Bathing is the washing of the body with a liquid, usually water or an aqueous solution, or the immersion of the body in water. It may be practiced for personal hygiene, religious ritual or therapeutic purposes. By analogy, especially as a recreational activity, the term is also applied to sunbathing and sea bathing.
Ancient World
Throughout history, societies devised systems to enable water to be brought to population centres.
Ancient Indians used elaborate practices for personal hygiene with three daily baths and washing. These are recorded in the works called grihya sutras and are in practice today in some communities.
Ancient Greece utilized small bathtubs, wash basins, and foot baths for personal cleanliness. The earliest findings of baths date from the mid-2nd millennium BC in the palace complex at Knossos, Crete, and the luxurious alabaster bathtubs excavated in Akrotiri, Santorini. The Greeks established public baths and showers within gymnasiums for relaxation and personal hygiene. In fact, the word gymnasium comes from the Greek word gymnos, meaning naked.
Ancient Rome developed a network of aqueducts to supply water to all large towns and population centres and had indoor plumbing, with pipes that terminated in homes and at public wells and fountains. The Roman public baths were called thermae.
Use bath therapy after a hard day
Whenever I have one of those days where stress, work, and motherhood (or all of the above) wear me out yet leave me wired, a bath is how I wipe the slate clean and prepare for restful sleep. You might call it a bathing meditation because it has similar effects for my mind and body.
Aromatherapy also advocates practices of taking bath using one of those
exotic essential oils; for many of us, a hot and relaxing bath is both a way to calm down tired bodies and relieve stress. Furthermore, a few moments to think, ponder, contemplate and meditate can create wonders for the mind and body. A hot bath with one of your favourite oils adds a new experience to your life. Essential oils also called “oil of life”, is soothing and refreshing, when added to your bathtub. Using the bath as an innovative way of administering Aromatherapy is one of the best for numerous reasons.
Your entire dull skin gets a layer of pure essential oils. Your mind will be clear and calm, allowing you to concentrate on yourself and the essential oil treatment. It means essential oils bring a celestial
experience to your bathroom.
Never add essential oils directly into your bath
We all know that oil and water don’t mix. You don’t want essential oils just to sit on top of the water; you want them dispersed throughout. The best way to do that is, combine essential oils in a carrier oil first, like coconut, olive, sunflower, or jojoba. Recommendation for a single bath, three to 8-10 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil is sufficient to create a very aromatic, therapeutic bath.
Don't use oils that can irritate your skin
As much as you love essential oils, there are some that don’t belong in the tub. Avoid essential oils that can irritate the skin or mucus membranes. On this list: basil, lemongrass, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and bay.
Pick essential oils to match your bath-time mood
The time to add your oils is after the bath is full and you’re in it. Don’t add the oils while the water is running or their lovely scents will evaporate before you get into the tub. If you’re combining your essential oils with a carrier oil another option is to slather the mixture all over your body before you get in the tub. You’ll get the benefits of absorbing the oils and enjoy the fragrance.