Beauty of the Bath: Part One – History and Health Benefits

History of the Bath

In ancient times, there were no luxurious soaking tubs. However, these civilizations understood the importance of bathing for hygiene and relaxation. Bodies of water were used for bathing. Seas, rivers and lakes were for bathing, while waterfalls were the first known showers.

Ancient Greek Bathing: The public bath house

The ancient Greeks believed good diet, exercise and keeping clean were important for good health. They would wash in a bowl on a pedestal known as a “Louterion”. They would clean themselves by rubbing their bodies with olive oil and removing it and their dead skin with a tool called a “Strigil”. The ancient Greeks and Romans had very similar bathing rituals and both cultures adopted public bath houses, where group bathing in large tubs was very popular.

Roman Bathing Customs: Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

Ancient Romans knew that dirt encourages disease and they valued the importance of cleanliness. Roman bath houses traditionally had bathing pools heated on either cold, tepid, and hot. Ancient Romans would begin by taking a dip in the tepid pool, then get a good steam in the hot pool, ending with the cold pool.

Ancient Egyptians: The Milk Bath

The ancient Egyptians placed high importance on the rituals of bathing. Many washed several times a day. Once in the morning after they rose, and often before and after meals. Ancient Egyptian Queen Cleopatra was a huge fan of bathing. There are documented accounts of her soaking in milk, honey and native herbs to soften and smooth her skin. Hippocrates wrote that Cleopatra required 700 lactating donkeys to produce the milk for her bathing rituals.

Japanese Culture: Wash the Day Away

Most Japanese bathe in the evening and shower in the mornings. They believe that bathing at night washes away the day and releases body tension in order to relax for a good night’s sleep. While showering is preferred in the morning to wake up and energize.

Saturday Night Baths: A Family Affair

Typical in the early 1900’s in America, family members would fetch loads of water to fill the waiting tub in the kitchen. The father would bathe first, followed by the mother, and on to the children with the youngest going last. This practice was to prepare for the laborer’s Sunday of rest.

Health Benefits of Bathing:

• Improves heart health
• Helps breathing by aiding the flow of oxygen throughout the respiratory system
• Calms the nervous system
• Reduces levels of stress and anxiety
• Relaxes sore and achy muscles, joints and bones
• Increases blood flow and circulation
• Relieves the symptoms of cold and flu
• Kills bacteria and boosts immunity
• Aids in hormone balancing
• Cleanses and hydrates skin and hair
• Relaxes and prepares the body for sleep
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces blood sugar
• An hour long bath burns roughly 140 calories
• Aids in lymphatic drainage

Temperature is Important

Hot Bathing:

The optimal temperature for an adult’s bath water is 98-110 degrees Fahrenheit. Bathing in water that is too hot can lead to dry, itchy skin, nausea, and is especially dangerous for those with heart and vascular problems. Warm baths cause the release of the hormone serotonin, that produces a sense of happiness and well being. Soaking in a hot bath provides relief for menstrual cramps, as the warm water relaxes the muscles of the lower back and uterus. Hot bathing is a great way to detox too! The heat and steam open the pores and make you sweat out the toxins.

Cold Bathing:

“Cryotherapy”, or ice baths are great for athletes and recovery after a high intensity workout. Cold bathing reduces inflammation, eases sore, achy or burning muscles. Cold water causes your blood vessels to constrict and when you begin to warm back up, the vessels dilate and boosts the metabolic process. Never stay in icy water longer than 10 minutes! Staying in longer can lead to shock, damage and hypothermia. Follow up with a warm shower to raise your core temperature back to the normal 98.6 degrees F.

Extra Tips

• You should take a quick shower before a bath to rinse off any excess dirt and sweat. This will prevent what my Grandmother always so eloquently phrased as, “soaking in your own filth!”
• Turning on the shower for a rinse after your bath will remove any lingering product, dead skin cells and bacteria from your skin and hair. (Rinse the bottom of the tub well to prevent slip and fall accidents from the oils and residues commonly left from bath additives.)
• Turn your bath time into a full sensory experience with the aid of some candles, incense and soft, calming music.
• Drink some green tea while you soak to boost the detox factor.

Take care and be well!

Legal Disclaimer

2