In addition to the therapeutic effect we receive from the oils we choose, we can change the type of bath just by altering the water: very hot or very cold for a quick dip; tepid or warm water for a good long soak. We can use water therapy before aromatherapy. A plain bath without essential oils will soften skin and warn and relax muscles allowing aromatherapy massage or body moisturiser afterwards to be even more effective.
Whilst cold water stimulates, tepid makes us sleepy, warm is relaxing and hot leaves us weak and floppy. Therefore the best time for a relaxing bath is after dark, at the end of a hard day.An invigorating bath is good first thing in the morning, to wake us up. If we use water therapy cleverly, we can combine the two water temperatures for occasions when we get home tired, need to relax, but then have the energy to go out again.
The most gentle way of combining hot and cold water therapy without getting goose bumps is to start off relaxing in a warm or hot bath. After a nice long soak, let half the water out, turn on the cold tap and let the bath slowly refill. As is it filling, stir with hands to mix hot and cold water - by the time the bath is full, we have a wonderful refreshed feeing and are raring to go - but not shivering!
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