BATH ROUTINE GUIDELINES

Drink a glass of water to encourage perspiration before you step into a steaming bathtub. Set your hair, cover it with a cap and it will be fresh and bouncy when you comb it out. Take off make-up, apply any treatment that is necessary (masque, lubricant).. If it’s a morning bath, or pre-going-out bath put on make-up before head; it will set in the bath, look more natural and oddly enough, fresher; it will also last longer. Lower yourself into the bath slowly; allow your body to drift in the water with spine immersed, head on pillow. Soak first and exercise at the same time if you wish to make this good opportunity to workout muscles. Then wash working up a fine lather with soap, stroke limbs with a loofah underwater, this helps firm flab as well as getting rid of dry flaky skin. Brush and pumice where needed. Rinse well, with a hand shower of fresh water if possible. The soaking time varies depending on the type of bath and the temperature.

VERSATILITY

A bath can be relaxing and intoxicating or energizing and circulation building. With the addition of oils and softens. It can help prevent the skin from getting rough, replacing moisture, oil and acidity. With the addition of herbs, it can be soothing, healing, calming or reviving. Bath time is a treatment for skin and muscles. The heat urges pores to open making them more receptive to skin lubricants and cleansers; the warmth and humidity relax muscles, relieve tension and increase the stretch and contract capabilities of muscles. Warm water calms because it temporarily lowers blood pressure; cold water quickens circulation and gives you an extra spurt of energy.

TEMPERATURE

Depending on the temperature, water can be a great relaxer or a great revitalizer. Meticulous bathers use a thermometer; the rest rely on the elbow test or how it feels to the hands. Anyone with circulatory complaints should never expose themselves to extremes of temperature.

Hot (100⁰ to 110⁰ F, 38⁰ to 43⁰ C) this is de-energizing and drying; it can bring out the little surface veins on legs and thighs; and if your bosom is covered, hot water can soften it and encourage sagging.

Warm (85⁰ to 100⁰ F, 29⁰ to 38⁰ C) this is the best temperature for relaxing and perfect for treatment baths—herb, mineral, oil and aromatic additions. It’s the bath to soak in, to read in for up to twenty minutes but not too much longer, otherwise the skin begins to crinkle. Keep water at an even temperature by replenishing it often. Choose which temperature you prefer; the exact body temperature 98.6 F (37 C) is recommended.. At its warmest, this range is fine for unstiffening muscles or warming you when you are chilled to the bone.

Tepid (75⁰ to 85⁰ F, 24⁰ to 29⁰ C) relax, revives and refreshes in ht weather; prolonged for 10 to 15 minutes it gives the circulatory system the chance to expand and release internal heat through the skin. Such a bath can keep you cool or at least cooler, for five to six hours a colder one may cool you only temporarily.

Cool (65⁰ to 75⁰ F, 18⁰ to 24⁰ C) a quick pick-up after a day’s work, or if you feel sluggish in the morning and can’t stand a cold bath or shower. Don’t stay in for more than 10 minutes.

Cold (less than 65⁰ F, 18⁰ C) really stimulating; should be an in-out plunge with quick soaping and rinsing. It’s better as a bracing shower with the shower power turned on at its fullest—the high water pressure exercise muscles, gives circulation a real boost.