A warm bath on a cool February evening is one of life’s simple comforts. But bathing as a ritual of relaxation and community is far older than modern bathtubs. Across cultures and centuries, people have gathered at baths, springs and bathhouses to wash, rest and connect.
Bathing Through History
The ancient Romans built enormous public baths, called thermae, where people bathed in pools of different temperatures, exercised and socialized. The city of Bath in England takes its name from the Roman baths built around natural hot springs there, which visitors can still see today.
Other cultures developed their own bathing traditions. In Japan, onsen, or hot spring baths, have a long history, as does the custom of public bathhouses called sento. In Finland, the sauna is a deep part of national culture. The Turkish hammam, a steam bath tradition, spread across the Ottoman world.
In the United States, mineral springs became popular destinations in the nineteenth century. Georgia has its own famous example: Warm Springs, where Franklin D. Roosevelt visited and later established a facility for people affected by polio. The Little White House he built there is now a state historic site.
The Story of Epsom Salt
Epsom salt takes its name from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England. According to local history, a spring with bitter-tasting water was found there in the early seventeenth century, and it became a popular destination for visitors. The mineral salt found in the water is magnesium sulfate, which is what Epsom salt is today.
Many people enjoy adding Epsom salt to a warm bath as part of a relaxing ritual. It is widely available and inexpensive. As with any bath product, it is best enjoyed for the experience. If you have health concerns, skin conditions or diabetes, or are pregnant, check with your doctor before adding salts or other products to your bath.
Creating a Calm Bath Ritual
A relaxing bath is less about products and more about atmosphere:
- Tidy the bathroom and clear the edge of the tub.
- Dim the lights or use battery candles.
- Run the water comfortably warm, not hot.
- Add Epsom salt, a gentle bath product or simply plain water.
- Keep a glass of water nearby.
- Play soft music or enjoy the quiet.
A Note on Essential Oils in the Bath
Essential oils do not mix with water, so drops added directly to the bath may float on the surface and come into concentrated contact with skin. If you want to add scent, many aromatherapy references suggest first mixing a small amount of essential oil with a carrier oil or another dispersing ingredient. Use low amounts, avoid oils known to irritate skin and skip essential oils for children’s baths unless your pediatrician has approved them.
After the Bath
Take your time getting out, since a warm bath can leave some people feeling lightheaded. Pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp. Slip into something cozy and move slowly into the rest of your evening.
Whether you are soaking in a hot spring or your own tub at home, bathing connects you to one of the oldest relaxation rituals in human history.