relax and reconnect to yourself with Japanese Bathing Rituals
One thing I really miss from having lived in Japan many years are the bathing rituals. Even the ones at home are very relaxing. What makes them special is the mindset.
Taking a bath in Japan goes beyond washing the body. In fact it is not the point to wash the body. First you shower, all showers are separate from the bathtub. Then you soak to relax. The great thing is that you can use the bathwater for the whole family since there is no dirt nor soap inside making it eco friendly as well.
But the very special baths are outside of the home, in hot springs called ofuro. They are often staged with a breathtaking view of nature letting you take in the scenery, fully enjoy each season and what spectacle it brings to us. The baths are often communal but separated between men and women making it even more chill. Depending on the region you visit the water quality will vary. Some leave your skin baby like smooth and others smell of sulphur lending properties to heal wounds, arthritis, insomnia. Others have apples or yuzu floating in the baths. Yuzu baths are traditionally taken on the day of the winter solstice in hot springs. Sometimes encased in a cloth bag, whole fruits float in the water, releasing a bright aroma, adding seasonal plants to bath water for enjoyment and medicinal purposes.
Since antiquity, people have indulged in spiritual baths, a soothing and restorative practice that rejuvenates body, mind and soul. Bathing rituals promote health and have been proven to help treat anxiety, grief, insomnia. A time to reconnect.
- activating the parasympathetic nervous system - stress reducing
- deep relaxation for muscles, joints, bones
- detoxification of body and skin
- increase immune system
- balance hormones
- improve digestion and weight loss
- feelings of lightness and wellness
- softer, smoother feeling skin
- a sense of mental clarity and calm mind
- an opportunity to disconnect from tech and reconnect with yourself
In order to fully profit from the cleansing, detoxifying benefits, I suggest you dry brush your body first, gift yourself a lymph drainage massage and soak for 20' minimum.
Create your own bath salts by mixing salts rich in minerals, like Epsom salt or Himalayan pink salt, fresh or dried herbs or some essential oils. Be careful not to add too much as it might irritate the skin. A safe choice is lavender, rosewood or rosemary. Make sure to finish with a big glass of water to aid the detoxification and rehydrate from inside out to support the rejuvenation process.
Brining Japanese bathing rituals with me to Europe was natural. I have included them in my family routine and into my holistic coaching programs. You can now enjoy the treatment to experience some of the benefits of bathing rituals with me at the Holissence House in Paris and purchase my bath salts on asagiribeauty.com, launching soon.
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Abi’s Journal is a place where Abi shares the stories of people she meets, tips about wellness, and rituals. She lived 15 years in Japan and currently lives in Paris. Abi created The Abi Method, membership access to a 24/7 library of yin yoga, power yin yoga, meditation, and breathwork videos. By enrolling, you will be part of a community of forward-thinking women, dedicated to working on themselves, to feel happier and in better health.
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