simple luxury to delight and tantalize the senses, it is actual much more. You could say it is a most effective treatment for all parts of yourself.

Before you begin, you may want to gather candles, your favorite music to disappear into, or maybe a fresh flower to set beside the tub or toss into the water.

DRY BRUSH MASSAGE

Did you know the skin receives one third of all the blood circulated in the body? Your skin is the last to receive nutrients in the body, yet the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency. It's the largest and most important elimination organ in the body and is responsible for one quarter of the body's detoxification each day. Yes, it's pretty important to keep your skin fresh and free of toxins.

Dry brushing is a way to stimulate all of the organs of detoxification because it provides a gentle internal massage. Here are some of the known health benefits:

Cleans the lymphatic system
Removes dead skin layers
Strengthens the immune system
Stimulates the hormone and oil glands
Tightens the skin by increasing blood flow
Reduces the appearance of cellulite
Tones the muscles
Stimulates circulation
Helps your skin receive nutrients

You can dry brush head-to-toe or toe-to-head. It really doesn’t matter as long as the entire body is brushed and each stroke is in the direction towards the heart. Use long sweeping strokes starting from the bottom of your feet upwards, and from the hands towards the shoulders, and on the torso in an upward direction. This motion helps drain the lymph back to your heart. Make sure you use a quality, natural fiber dry brush – it makes all the difference.

Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and deeper pressure on the soles of your feet. That's right, even the bottom of your feet need love. Now you are ready for some serious luxury!

MASSAGE EVERY BEAUTIFUL PART OF YOU

Using the same long, sweeping motions towards the heart, apply your favorite oil blend to you entire body. I even coat my face, although I use RAIN Replenishing Oil Wash as it is designed to work with the delicate balance of your facial skin.

This is a great opportunity to breathe deeply into your massage and experience the healing benefits of the wonderful essential oils in your chosen formula. Pay attention to areas that need attention – does anything ache, feel stiff or tender, any rough patches that need extra love?

I love to practice a meditation of gratitude during this ritual. I thank each joint, limb and curve for its beauty and ability to carry me through life with grace and strength.

If you dig up culture and lifestyle of any past civilization, you will surely come across the use of bath oils for luxury and aromatherapy benefits. Today, it is a well known fact that when water mixed with oil comes in contact with body, the oil penetrates deep into skin tissue, thereby offering rejuvenation. Here are a few more reasons to start oil bathing:

Strengthens the immune system to fight bacterial and fungal infections
Improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels
Reduces fatigue and stiffness in joints
Keeps the skin collagen supple, resulting in fresh, glowing skin
Reverses or neutralizes the effects of gravity on the body
Ensures that blood flows easily to our head

SOAK IT IN

As your body is enveloped by the fragrant air and the warm water, it begins to unwind and loosen the position in which the muscles are held throughout much of the day. Even those small inner muscles, those that respond to thought and feelings, begin to lighten and return to a condition of homeostasis and peace. This simple act brings the cellular structure back into alignment and activate the natural systems of repair and rejuvenation.

Now, take your time with this idea as it may cause a knee-jerk reaction at first. To cleanse, you only massage the oil into your skin. No soap. Soaps/cleansers are, like Mama always said "only for your pits and privates". You don't want to get rid of the oil with cleansers. And if we want to get serious about this, and we do, we need to use only a natural, gentle cleanser that won't disrupt the delicate pH balance of our skin.

Back to oil cleansing. It may seem counter intuitive at first but cleansing with oils is the most effective way to deep clean the skin and balance the skin's natural oil production. Consider one of the most basic principals of chemistry – like dissolves like. The oil cleansing method dissolves the skin's natural oils that have hardened with impurities like pollution and dirt, allowing them to be easily removed. Oil cleansing, on the body and face, can clear the skin from issues like oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, blackheads, whitehead, acne and other problems – leaving the skin healthy, balanced and hydrated.

When you finish your bath, dry your skin gently with a towel, leaving a thin layer of oil on the skin. Follow with your favorite body cream if desired. I love this moment. My skin feels so fresh and soft and my mind is clear and relaxed. It's a beautiful way to start or end the day.

Now that you are an oil bathing beauty, it is my hope that you will share your experience with others so that your dear ones can find the same delight. And, if you have children – may you gift them the ritual and love for the healing powers of bathing.