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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 aren’t 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.
