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The Benefits of The Bath

NEWS | February 23, 2021
onsen japonais
With spas closed, a bathtub at home is shaping up to be one of 2021's major must-haves. A look back on the origins of this ritual, from Roman to Japanese bathing practices, and a close-up on accessories and products for a spiritual and physically invigorating soak.

For thousands of years, the bath has been an initiatory ritual. The priests and priestesses of Ancient Egypt, already several centuries before our era, took daily baths in order to preserve their moral purity. Likewise, the Romans appreciated bathing and believed it helped to cleanse and regenerate both body and mind. Bathing was also something of an institution in Japan, where there's no shortage of hotspots — the archipelago is home to 3084 natural springs. Naturally heated and rich in minerals like sodium, sulfur, iron, and more, these onsen are reputed for their therapeutic effects and are indeed a symbol of Japanese culture and civilization. Today, it's best to limit these indulgences in the interest of our planet. But of course, rarity also makes experiences precious. In the privacy of the home, the virtues of a warm dip are legion. In water, we feel 80 percent lighter. In Ayurvedic medicine, water is the element that connects us to our emotions. We're able to relax in the enveloping heat, which also maximizes the wellness effects of this small treat — just keep in mind that 38 degrees Celsius is a good maximum temperature for ensuring mineral absorption.

In a warm room — around 23 degrees Celsius — keep the lights dim, light a scented candle in woodsmoke, from Diptyque or mint tea from Cire Trudo, to create an atmosphere reminiscent of a hammam. Here we can let our thoughts drift, soaking in a moment of contemplation. Once relaxed, with body and mind in harmony, it's time to practice some self-pampering. First, try a face-scrub — we love Aesop's Purifying Facial Exfoliant, or the cleansing cream with jojoba seeds and coriander extract from Malin + Goetz. For the body, enjoy a splash of citrus with Hermès' Eau de Pamplemousse Rose Cleansing Gel or Acqua di Parma's Colonia, lifted with a note of bergamot that's optimum for de-stressing. After around twenty minutes, it's time for a warm towel and some skincare. Regenerative and enveloping, Augustinus Bader's The Body Cream is fragrance-free and deeply nourishing. For a more aromatic option, there's Véronique Gabai's super-hydrating rosewater cream. Indeed, a bath has never felt better!

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