A Ritual is something that elevates the everyday into something special. Ritual baths have been around since the beginning of time to baptize, initiate, bless, detoxify, cleanse and beautify. As many of you have heard me say, it’s not what you do, it’s how you do it. The twenty minutes or so you enjoy in a salts bath with relaxed awareness allows for letting go, gaining clarity, setting intentions which is the ritual. And yes, even cleaning the tub before your bath is part of it too and arguably makes the intention even stronger. Perhaps you have decided upon your intention, celebration, detoxification goals or maybe you’re simply opening to newness without preconceived ideas to see what inspiration arises. Light a candle as you fill the tub with warm water and salts, stones and/or oils. It needn’t be complex; simply adding oils or epsom salts to the water is enough. Settle in, let go into relaxation and breathe, grateful for your being. Gently begin to meditate, visualize or vocalize in the moment. Let go of the past, be open to the future and center yourself, grateful for now.
There is no “right” time for a ritual bath. The ideal time of time of day depends upon your intentions. For celebrations and initiations, a morning bath ritual is a wonderful way to bring your intentions to the world completely present. When the focus is more about detoxification and discipline in the face of change, evenings can be beneficial as you have a chance to wrap up and sweat to continue the detoxification process or settle into a more formal medication practice. Done regularly this is a way to ground oneself in change and growth. Meditation encourages deeper relaxation and balanced metabolic function, enhances cognition and supports circadian rhythm. When you are finished, wrap yourself up and take at least 10 minutes to rest quietly and feel the effects while you hydrate with water and then herbal tea. This is also the perfect time to restate your intentions, affirmations and gratitudes.
As we slowly emerge from our covid cocoons, we will find the blessings of this time with all the changes it has brought. What a perfect time for a transformational bath!
The JOURNEY BATH RITUALS you will find in my | AROMAPOTHECARY | include high vibrational ingredients, essential oils, stones and teas designed as a collection to amplify and bless your own individual intentions. In addition to these other elements, each BATH RITUAL contains Himalayan Crystal Salts which are arguably the purest salts on earth. They get their color from the natural iron in their content. For centuries, Himalayan salts have been used for protection, purification, grounding and clarifying. Like all crystals and gemstones, Himalayan salt is formed over millions of years under tectonic pressure, free of exposure to toxins and impurities. Himalayan salt also contains over 84 minerals and trace elements found in the human body. These minerals and trace elements exist in colloidal form so it is easy for cells to absorb them; while at the same time the unique crystalline form of Himalayan salt enables it to store vibrational energy. The addition of crystals and stone medicine as well as other minerals create a path for your ritual journey.
BATH BASICS:
Dry body brushing is a wonderful pre-bath ritual. It stimulates the lymphatic system and encourages cell renewal by sloughing off the top most layer of dehydrated skin so that the skin can breathe more fully and any oils can be better absorbed. Use a natural bristle body brush and very lightly, with short strokes, start from your feet up your legs always moving towards your heart. Repeat from arms to chest. If you have a long handled brush to reach your back, move from the neck downwards. Note: never brush inflamed, sunburned or irritated skin.
Remember to hydrate before and after your bath. This is important because salts tend to naturally lower blood pressure which is part of the relaxation process and also stimulates the lymphatic system for detoxification purposes. However, if you are dehydrated before you get in the tub, you might feel lightheaded or dizzy when you’re done. This is also why it’s important to sit quietly and rehydrate afterwards. Cool water, warm tea, and/or sliced oranges at the side of the tub are nice additions. If you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions or diabetes, please discuss with your doctor.
Have a cool cloth prepared at the side of the tub in addition to a larger one you might use as a neck roll or prop so you can bathe comfortably.
The temperature of the water should be as warm to hot as you can comfortably enjoy for 20 to 30 minutes.
If you are using stones, take time to hold and connect with their energy before placing them in or around the tub. Each stone has its own unique properties and they are a powerful way to change your own vibration for healing purposes and specific intentions.
Avoid drugs or alcohol before a bath so you can be fully present in the water and not become dizzy