The Art of the Bubble Bath
The Art of the Bubble Bath
By: Hailey Layne
As self-care continues to trend on social media, one activity has retained its appeal in the face of growing extreme self-care practices. Bathing has cured ailments for centuries, with the origins being traced as far back as 2001 B.C. Located in Monhejo-Daro, Pakistan, the Great Bath represents one of the oldest-standing architectural sites of public bathhouses. The Egyptians emphasized the ritualistic aspects of bathing symbolizing purity; they believed that the cleaner a person was the closer they were to the gods. Greek athletes utilized bathhouses following sporting competitions. Greek bathhouses were seen as places of learning and discussion. Some even contained libraries.
Ancient societies were correct in the belief that bathing was healing. Immersing the body in hot water works to relieve muscle tension and loosen spasms. Bathing has been shown to lower scores in mental negative states like stress, anger, and depression-dejection. [1] Sleep quality has also been shown to improve facilitated by a bath’s ability to maintain the body’s natural temperature cycle.
Whether you incorporate a bath into your regular routine or you remain more skeptical, here are some of our favorite products to create a restorative bathing experience.
Produced in three scents, the “Relax” scent features lavender, vanilla, and honey. Produced in the U.S., the Lollia range includes shower gels, soaps, and perfumes.
Necessaire is a certified B corp as of 2022 and plastic neutral. Manufacturing takes place in Vermont, California, and Utah. The body wash is hypoallergenic and will not clog pores. For those with sensitivities, there is a fragrance-free version as well as a bergamot and eucalyptus scent.
Located in Madison, Mississippi, Musee seeks to “restore lives by providing dignified work for vulnerable people in our community. They primarily hire women in recovery, people with disabilities, and people who have lived in chronic poverty.” The bath balms are produced without parabens and sulfates, are cruelty-free, and come in a variety of scents.
Although there will always be problems a bath cannot fix, the ancient civilizations before us understood the value of a good soak. The time to think and relax can be revitalizing to one’s mental and physical well-being.
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