How A Bath Can Reduce Your Stress & Improve Overall Wellbeing
We all know taking a bath can be a seriously relaxing experience, but did you know there are countless other (science-backed) benefits of bathing? We’re not just talking about while you’re in the bath, either!
The use of water for various treatments (otherwise known as hydrotherapy) is probably as old as mankind. Hydrotherapy is one of the basic methods of treatment widely used in the system of natural medicine and has multiple other names such as water therapy, aquatic therapy, pool therapy, and balneotherapy.All this said, for the purposes of this article, and IRL treatments we’re going to stick with the easier type of hydrotherapy most of us have access to… a bath. We know that stress may lead to physical diseases such as heart disease, stomach ulcers, hypertension, etc. So, take a load off and enjoy a nice bath. You might be surprised to learn about its other benefits.
Different temperatures of water can provide different benefits like an ice bath vs sauna but regardless of the heat index, it’s scientifically proven that using water as a tool can help us to achieve optimal mind and body health.
Taking a warm bath can help with your body’s overall circulation, making the blood less viscous which, in turn, helps the vessels to function better. PSA: Make sure you’re aware of any pre-existing heart conditions which could cause a steamy bath to do more harm than good; otherwise, a warm bath can lower your blood pressure and improve cardiac function. Sounds pretty positive, wouldn’t you say?
Another study showed that elevated body temperature actually helps certain elements of your immune system to function more efficiently. Other research has gone as far as to show that cold water submergence can improve cell damage and decrease the risk of necrosis, reducing the risk and increasing the survival rate of some cancers.
Being immersed in water from the chest down can help your lung capacity and oxygen intake. The warm water and pressure will actually make your heart beat faster, and the steam from the water will help to clear your sinuses and chest.
When you’re in water; it can provide postural stability. Fully submerging can help with many kinds of pain and inflammation; it can also calm you down via your nervous system which then can reduce your overall stress and physical effects of anxiety which, in turn, may help your mood.
Digestion issues? One study found that bathing shortly after a meal could help to reduce sugar levels in the blood.
According to LifeHack, some “conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and some fertility issues can be assisted by bathing in colder temperatures. Hormones released by the pituitary gland such as the adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH and other hormones such as beta-endorphin and cortisol can become more balanced. Alternatively, warm water bathing can increase levels of serotonin, which is the chemical produced by the brain associated with happiness and well being.”
Some of the more obvious things that a bath can do are help us to sweat, clean and tighten our skin, cleanse our bodies, and wash away toxins from the air. Having clear skin and a pleasant odor can help our mood and self-esteem.
So, are you in the bath yet or what?
Want more??
Using a bath additive can make it even more enjoyable. We recommend using the Fat and the Moon Smoothe Bath Soak because of it’s detoxing and relaxing ingredients which we broke them down for you below:Oats
Oats contain polyphenols called avenanthramides and can be seen in several beauty products on account of their ability to soothe itching and irritated skin. One study found that avenanthramides exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and anti-itching activity. These magical oat properties, polyphenols, may also provide protection against coronary heart disease, colon cancer, and skin irritation!
Johnson & Johnson did independent research which found oatmeal could potentially be universally safe and effective. Zero allergies were reported by consumers of 445,820 products sold during a three-year period.
Arrowroot Starch
Potassium, iron and B vitamins are found in arrowroot, these are really great for metabolism, circulation and heart health. Arrowroot can also stimulate immune cells and boost the immune system.
Kaolin Clay
The mildest of all clay is good for sensitive skin types because of its aluminum oxide and silica which can be used as a skin detoxifying and cleansing agent. It won’t draw out moisture and can increase strength and elasticity, absorbs toxins on the scalp and hair and potentially slow the aging hair process.
Irish Moss
It’s actually seaweed and has been used in multiple countries for multiple remedies from sore throats and chest congestion in Ireland to an aphrodisiac and cure for male impotence in Jamaica. But when it comes to beauty, it’s used because of its nourishing effects. Its high sulfur content makes it great for clear skin and can help as a natural anti-inflammatory for your entire body without drying out your skin because of it’s long chain polysaccharides, like carrageenan which help with lubrication.
Rose Geranium Essential Oil
PSA: Research on rose geranium oil shows that it’s a safe and effective oil that can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent – and might even be better than pharmaceuticals. But even further, it’s known as an antibacterial and antifungal which can be used to treat things from psoriasis and eczema to oily and congested skin. It’s also super high in antioxidants which can help your skin to stay youthful and its cicatrisant abilities can fade acne scars and stretch marks. On top of everything, rose geranium essential oil is a natural diuretic which, along with removing toxins from your body, can also aid digestive functions and reduce blood pressure by eliminating excess sodium.
Wanna grab some soothe for yourself?
