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The benefits of a Turkish bath are plentiful and can encourage relaxation and stress relief. But the benefits far exceed our mental health.
I’m going to have to admit that I’m not one for a hot bath. I much prefer the quick, no-hassle environment of a shower to that of a bath. However, during a recent trip to Krakow, I was privileged enough to have the enjoyable experience of a Turkish Bath. I’ve since been converted to the self-care club, now using bathing as a way to destress and detoxify my body.
Turkish Baths aren’t only a means to get clean, but the use of hot steam and luxurious body treatments are the perfect de-stressor.
The Turkish Bath: What is it?
Often mistaken for Sauna’s (which although similar, originated in Finland and follow different rituals) the Turkish Bath originated from, you guessed it, Turkey! They’re based on the Greek and Roman bathing practices of the late eighth century and early ninth century. Noticing it’s many cleansing properties, the ritual quickly grew in popularity and became common practice in the Ottoman Era.
“Turkish baths or hammams are Middle Eastern bathing rituals that are used for cleansing and for relaxation. These are a mix between a massage and a sauna. When you participate in a hammam bath you enter a hot, dimly lit room and lay face down on marble. You then have an attendant scrub you a soap made from olives. After a vigorous scrub and rinse, you will then be led to a cooler room where you can hydrate and relax. The entire experience is very rejuvenating. If you can visit Turkey, attending a hammam bathhouse should be at the top of your list!
If you arenโt planning on making a trip to the Middle East, try recreating the authentic hammam experience at home! Invaluable has put together this guide for channeling the essence of the Turkish bath in your own home. Try something new during your next self-care night. Light some candles and enjoy this reinvigorating practice.“
Introduction by Emma Welsh, Invaluable.
What are the benefits of a Turkish Bath?
Detoxing;
Turkish Baths provide a much-needed detox for not only the body but also the soul.
The experience starts with bathers sitting in a hot room, much like a sauna, encouraging their pores to open, and muscles to relax. Naturally, sweat begins to form, which is considered to be one of the best ways to naturally remove toxins from the body. Many bathers choose to complement this with the use of sea salt scrubs following the stream treatment.
Our minds are also encouraged to relax and allow the tension of everyday living to simply disappear. It can be a very relaxing experience, and I always find I feel better after enduring a steam room.
Unclogging pores;
Steam is the second-best thing, next to a facial, for freeing up dirt and grime on the skin. It helps to open the pores and essentially leaves dead cells and grime able to be removed using a washcloth, scrapper or salt rub. This leaves the skin feeling soft and ready for re-hydration.
The steam also helps fight skin acne by regulating imbalanced oil secretions.
Decrease muscle tension;
With the encouragement of relaxation on the body and mind, it’s no wonder Turkish Baths are connected to a decrease in muscle tension.
When stressed we subconsciously tense our muscles, creating aches, pains and sometimes life long conditions. However, with the help of self-care techniques, such as bathing, we’re able to give our muscles permission to unwind. Even if it’s just for an hour.
Encourages better sleep;
Another added bonus of increased relaxation is the ability to fall into a deep sleep, something which many of us go without for prolonged periods.
Boosts the immune system and energizes;
Turkish Bathing increases blood circulation, therefore improving our immune systems. This leaves us more able to fight off infection and helps boost our energy levels.
What you need to get started with a Turkish Bath at home;
Scraper or Exfoliation Mitt;
Used to scrape away dead skin and dirt which has been freed up by steam and sweat. You can usually find exfoliation mitts in your local store, however, scrapers (in my experience) are more of a rarity. That’s where Amazon comes in handy.
Before moving house I owned a Jade roller and skin scarper that I’d bought while on a ‘beauty kick.’ That kick didn’t last very long, but I grew attached to my equipment and quickly fell into a routine of using both after washing.
Sadly, the move meant losing a good few items due to poor storage (and rushing because of confusion caused by the builders).
Scented Candles;
Self-explanatory; If you want a comfortable, luxurious experience then scented candles, oils or burners are a must.
Scented Soap bar;
I’m not usually one for using barred soap, mostly because I have vivid memories of one sitting in my gran’s bathroom looking melted and ‘mushy‘. But soap has come a long way, and I was converted after visiting my local Lush store many years ago.
Using barred soap gives us the opportunity to vigorously massage the product into our skin. Additionally, it moisturizes and picks up any leftover skin and dirt. (Always wash the soap off afterward to remove any dirt, and be wary of using soap others have used before you).
Making sure it’s a scent you enjoy is a bonus.
Relaxing music;
Find yourself a Spotify or Youtube playlist of relaxation music (there are many out there), kick back and take it all in.
