Bath Benefits
By AMANDA MARRAZZO
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lakecountymagazine@shawmedia.com
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| Adding a few drops of highly-concentrated aromatic essential oils increase the benefits of a warm soak in the tub, experts say. |
Experts say a 20-minute warm soak in the tub is uplifting, reenergizing and even autoimmune boosting.
It is the simplest way to not only turn off the chemical and electrical switches in the mind, but also to provide the rest needed to lift spirits.
Cara Catalanello of northern Lake County says she finds comfort in soaking in a hot Whirlpool tub with a good book for about 30 minutes after an intense work out or long run.
And afterward?
“I feel completely relaxed,” says the busy mother of three.
Dr. Violette Kolcan, who practices holistic Chinese medicine at her private practice in Lake Forest and at Ancient Healing Holistic Medicine Clinics in Skokie, DesPlaines and Chicago, says all too often people opt for a quick shower over a nice, long, therapeutic soak in the tub.
That is a big mistake, she says.
“The water itself is so beneficial,” Kolcan says. “Most people in this region take a shower. Usually they forget about soaking in the tub. A bath is more beneficial to the body than a short shower.
“We don’t have the time to relax,” Kolcan continues. “Everybody is busy with activities. We have to remember we have to charge our batteries like a car.”
Water is relaxing, calming to the mind and body and can rejuvenate your senses, Kolcan says. It also can squelch anxiety and depression.
Plus, a bath increases circulation and eases symptoms of such ailments as diabetes and neuropathy, she says. And when you add in a few drops of high concentrated aromatic essential oils, which are available at most drug stores and health food stores, the benefits of a warm soak in the tub are increased.
But first, Kolcan says people need to release their mind from any planning or problem-fixing while in the tub. Light a few scented candles, she says, turn on the jets if they’re available and stay in the bath for 20 to 30 minutes to let the mind rest and the body heal.
Kolcan suggests these healing essential oils* to add to a bath:
• Rosemary and lavender lift the spirit, Kolcan says. Both are calming to the mind and relaxing to the body. They are beneficial to people prone to anxiety, depression and dealing with big, stressful life challenges. Rosemary and lavender also help ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.
• Mineral salt from the Dead Sea, available scented and non-scented, is rich in minerals and highly beneficial to the body when absorbed into the skin during a warm bath, Kolcan says. It is known to relax muscles, stress, tension, shoulder, lower back and neck pain. Mineral salt also is best for people who may have allergies to scented oils.
• Lemon balm is beneficial in calming the nervous system.
• Thyme is good for alleviating sinusitis, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
• Siberian pine oil is good for relaxing and soothing the nervous system and muscles, Kolcan says. It boosts the immune system and lifts spirits.
• Citrus aromas such as grapefruit, orange and lemon oils boost the immune system.
• Grape seed oil is an antioxidant also known to boost the immune system.
• Peppermint oil boosts the immune system, encourages relaxation and eases stomach ailments such as colic, bloating and irritable bowl syndrome. However, Kolcan warns pregnant women that peppermint oil is believed to cause miscarriages.
• Olive oil — just a spoonful — straight from the kitchen cabinet can be added to warm bath water to give the body a deep moisturizing treatment.
• Oatmeal, also from the kitchen cabinet, can be added to the tub to clear skin ailments and squash pain and itching due to extreme dryness, skin allergies, chicken pox and other skin conditions, Kolcan says.
• Frankincense oil is known to lift the spirits and ease stomach problems.
• Anise and fennel seed oils also are known to soothe stomach issues.
When it comes to picking the right tub, Edward Garza, owner of Happy Tub Refinishers in Round Lake Beach, says the best style of a tub is a deep, clubfoot tub.
“Like those you see in the old Western movies,” he says.
People will get the most relaxation benefit in a tub in which they can float and stretch out their legs, he says.
And any tub with three or four Jacuzzi jets is a bonus, he says.
* Experts suggest consulting a physician before using essential oils for therapeutic purposes.
