How to Bath with Aromatherapy: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to relax and refresh the body, and even cure ailments. Bathing with aromatherapy provides several benefits at once, such as calming the mind, moisturizing the skin, and refreshing the body. There are several ways to soak in aromatherapy, even if you have sensitive skin. From using essential oils, soaking gels, to aromatherapy candles and aroma diffusers, you and your partner can enjoy a luxurious bathing experience.

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Part 1 of 2: Learning About Aromatherapy

Step 1. Learn about aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of fragrances (usually from essential oils) to maintain physical and psychological health. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries in various cultures around the world. By knowing the different types of fragrances and the health benefits of aromatherapy, you can determine which type of aromatherapy is most appropriate.

Anyone-from adults to children-can use aromatherapy. However, for very young children, adults, and pregnant women, you should be careful when using essential oils and hot water

Step 2. Learn about the health benefits of aromatherapy

Essential oils can provide a variety of health benefits when inhaled or applied to the skin. Essential oils can also relieve or cure ailments such as shortness of breath or calm psychological conditions, such as anxiety. By learning about the benefits of aromatherapy, you can choose the essential oil that best suits your needs.

Aromatherapy can relieve the symptoms of certain physical ailments. For example, using eucalyptus essential oil can help relieve shortness of breath.
Aromatherapy can also relieve the symptoms of certain mental illnesses. For example, using lavender or chamomile essential oil can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In general, the use of aromatherapy (especially if used while taking a warm bath) can help relax and calm the body.

Step 3. Learn about essential oils

Essential oils are produced from the distillation of the leaves, stems, flowers, bark of trees or the roots of certain plants. These oils contain the natural essences of the plants used so essential oils are not just oily liquids or scented liquids.

Essential oils are usually clear liquids that are not too oily and, in fact, tend to be like water.
Essential oils are also not perfumes or perfumes.
Essential oils are highly concentrated so you don't have to use too much to get the benefits.

Step 4. Look for essential oils that suit your needs

You will need to use different essential oils in your bath, depending on the benefits you want to get from the aromatherapy (eg for relaxation and calming the mind or easing symptoms of illness). Each oil has a different content and by knowing the content in each oil, you can choose the essential oil that best suits your needs.

Always have a wide selection of essential oils available so you can use them whenever you want or need them.
Bergamot essential oil can relieve stress, depression, anxiety, and treat some skin infections such as psoriasis and eczema.
Chamomile essential oil can be a powerful sedative. Apart from being an antiseptic, chamomile essential oil can also improve mood and relieve depression.
Eucalyptus essential oil helps relieve respiratory problems, fever, and headaches, and can be a stimulant. In addition, this essential oil also contains conditioning and deodorant.
Jasmine essential oil can relieve tension and stress. This essential oil can also launch the birth process, relieve depression and respiratory problems.
Lavender essential oil can be a great choice for stress relief. In addition, this oil can also be used as an antidepressant, deodorant, and sedative.
Lemon essential oil can improve concentration, improve digestion, and treat acne.
Marjoram essential oil can relieve anxiety and stress, flight fatigue, and treat respiratory and circulatory problems.
Rose essential oil can relieve depression and anxiety, as well as improve digestion. In addition, this oil also improves blood circulation and overcomes respiratory problems, such as asthma.
Peppermint essential oil has a cooling and invigorating effect that will leave you feeling full again. This oil can also increase mental alertness.
Tea tree essential oil can be used as an antiseptic to heal burns or cuts, as well as relieve cold sores (blisters on the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus) and muscle aches.
For a complete list of essential oils and their ingredients, visit https://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/default.asp#essentialoilprofiles.

Step 5. Use carrier oil to mix with essential oils

Since essential oils have such a high concentration, you will need to dilute them with a base oil to make them easier to use. There are a variety of vegetable oils that can be used as base oils, including sweet almond oil, avocado seed oil, olive oil, and sesame oil. The use of base oils also provides additional benefits, such as effectively moisturizing the skin.

Make sure you use natural vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are a suitable and most effective “partner” for essential oils. Some of the most appropriate base oils include sweet almond oil, avocado seed oil, olive oil, and sesame oil.
Do not use water or other liquids to dissolve essential oils as the mixture will be difficult to use effectively for bathing or showering (with a shower).

Step 6. Be an informed user of essential oils

Since each type of oil has a different content and may not be suitable for all users, it is important that you read or know the content of the oil before using it. It's also a good idea to do an allergy test on the skin before using the oil for bathing.

By reading the label on the oil bottle, you can find out the contraindications of the oil. For example, you should not use eucalyptus essential oil if you are pregnant, nursing, or have epilepsy.
If you don't read the contraindications of essential oils, you run the risk of having a serious impact on your own health.
Before using the oil for bathing, do an allergy test on the skin first. Apply one to two drops of diluted essential oil on the inside of the elbow. Leave it on for 24 hours and if there is no skin irritation, you can use essential oils for the bath.

Step 7. Determine the desired method of using essential oils

There are various methods of using essential oils as aromatherapy. From using it for a warm bath to heating it with a fragrance diffuser, use the method that works best for you.