Studies have found that listening to music can lower the levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in the blood. It doesn’t necessarily have to be relaxing, but in this circumstance, it adds to the atmosphere we’re trying to create.
Moisturiser;
I can bet that everyone at least has one bottle of this in their home. Although I’m not a regular moisturiser (guilty), I do have a variety to choose from. Some have been gifted and never used, while others have been bought specifically by me for their smell.
One in particular I love is Sky Organic’s Cocoa Butter. I used to massage my grandmother’s feet with this while she was in the hospital, and so the smell always reminds me of her. Obviously, that’s a very personal preference for me, but they have other beautiful smells to choose form.
Check out the infographic below;
Self-care doesn’t need to involve spending hundreds of pounds.
You don’t have to go to a fancy spa just to get a taste of luxury, and often I find it more comfortable to be somewhere familiar. The Turkish Bath is just one of many things you can incorporate into your home for a perfect, private spa experience without stepping outside your front door.
78 Comments
I love going to the hammam, it is such a relaxing experience. Interesting how you can recreate the atmosphere from a hammam in your home. The only thing I would struggle with would be the hot surface to lie on as I don’t have heated floors.
Yes the hot surface is a difficult one. I toyed with heating a towel on the railings and then placing it flat on the floor but it didn’t have the same feeling. I need heating flooring! Thank you for stopping in and reading.
Oooh I could definitely go for this, I definitely need to relax a little bit. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
No worries ๐ I 100% recommend. I’m not usually one for baths but this was great!
I’ve actually never had a Turkish Bath before. I might have to try this out. I could use some relaxation.
I’m not one for baths but it’s so relaxing. I wish my bathroom was well lit so I could have gotten a nice picture. Very worth it.
Wow that looks amazing! I feel relaxed already reading about it. ๐ I’ve had some issues with water/showering due to anxiety though and just recently getting better… I will add relaxing baths to my to-do list for when I feel more comfortable, and the next step from that is to try something like what you’re suggesting above. ๐
Great read! So informative
Thank you ๐
What a great infographic! Creating a Turkish bath at home is a good idea. Iโm Turkish and agree with you, hammam is a perfect way for body and soul detox.
Infographic came from elsewhere, was very kind of them to provide it. It helps round the whole post up I think ๐
This is my new favourite guide! I’ve never had or indeed made a Turkish bath before! I’ll definitely be trying this xxx
This sounds amazing! I will be pinning for later!
Thank you ๐
I need a day off and an empty house. So I can relax in a bath like this.
Great post! It is interesting to learn about different ways to provide self care especially when you are on a tight budget.
This looks awesome! I could totally use a nice relaxing bath at home!
We missed to do a turkish bath in Turkey but I was able to buy products online too. I will definitely try this too.
Let me know how you get on! They’re really love ๐
well dang! sign me up for this Turish bath idea… I could really use a destressing, relaxing spa like experience!
Hmmm. This just sounds oh so relaxing and worth the effort. Like you the thought of using a bar of soap has always been a turn off. I never saw it as a great massaging experience until now.
Great idea to try this out at home! No need to wait for a whole spa day ๐๐
Exactly! Thank you so much for reading ๐
If i’m using the soap myself it’s not an issue, but if I were sharing it then I would be grossed out! Thank you so much for nipping in and reading ๐
I just went to the hammam last week and can’t wait to go back maybe next week. It’s definitely something to do on a regulat basis.
I’d love to experience it in a real Hammam, but I’ll settle for home for now ๐ Thank you for reading.
What a great idea! Sounds perfect for a relaxing Friday night!
Thank you ๐
I was lucky enough to experience a Turkish bath in a real hammam in Instanbul. It took a bit of getting used to (all the attendants were men!) but it was the most amazing experience, my skin never felt so soft or clean again. I’ve never thought about trying to recreate the experience at home though so thank you for these tips, very helpful.
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
I hadn’t either until I came across it. I did a bit of research and turns out it’s easier than you’d think. It’s given me other ideas of luxuries you can recreate for less at home!
This is making me want to take a relaxing bath right now! haha. Looks wonderful!
Thank you ๐
I love this, what a great self care idea. Baths are so enjoyable I just wish I had a giant tub!
Thank you so much for stopping in and reading ๐
I think this sounds amazing! I could definitely use a stress-busting Turkish bath.
I can always 100% use a relaxation bath! Definitely give it a go!
Love the idea of a Turkish bath at home. I am not a fan of bar soap if it is being used by others but if It’s mine and mine alone…then count me in! Sounds heavenly!
I only ever use one that is for me and me only! Can’t stand sharing soap!
