Recharge Your Body: The Benefits of Bathing
After a long and tiring day, taking a hot shower can help rejuvenate your weary body. When combined with specific techniques during your bath, you can significantly enhance relaxation and address minor health issues effectively.
Revitalize Your Face to Alleviate Fatigue
Many individuals experience a refreshing sensation after rubbing their face when feeling tired. This is because the facial area is rich in expression muscles and sensitive nerves. The warmth of the water stimulates these nerves, and gentle facial rubbing encourages increased blood circulation while relaxing the facial muscles. Aim to rub your face at a rate of once per second for 3 to 5 times, dedicating a minimum of 3 minutes to this activity.
It is essential to note that a water temperature of 40°C is ideal for relieving fatigue. This temperature closely matches the body's normal internal temperature, which is around 37°C. If the water is too hot, it can drain your energy instead of alleviating fatigue, while water that is too cold can constrict blood vessels, making it harder to recover.
Improve Digestion with Proper Breathing
If you are experiencing a lack of appetite, consider taking a bath 30 minutes before meals. The hot water will stimulate your stomach. As your body warms up, spray warm water around your chest every 5 seconds, resting for 1 minute in between, for a total of 5 repetitions. Soaking in warm water for 20-30 minutes while practicing abdominal breathing (inhaling through the nose while letting your abdomen expand, then exhaling through the mouth) can further enhance your digestion.
Following this routine with a brief exposure to cooler water on your abdomen can help stimulate gastric juice secretion and boost your appetite. Those suffering from excessive stomach acid or ulcers may benefit from soaking in hot water for 3 to 4 minutes, which can help control acid secretion and alleviate symptoms.
Relieve Constipation with Abdomen Massage
During your bath, use your palm to massage your abdomen in a clockwise direction while practicing deep breathing to help alleviate chronic constipation and prevent hemorrhoids. For those with neurogenic constipation, alternate between rinsing your intestines with hot water at 40°C for about 3 minutes, followed by a 10-second rinse with water at 25°C. Repeat this 5 times to enhance colonic movement.
The Science Behind Relaxing Baths
Experts from Nagoya University in Japan have studied blood flow changes in the body and discovered that proper warmth and sweating during a bath are crucial for relieving fatigue.
While taking a quick shower saves time, it primarily stimulates the skin's surface and does not provide deep warmth to internal organs. A morning shower can help awaken both body and mind, preparing you for a productive day. In contrast, taking a bath 1 to 2 hours before bedtime is optimal for relaxation and ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Conclusion
Incorporating these techniques into your bathing routine can transform it into a beneficial self-care practice, promoting overall well-being and alleviating common ailments. Embrace the power of a warm bath for both relaxation and health enhancement.