Magic In The Water

Water, this clear odorless liquid is the single most important chemical compound on earth and the most abundant; it is electrically neutral and essential to all life. The human body is comprised of 70 percent water.

Yet this very common compound that we take so much for granted remains a mystery to many who study chemistry. Similar compounds of similar molecular weight and structure are gases at room temperature. It has the greatest solvent action of any liquid and the only liquid that shows expansion instead of contraction upon cooling­­ poof it's magic!

Water has a long history in healing. From ancient and prehistoric times spiritual leaders and healers used water in their sacred rituals. Aromatic and healing baths were used by the Egyptians as a means of healing the spirit. In more modern times man has used natural hot springs and spas for healing. In the 1940s and 50s alternating hot and cold baths were used in mental institutions to calm patients. In spite of this being somewhat cruel and no longer used, it did have sedative effects without the use of drugs. Water purifies, feeds and sustains all life as we know it.

Most Americans use a shower for cleansing the body rather than a bath. It's convenient and quick. Yet nothing relieves the body like a bath. Sitting in a tub of water which is electrically neutral and has great solvent abilities can relieve the body of stress, aches, pains and toxins.

Of course who wouldn't love to use natural bathers such as rain or a waterfall to cleanse and purify. Fortunately for us, bathing in a bathtub can provide much of the same refreshment. To add to your enjoyment try candles and soft music.

Now that you have created a calm environment to bathe in, try adding various oils, herbs and salts to your bath.

If you feel like you are getting sick with cold or flu try adding 1 pound of baking soda and 1/2 pound of sea salt to a warm bath and soak for twenty minutes. It's wonderful for detoxifying, energizing and shaking loose the toxins. A ginger bath is also excellent for the aches and pains of flu or colds, or the discomfort of arthritis. Add anywhere from 2 tablespoons to 1/2 pound of powdered ginger. Be sure to stay warm following the bath.

Feeling blocked mentally or emotionally? Try 10 drops of lavender and lemon oil. Lavender is relaxing and relieves mental anxiety while the lemon promotes mental clarity.

If you're feeling drained from work responsibilities or coworkers, try a warm bath with one cup of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar detoxifies and energizes. You more than likely will not feel like going to bed after this bath, so plan your bath early in the evening.

Another wonderfully detoxifying bath rich in minerals is a bath with 1/2 pound seaweed and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. The minerals in the seaweed will help the body feel energized and invigorated­­ especially the next day.

Dry skin? Try a bath with olive, almond, sesame or avocado oil. These oils nourish the skin and are inexpensive. Be careful not to slip in the tub when using oils!

No time for a complete bath? How about a foot bath with any of the above! Take some time for yourself, relax and enjoy. You deserve it!

Till next time, Rebecca.


Posted to Zephyr Online October 9, 1998
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