Wedding Gazette

A Relaxing Bath

By Karen Muranko

On your mark, get set, now RELAX! One of the best ways to unwind after a hectic day of wedding planning activities, such as visiting vendors or planning your honeymoon, is to give yourself a slow, time-stopping bath.

The rituals of bathing have been embraced by women throughout the centuries as a means of purifying the body, easing tired muscles, and pampering the skin. Using some of the following techniques will not only lift your sprits when you're stressed, it will moisturize your skin and clear your mind for the important tasks awaiting you.

One of the keys to a truly relaxing bath is the use of essential aromatherapy oils in the water, which exhude fragrances that, once inhaled, are believed to work profound changes in your state of mind. Try scented oils in your bath that can rejuvenate, relax, help you to sleep, or calm you down.

Prepare To Be Beautiful

The ancient Indian holistic technique Ayurveda suggests these steps to bring the skin to its maximum moisture and beauty. The heat of the water will give your skin a warm glow, and massaging oil into your skin leaves it baby soft.

• At least once a week, Ayurvedic specialists recommend oiling your entire body three to four hours before you take your bath. This way the oil works its way into your skin fully, and you are reminded to leave to leave no part of your body untouched. Use olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, or almond oil.
• Once in a warm bath, mix your soap with a little oil so you won't dry out your skin. Clean your entire body by massaging between fingers and toes, joints, behind your ears, etc.
• Ayurveda technique highly recommends using milk for cleaning the body. Pour 1 cup of milk into a bowl and rub it over your wet body. You will be shocked at how soft and glowing your skin becomes. It's great for the face, too.
• To restore hair's oil and natural luster, Ayurveda recommends massaging your scalp with olive oil or sesame oil once a week and leaving it overnight. This will alleviate damage caused to hair by shampoo, color/processing, and the elements.

Nighty-Night To Dreamland

Get a restful night's sleep by taking a bath before bed. Allow yourself time to prepare for your bath. The preparation will help set the mood. The steps listed below will help you create the perfect atmosphere for complete and total relaxation.

• Unplug the phone, turn off the television, dim the lights and put on your favorite music. As of this moment all thoughts of your wedding plans no longer exist.
• Preparing your bath - As you run the water fill the bathroom with soft candlelight. Place some sachets around the room. Lay out a big fluffy towel, your favorite PJs and robe.
• While the water is running, prepare your bedroom. Turn down the blankets and dim the lights. Light candles or burn aromatherapy oil. Now head for the tub and get ready to indulge yourself.
• Just before stepping in, add 6 - 10 drops of essential oil. As you soak your cares away do some slow, deep breathing, meditate - anything but focus on your wedding plans. Try to soak for at least 20 minutes.
• Step out of the tub and dry off. Smooth on some lotion to which you have added 3 - 6 drops of essential oil then slip into your PJs. Allow the relaxing aroma to surround you as you prepare for a recommended six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Heat Technique

Muscle cramping is a direct side effect of stress and too much running around. For aching muscles and joints, physicians like those who wrote the book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing have several remedies. All include the heat of taking a bath.

When muscles cramp it is usually a result of a calcium or magnesium imbalance, or your body is lacking in vitamin E. Since most muscle cramps occur at night, it's best to take your bath right before bed.

• Rub pure olive or flaxseed oil onto aching muscles before your bath. Add 25 drops of Canola oil to warm bath water before stepping in.
• Instead of oil, you may use mineral salts in a hot bedtime bath to increase circulation before bed.
• Once in the tub, massage aching muscles firmly with your fingertips. Let the heat relax them.
• Serious, painful muscle cramping should be treated by a physician.