Love this idea, will definitely try it as I love the idea of Turkish baths. Have you tried rituals cosmetics, they sell a Hamaaan range.
Thank you – I hope you enjoy ๐
What an excellent idea. My wife had a Turkish bath during our trip to Istanbul. She loved it. They really scrub ya! The home version sounds relaxing.
Ryan
I would argue it’s more relaxing because you’re in your own environment, but then some may disagree. Thank you so much for stopping by Ryan!
If I didn’t have to share a single bath with 4 other people, I’d give this a try, but having to clean the tub before and after if you want to use it just makes it all less relaxing
That’s true. I only share one with my partner and he very rarely uses it too. I think it’s been used a total of twice since we moved in last May. I never used to bath in my old family home either due to having to clean the bath twice.
What a great idea! It is so easy to think we have to treat ourselves to something like this but at a huge cost.
I love to be able to recreate things like this at home.
I have to say I am using the steam room at the gym now and it has done wonders for my skin!
I love spas, don’t get me wrong, but love to be able to experience that in my own home, away from society! Thank you so much for reading ๐
I like the explanation of a Turkish bath. It is nice to know that I can achieve it at home. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading ๐
What a cool idea!!! I need to try this!!!
100% worth it! I’m not usually a bath person but it’s really relaxing.
Oh this sounds so relaxing! I’d love to try one soon.
I plan on trying it out again at the weekend ๐
ooooh, I never had a Turkish bath experience and I am a bath expert (I love onsens). I will try this kind of bath this weekend!
I hope you enjoy! Let me know how you get on ๐
I’ve never tried Turkish bath, but it sounds really appealing to me. I’d love to do anything that could help me to relax a little bit, as I lack time for such pleasures! Can’t wait to try it out! ๐
I’m willing to do anything to chill out too! Hence the bath. I’m not usually one for a bath but I suppose I’ve never really taken time to enjoy one, treating it more like a chore than anything.
This sounds like it would be absolutely wonderful for a self care day at home. I would love to try this!
I am 100% getting back into my bath tonight! It’s great for cramps!
Love this thank you for the thoughtfully detailed post!
Thank you ๐
Great info!! I have hot baths almost every day, but i’ll be using some of your tips in my routine!!
Umm I need to have this in my home.
I’ve never experience trying a Turkish bath before but that sounds quite interesting. Thanks for the info, I’d love to try this out one day.
This sounds marvelous. You better believe I’m bookmarking this for my next self-care day.
This sounds so dreamy! I’m like you and I’m not really a fan of your average bath but this is absolutely something I could get on board with! x
I pretty much sit in a hot bath made by Satan so that’s my steam right there haha! I just bought myself a body brush so add that with some Yankee candles and a spotify playlsit I think I’m ready to go!
I had no idea that this would boost your immune system. I’ll have to do my own research.
i love to read articles that give me new information. ๐ i like the idea of boosting the immune system.. gotta try this one!!
cha @ littlemisadvencha.com
This is fantastic! I absolutely love soaking in the bath so l am going to try this ! Thanks for sharing!
This sounds like an amazing experience! Thank you for sharing! Self-care is something that I am not consistent with.
I’m glad you enjoyed this ๐ Thank you so much for stopping in and reading.
Love the Turkish bath, I’m doing this especially during the cold season! It’s feels luxurious, yet very affordable!
It’s a cheap, easy way to create your own at home experience! I also found the steam helped with my cold ๐
I would love the experience of visiting a Turkish Bath. While I don’t have a marble floor to lay on at home I do adore the Sanctuary Spa Salt Scrub and when I have the time (and energy) for long self care I will take a hot bath with Epsom Salts and then drain the bath and use the salt scrub before turning on the shower to wash my hair and rinse off my skin.
I rarely follow up with moisturiser though because the Sanctuary Spa scrub is so moisturising on it’s own that I don’t need it (although I do have a bottle of Sanctuary Spa Body Lotion for after a normal shower XD)
Believe me, lying on my tile floor for the first time was weird lol. But I put down a pre-heated towel and lay on it instead and it helped.
I think I would need to drag in a portable fan heater as well as the fan heater on the wall for our bathroom :-O
But in all seriousness the massage part in a Turkish bath sounds good – it sounds like it’s firm enough to exfoliate skin without being too deep in the muscles.
When my folks go away on holiday I might set aside a full afternoon to try this ๐
I haven’t done something like this for myself in such a long time! I think I will do it tonight! I have a heated blanket that can be used for the heated surface to lie on. But I don’t know about doing the cool shower after. I really hate cold!!! I may have to skip that step, lol.
No way! I did it just for this post and honestly, as beneficial as it is, I hated it!