Know These Interesting Ayurvedic Bathing Practices For Optimal Health

The body is purified by bathing. Bathing enhances life span and eliminates fatigue, sweat, and dirt. It augments the strength and vitality of the body¹. 

 - Charaka Samhita 

Step into a world of ancient wisdom and sublime relaxation as we dive into the enchanting realm of Ayurvedic bath rituals. Picture yourself in a serene oasis, surrounded by the delicate aroma of aromatic oils and the gentle sound of flowing water. This time-honored practice has been cherished for centuries, offering not just a luxurious bathing experience but also a profound connection between mind, body, and spirit. 

From Ayurvedic aromatherapy to rejuvenating self-massage techniques, we will unravel the sacred practices that have stood the test of time, bringing you good health and closer to a state of blissful equilibrium.  

Taking a bath helps clean your body, relaxes and relieves stress, reduces muscle tension, improves blood circulation, and helps hydrate your skin and improve its overall appearance. Therefore, it is important that we give our regular baths some attention and make the most of them. Ayurveda and modern science suggest many potential benefits associated with bathing and the time that we enjoy them. 

Ayurvedic bath rituals 

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the balance between the body, mind, and spirit. In Ayurveda, snana (bathing) is seen as a way to cleanse the body, purify the mind, and rejuvenate the spirit. It is an important daily ritual for maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Here are a few things that need to be considered: 

• Self-massage (abhyanga): Ayurveda emphasizes self-massage before bathing, which can help improve circulation and increase skin blood flow². The abhyanga process starts with a warm oil massage of the entire body to ensure that the oil penetrates, provides nourishment to the deep layers of the skin, and prevents the skin from drying out.  

For example, Vata types may benefit from warm, nourishing oils such as sesame or almond, while Pitta types may benefit from cooling oils such as coconut or sunflower. Kapha types may benefit from stimulating oils such as mustard or eucalyptus. By combining Ayurvedic massage and bath, you can create a rejuvenating self-care routine. 

READ MORE: Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Massage Benefits

• Water temperature: In Ayurveda, the temperature and quality of the water used for bathing are important for promoting balance and wellness. According to Ayurvedic wisdom, taking a bath with sheeta jala (cold water) improves eyesight and stimulates agni (digestive fire). However, bathing with cold water must be regulated during winters as it may aggravate Kapha and Vata Dosha³.

On the other hand, bathing with ushna jala (warm water) lowers the increased Vata and Kapha Dosha. Ushna jala snana increases the strength of the body however, only the portion down the clavicle level. It should not be used on the head or eyes, as it can be damaging to the eyesight and impact heart health. Warm water baths should be avoided during summer since they may imbalance Pitta dosha. If you have a Pitta dosha, you may benefit from using cool water to balance excess heat in the body. 

Experts recommend using lukewarm water for head bath, if Vata and Kapha are imbalanced, which can help promote strength.⁴ 

• Herbs and oils: Herbs and oils can be used for different purposes, such as promoting relaxation, reducing inflammation, or improving skin health. When using herbs for an Ayurvedic bath, it is important to choose herbs that are appropriate for your dosha and any imbalances you may be experiencing.
• Timing and mindfulness: Ayurvedic Acharyas recommend bathing in the morning³. Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of being mindful during bathing. It is important to focus on the senses, and breathe deeply, to help enhance the benefits of bathing.

Types of baths for each dosha 

Ayurveda is based on the concept of three doshas, or energy types, present in every dosha: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Doshas can help guide bathing practices for optimal balance and overall wellness.  

• Vata Dosha: Vata is associated with the elements of air and space, and people with a dominant Vata dosha tend to have dry skin and feel cold easily. To balance Vata, Ayurveda recommends bathing in warm water. You can also use hydrating oils such as sesame oil or avocado oil to massage your body before bathing^5.   

• Pitta Dosha: Pitta is associated with the elements of fire and water, and people with a dominant Pitta dosha tend to have sensitive skin and feel hot easily. To balance Pitta, Ayurveda recommends bathing in cool water. Essential oils such as coconut, sunflower, or olive oil can be used for self-massage to soothe skin.⁵ 

• Kapha Dosha: Kapha is associated with the elements of earth and water, and people with a dominant Kapha dosha tend to have oily skin and feel sluggish. To balance Kapha, Ayurveda recommends bathing in warm water. Soy oil, sweet almond oil, or corn oil are beneficial for body massage in Kapha individuals.⁵

You can try using these Ayurvedic body oils post bathing, for softer, moisturized, and radiant looking skin!

Benefits

Bathing can provide a wide range of skin benefits, including: 

• Balancing: Depending on the ingredients used, an Ayurvedic bath can help to balance the doshas and promote overall skin health and well-being.
• Beautify: The warm water and nourishing ingredients used in an Ayurvedic bath can help to beautify³ and moisturize the skin, making it soft, supple, and healthy-looking.
• Satisfaction in life: Bathing helps enhance strength, and luster,and contributes to a long life. It also increases gastric fire.³ 
• Appetite: It develops the interest to eat, increases your appetizing power and thirst, and removes laziness from the body.³

Conclusion 

Overall, taking a bath is not just about getting clean. It can be a great way to relax and offers a number of health benefits that can improve your overall quality of life. Bathing is an important practice in Ayurveda and is seen as a way to cleanse the body, purify the mind, and rejuvenate the spirit. By paying attention to factors such as water temperature, timing, and the use of herbs and oils, bathing can be a powerful tool for promoting wellness and balance in the body and mind. 

References

1. http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2003/Sept_Oct/HealthGuidelinesAyurveda_II/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15114265/
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351137127_A_Review_on_Importance_of_Snana_Bathing_in_Dincharya_According_to_Ayurveda
4. http://www.ccras.nic.in/sites/default/files/viewpdf/jimh/BIIHM_1982/13%20to%2021.pdf
5. https://www.wjpmr.com/admin/assets/article_issue/53112019/1575091474.pdf