Selfcare Series #27
The Importance of a Ginger Bath in the Colder Months
The therapeutic importance of bathing according to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Unlike Onsen, the Japanese tradition of public bathing, the bathing ritual in China was reserved for the elite and royalty. Medicinal bathing, however was commonly practiced. A patient suffering from specific disease such as poor circulation would be advised to bathe/soak in an herbal bath. More commonly this would in the form of a footbath since meridians of the feet are linked to the whole body.
The mind and body benefits of a warm bath
Studies have shown that submerging oneself in warm water can be likened to the feeling of being in the womb, providing the kind of comfort and security that allows the mind and body to relax. When a warm bath is infused with epsom salts, the magnesium plus the heat can help alleviate sore muscles and rejuvenate tired limbs. With the addition of essential oils, a warm bath creates an aromatherapy effect stimulating smell receptors in the nose, sending messages through the nervous system to the limbic system — the part of the brain that controls emotions. Having a warm bath before bed usually brings about a better, more calm sleep
Skin and body benefits of ginger
Ginger is an underground rhizome and has been used in Asian culture for thousands of years for it’s culinary and medicinal properties. Ginger is a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese and can be used fresh, in powder form, cooked or infused in form of tea for relieving nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness, pain and inflammation. Some of the benefits attributed to ginger are:
- Helps with digestion
- Stimulates Chi flow
- Improves metabolism
- Increases energy level
- Stabilizes blood pressure
- Relieves anxiety, exhaustion, and nervousness
- Improves flu and cold symptoms
- Helps with respiratory issues
Ginger also has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and ant-oxidant properties, known for ant-aging benefits, minimizing blemishes, and toning skin.
The benefits of incorporating ginger into your bath, especially in fall and winter months
In the winter months, we are less active, our energy is low and we feel sluggish. The extreme temperature affects our skin and immune system. Our circulation suffers. Not only do we feel the cold, our immune system suffers and we are more readily prone to colds and flu.
Ginger belongs to the yang element. Fire, heat, male, daytime, action, the color red, the sun and summer are all considered a 'yang'. While nightfall, the moon, feminine, dark colors, the cold and winter are 'yin'.
The heat of a warm bath and the 'yang' energy of Ginger in the winter, the 'yin' season, helps warm the organs - dispelling stagnation and opening the blockages in the meridians to promote the flow of blood and Chi. The body reacts by sweating and detoxing. After a warm ginger bath, we sleep better, our body are more relaxed, our circulation improves, we are better at fighting off colds and flu, we feel less anxious and even our skin feels smoother and less irritated.
Bathing in a warm ginger bath in the cooler months helps bring the body back into balance, improves blood circulation, fortify the immune system and cultivate the flow of Chi.
Try these DIY Therapeutic Ginger Bath Recipes
1.Take a cup of organic ginger and slice into thin pieces. Boil for 10 minutes. Add the boiled ginger water to your warm bath. This way of preparation is great for muscle aches and tired limbs especially if you add epsom or Himalayan salts.
2.Alternatively, take a cup of organic ginger and smash the pieces to release the oils. Place the smashed ginger in a muslin cloth and tie into a package and drop it into a warm bath to seep. Add in a few drops essential oils or a blend like our GingerChi Bath & Shower Infusion Oil with Ginger, Lavender, Eucalyptus and Peppermint to enhance the beneficial to your skin and overall wellbeing.
3.Combine a quarter cup grated ginger with a quarter cup organic ginger powder and fresh ginger essential oil. Mix the blend in warm water and add to bath.
It is best to soak in the ginger bath for at least 20 minutes. If you are not sure how your skin will react to ginger or you have a very sensitive skin, do a small patch test to be 100% sure. If time is limited for a bath, you can also try a foot soak with Ginger.
Tip: Don't forget to hydrate after your bath. Use the extra slices of ginger from your DYI Ginger Bath recipe and make this nutritious and and fortifying Pear, Ginger, Gojiberry Tea. Check out the recipe here
Tip: We recommend taking a ginger bath weekly at first and then increase to it twice weekly and then soaking for longer periods. Light a few candles and play music to your liking. Not only will feel as if you are being pampered in an expensive spa but the feeling of serenity also comes from knowing your health and overall well-being will be protected throughout the long harsh winter months.
Introducing our New Ginger Detox Healing Bath Salts
Just in time for the coming cold months, GingerChi’s Ginger Detox Healing Bath Salts, has the perfect blend of ginger powder and restorative minerals, including Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium.
After a warm bath in these therapeutic salts, we can expect to sleep better, our body to be more relaxed, less anxious and improvement in circulation. Our immune system is better supported so we are better at fighting off colds and flu.
Naturally cleansing and detoxifying, it also works to smooth and soften skin while drawing out impurities.
Note: Drink plenty of water to replenish your body after detoxing. Do not take a Detox Bath if pregnant.
Take advantage of our special Introductory Offer - Save 15% on the Ginger Detox Healing Bath Salts. Use code: GINGER15 and give it a whirl
We know you are going to love it.
We hope you enjoyed reading the article and will implement some of our suggestions to support and fortify your mind and body as the earth transitions into colder temperatures.
Take care and keep warm,
♥️
GingerChi