One of the best ways to use essential oils for aromatherapy is to mix them with a base oil and then add them to a bath.
The use of essential oils added to the bath water may be too strong for some people because there are some people who have sensitive skin. In cases like this, you can use a heated deodorizer to reap the benefits of aromatherapy.

Step 8. Spray the oil on the towel

If you don't want to apply oil to your skin (or at least make direct skin contact with the oil) because you have sensitive skin, you can spray the oil on a towel. The smell of the oil can relax you and make it easier to sleep.

You can make essential oil sprays easily. Add 30-40 of your favorite essential oil (especially those that help ease sleep) to 45 ml of distilled water. Mix the two in a clean spray bottle, then spritz (only lightly) onto a towel.
The amount of essential oil you use depends on how strong you want the scent to be.
You just need to spray the oil, lightly, on the towel to get the benefits. You don't need to dip the towel in the oil as this can actually irritate the skin.

Part 2 of 2: Aromatherapy Bath

Step 1. Choose the essential oil you want to use and mix it with the base oil

Before you indulge in the luxury of an aromatherapy bath, choose an essential oil or soaking gel that suits your needs. You may want to relax, refresh, or relieve symptoms of a certain disease. Once you have selected the essential oil you want to use, mix the oil with the base oil (according to your preference).

If you can't find a certain essential oil, try using a scented soaking gel, aromatherapy salt, or bath bomb (a "bomb" ball product that mixes with water and has a fragrance). If your skin is irritated by essential oils, you can use these products. However, you should consider that these products may have the same (or different) effects as essential oils.
To use essential oils in a water bath, mix the oil with the base oil. The most appropriate ratio is about 7-12 drops of essential oil to 25 ml of base oil. The amount of essential oil you use will depend on how strong you want the fragrance to be.

Step 2. Prepare the soaking water

Now is the time to fill your bath tub with water and an essential oil mixture so you can get the full benefits of aromatherapy. Make sure the water used is not too hot so you can feel relaxed. Also, add the oil while filling the tub with water so that the oil can spread and mix thoroughly.

If you don't have a soaking tub at home, put some dissolved essential oil on a bath sponge and shower as usual. Make sure you breathe deeply when scrubbing your body with the sponge.
Make sure the water isn't too hot when you fill the tub so you don't burn your skin. You can use a thermometer to check the optimal water temperature for anyone. Everyone has different preferences or ideal temperature ranges. For example, the ideal water temperature for children and infants is between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius.. For the elderly (seniors), the ideal water temperature is in the range of 37 to 39 degrees Celsius. For pregnant women, the ideal water temperature is 37 or 38 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, for most people, the ideal water temperature is between range of 36 to 40 degrees Celsius.
Add essential oil while the tub is being filled to spread the oil evenly.
If you don't want to add oil to the bath, try adding whole milk to the bath to help smooth and moisturize the skin.

Step 3. Create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere

Usually, people bathe with aromatherapy to relax their bodies. If you want to freshen up your body, you still need to make your bathroom as comfortable and relaxing as possible by playing music, setting up toiletries, and lighting candles.

Aromatherapy candles and aroma lamps can maximize the content or benefits of essential oils. In addition, the soft glow of the candlelight can make you more relaxed. Both are widely available at major retailers and online.
If you have sensitive skin, using aromatherapy candles and aroma lamps can be a good alternative.
Dim the bathroom lights, but don't turn them off (unless you're using a candle).
Calm music can help set the mood for you to feel relaxed and refreshed.

Step 4. Scrub your skin with a dry brush or cloth before entering the soaking tub

Use a loofah or bath brush to scrub your skin before you dive into the tub. This not only improves blood circulation and removes dead skin cells, but also helps the oil to be absorbed into the skin and moisturizes the skin.

Use a brush with natural bristles or a loofah to scrub your body.
Start by scrubbing your feet, then work your way up to your chest. Scrub in a straight (and long) motion. Make sure you scrub the body a few times and repeatedly to make sure you're scrubbing all over the body evenly.
Be careful when you rub sensitive body parts.
When you're done, you can get into the soaking tub or take a warm shower.

Step 5. Soak in aromatherapy

Now, it's time for you to enjoy what has been prepared: an aromatherapy bath! A luxurious bath with aromatherapy at the right time can give you the benefits of aromatherapy.

To get the benefits of aromatherapy effectively, you need to soak for 15-20 minutes. Soaking longer than the recommended time can dry out or damage the skin.
Try using toiletries, such as pillows or rose petals, to help you feel more relaxed.
To make you more enjoy the sensation of soaking with aromatherapy, cover your eyes with a warm washcloth. Make sure you wet the washcloth with clean water (not water that has been mixed with essential oils) so that no oil gets into your eyes.
Make sure the soaking water does not get drunk or get into the eyes.
After you get out of the tub, wrap yourself in a warm towel to keep yourself warm and keep your skin moisturized until you apply moisturizer to your skin.

Tips

Remember that it's a good idea to use a small amount of essential oil first. You can always amplify the scent by adding essential oils if you feel it's not enough, but if the scent is too strong, it will be difficult to reduce the aroma.
You can mix different types of essential oils, but mixing them takes a little experience and experimentation to find out which fragrances work best when mixed.