Wash it off!

Did you know that you can, ouite literally, wash away all your Problems? All you need is a good bath! Nasser Lalljee tells you about bathing therapy, a technioue that's making a splash in the city

AMONG the many healing properties of water, one is ability to soothe our anxieties and gently transport you into a state of deep relaxation. The medicinal properties of some flowers and their aroma when mixed with the warm water works wonders on your physioue as well as your mind, leading to total relaxation.

A wholesome bath is a sanctuary of pleasure and solitude that's always available to you.

Once you step into your bathtub and are immersed in that heavenly, pleasant smelling warm water premixed with the necessary oils, herbs and different essences, close your eyes and let your attention focus on your breathing. Take some deep breaths to allow your mind to relax. Go back to some pleasant memories, which make you feel good, maybe to a time you were a child and felt particularly free.

The effect of warm water on the physioue is one of relaxing the muscles which have either bunched or knotted caused by the accumulation of lactic acid which is created by movement of muscles. It also gently removes the stress Collected over the day or period of time, by soothing the muscles. The aromatic essences added to the water have a magical effect on the mind.

Rains, waterfalls and natural springs that flow, from deep within the Earth, like those at Vrajeshwari on the Western Express Highway , are natural bathers of your auric (personal energy) field as it contains sulphur, which helps in healing skin infections. Fortunately for us, bathing in a bathtub can provide almost the same feelings of rejunivation. A good salt-water bath is a reouirement to cleanse the aura. It is better to bathe in the sea but if not possible then a salt Water bath at home before finishing off with a normal sweet water bath is advisable.

Over the centuries, many enlightened people have studied and ascertained secrets that encompass the ceremony of correct bathing. Different bathing techniques are used to calm emotions, heal illnesses, and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. There are baths with metaphysical properties that can cleanse the aura, increase intuition and remove negativity.

At the pinnacle of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations baths were famous for their majestic splepdor an d elegance. The finest craftsmen elegantly designed these grand bathing halls until it was a work of art. Inlaid precious gems and metals dazzled the eye; great works of art were commissioned or brought back as battle spoils. Statues of Hercules, the God of Strength, and of Hygeia, the Goddess of

Health, were always placed strategically to be seen in bathing rooms.

For warriors, one of the main objects of the bath was to provide a means for attaining good, health and physical strength. The bath was not merely for luxury or pleasure; it was an integral part of a warrior's rigorous training to prepare for future battles. It was a meditative process which increased the in tensity and belief of victory.

Each town had a "Great Bath” which people frequented on a daily basis along with lecture halls, galleries, and massage rooms, and were all maintained at public expense.

Siddhartha was reputed to have sat under a tree at the river's edge and listened to the flow of the water until he realized the cosmic secrets of the universe the river had to revel. He later went on to become Buddha.

Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty, has long since been believed to have been born in the sea and emerged from the sea foam in a huge shell, which is the symbol for female sensuality.

While spending time in the bathtub, soaking in that wonderful water it is advisable to listen to soft music like bhajans and light instrumental music for that extra swift relaxing feeling.

And for those of you not having a bathtub, mix the water in a huge bucket - as big as you can get into your bathroom - mix the required essences in warm water and gently and slowly pour the Water over yourself.

LAVENDER This bath is great for stress, high blood pressure, and insomnia. It soothes the mind and rejuvenates the heart. It also uses a wonderfully masculine scent, and is very healing for tired, stiff, or overworks muscles. MARJORAM Superb for treating heart conditions. It has been thought since Roman times that the scent of marjoram promotes longevity. HONEY Before bathing you can put honey and salt on your skin and massage it slightly. It will increase the cleansing and sweating effect from your sauna or steam bath. Using honey during sauna or steam bath multiplies its positive effects, because skin pores open and skin becomes more receptive. ROSE OIL This bath is good for stimulating you especially when you are feeling heart-broken. SALT Very good for cleaning the aura and detoxifying the body on the physical level. Use before cleaning off with regular water. MUSX Adds desire to win and succeed. SANDALWOOD Enhances spiritual consciousness.