Bathing for cleanliness is one thing. Bathing for health and beauty is another. The ideal water temperature and what to add to your bath water are not common knowledge for everyone.
What Water Temperature Should You Bathe In?
Each temperature level of bath water has its own effects.
Hot Bath: Water temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius increase blood flow to the skin, promote sweating, and enhance toxin elimination. Hot water relaxes muscles, redistributes oxygen supply in the body, improves cellular nutrition, and alleviates aches and pains, such as back pain and fatigue from overwork (like feelings of exhaustion or lethargy). For women, soaking in hot water can alleviate menstrual cramps. However, individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, varicose veins, or circulatory issues in the lower limbs should avoid bathing in water above 37 degrees Celsius. After bathing, it is advisable to rinse under a cool shower at temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Warm Bath: This is at body temperature, between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius. It is best to bathe in the morning to restore balance to the body. At this temperature, the body does not have to exert itself, and feeling sleepy after the bath is entirely safe. Soaking your neck in warm water for about 15 minutes is beneficial. When exiting the tub, it’s recommended to briefly rinse with cool water under the shower for the neck, forearms, and lower legs to feel more refreshed.
Cool Bath: Water temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Bathing in cool water for 3 minutes invigorates the body. You can sit in a bathtub filled with water at 35-37 degrees Celsius while allowing cool water to flow over your body for 15 minutes until the water temperature in the tub drops to 15 degrees Celsius. Afterward, wrap yourself in a large towel and take a nap for about an hour in the afternoon. This method helps relieve nervous tension in cases of stress, insomnia, and after parties, as it aids in detoxifying substances like alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine from the body.
Cold Bath: Water temperatures from 15 to 17 degrees Celsius enhance resistance, combat infections, cause small blood vessels to constrict while dilating deeper organs (allowing these organs to receive more blood and function better). The body shivers, and heart rate increases. Hydrotherapy expert Sébastien Kneipp recommends sitting in a bathtub filled to a height of 25 cm with water at 16 degrees Celsius, scrubbing the entire body for about 1 minute with the bathwater, then drying off; this sensation of vitality can last for hours afterward. The bathing area should be warm.
What Should You Add to Your Bath Water?
Foam agents, salt, essential oils, seaweed, and oils can help relax, detoxify, or prevent skin dryness (cosmetic companies produce various types of these oils). These can be combined in a bath. Some people prefer Dead Sea salt or Atlantic Ocean salt, but two handfuls of coarse salt dissolved in the bathwater, possibly with added essential oils (like lemon or lavender), are sufficient. Traditionally, many fragrant leaves have been used for bathing and medicinal steaming.
Bathing for Better Sleep: Add sea salt (one large cup) and essential oils to warm water in the bathtub. Let the water cool gradually, and finish by rinsing with warm water under the shower. The Japanese have a relaxing bathing method: wash thoroughly first and then soak in the tub, or alternatively, after a hot soak, wash again with soap and rinse off.
Bathing to Treat Colds: Take a hot bath with added salt and 10 drops of essential oil for 20 minutes. Dry off and use a warm towel to rub your entire body. Avoid getting cold, wear warm clothes to bed, and sweating is even better (toxins are eliminated, warm water dilates capillaries, and open pores promote sweating). Drink plenty of water.
Bathing to Relieve Muscle Pain: The water does not need to be very hot, and there is no need to add salt or essential oils, but you can include 2-3 aspirin tablets.
The Color of Bath Water is Also Important
The color of the water can affect physiological functions. The skin and brain are highly sensitive to the vibrations and colors of the water. Some colors have a calming effect, while others stimulate. Colors such as turquoise, light blue, and purple soothe the nerves. Sky blue creates a feeling of tranquility. Red enhances blood circulation and increases libido. Yellow stimulates brain function, making it great to bathe in the morning for creativity and balancing the nervous system.
Pay attention to the color of your towels and the lighting in the bathing area as well.
