Last week I looked at some methods of treating the skin using brushing and the Epsom Salt baths. This week I’ll look at different methods that can be used at home to benefit your overall health through treating your outer garment, the skin.
The modern shower can be used to produce a number of treatments of your skin. Its heads are remarkably adaptable and capable of producing a wide variety of jets, ranging from a blast to a delicate spray or even an alternating, pulsating series of jets.
If your shower can achieve alteration of temperature quickly, as well as alteration of water pressure, you have a powerful tool for home hydrotherapy. The benefits include:
· a basic tonic for the circulation (and therefore the skin), which can be general or local;
· relaxation or stimulation;
· easing of aches and stiffness;
· rapid cleansing of the skin and pores.
Using alternating hot and cold water allows you to clear the skin, relax the muscles and stimulate the circulation - an amazing series of achievements for just 3-4 minutes of effort. Start warm and get hotter, taking around one to two minutes to get really hot, then change quickly to a cold shower for 15 seconds and then go back to hot and then cold and so on. Or you can stop after one or two alternatives if you feel you’ve done enough for your circulation for one day.
You’ll feel marvellous and there are no contra-indications. The degree of coldness and hotness you use is up to you and how much you can tolerate. Slowly get yourself to the point where you can not only stand a big contrast (not just going from warm to cold), but actually start to enjoy the thrill of the contrast from hot to cold and back again.
The bath tub can also be used to give skin treatments. Using aromatherapy oils in the bath can be a great way of easing tension.
Use the following cocktail of Mediterranean oils to have an anti-stress aromatherapy bath:
10 drops each of Rosemary and Aniseed oils;
5 drops each of Basil and Pine oils;
3 drops each of Eucalyptus and Cypress oils.
Or else:
10 drops each of Bergamot and Sandalwood oils;
5 drops each of Cinnamon and Sage oils;
3 drops each of Clove and Coriander oils.
Use a sponge to gently work the oils into your skin - no soap is used in a bath such as this. The effect of a bath lasting 10-20 minutes in either of these combinations will be a profound feeling of refreshment and relaxation. Pat without friction and rest afterwards.
David Foley
MNIMH, MRCHM
Medical Herbalist
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