How to Incorporate Ancient Bathing Rituals in Your Beauty Routine written by Sophia Smith
We have become a culture that is so consumed with time management, stress, chores and obligations that we have forgotten to stop and smell the roses. Our bathroom routine has dwindled to a quick jump in the shower and off we go to complete the next task or errand. The irony is, this age we live in, filled with stress and deadlines is exactly the age in which we are in dire need of creating some quality time for ourselves, to unwind and recharge.
Even if you don’t have the time for lengthy spa days, there are little things you can do, ancient pampering rituals you can adopt, and indulge in some well-deserved luxurious, and a bit over the top lavishness. Let us dive into the world of bathing rituals of the ancient bathing beauties (pun intended), and see how you can feel like ancient royalty in your very own home.
The lavishness of Egyptians
When we think of Egyptians, the mind instantly goes to ostentatiousness, luxury, gold, and Cleopatra. They took beauty so seriously that burials and tombs have been discovered with the remnants of cosmetics inside. Cleopatra, the last active pharaoh of Egypt, was a legendary beauty, leaving behind timeless rituals with her legacy. Almond oils, Dead Sea salt scrubs, honey and milk baths were some of her anti-aging rituals. Sea salt scrubs enjoy high popularity, and these scrubs can be found in the lines of numerous cosmetics companies. There are numerous health and beauty benefits of this ritual, such as improved circulation and anti-aging effects.
However, no matter how much we crave a luxurious bathing experience, it is highly doubtful that we will jump in a tub full of milk. Luckily, we don’t have to resort to such measures, as there are numerous cosmetics companies whose goal is to provide you with a luxurious and lavish bath experience, reminiscent of the ancient rituals. That is why a great substitute for a milk bath can be found in something almost equally extravagant as the MOR Marshmallow Hand and Body Wash. The mixture of exotic scents is bound to awaken all your senses and make you feel like a modern-day pharaoh.
Sacred Indian rituals
In Indian tradition, a combination of culinary, medicinal and aromatic herbs, flowers, barks, seeds, wood, roots and naturally occurring minerals are combined together to make pastes that cleanse, detox, exfoliate and nourish the skin giving it radiance and good health. These recipes have not only stood the test of time, but have been most beneficial in counteracting the harmful effects of synthetics and chemical preparations. Taking a cue from the luscious and extravagant bathing and pampering rituals of Indian women and girls, the first thing you need to place focus on is your face, by giving it an Ayurvedic facial. The deep cleanse treatment requires preparation of herbs and grains (ubtan) made into a paste using milk, eggs, yoghurt, honey or water. The ubtan is left on for 15 minutes and then gently exfoliated off in circular motions. This treatment is excellent for all skins, but especially so for acne, pigmentation and deep seated skin problems. The Indians believed that the beauty ritual encompasses the whole woman; her face and her body. This is why the marma massage was such an important part of the entire pampering and bathing ritual. A marma point massage is relaxing and also alleviates and helps prevent many health problems. By making gentle circular motions on a marma point, toxins can be released. 
The pada (feet) and hasta (hands) are very important. Specific foot and hand massage focusing on the marma point is known as padabhyanga and hastabhyanga. While you might not be able to do a complete massage on your own, as there are 107 marma points on the body, you certainly can reach the most important points, located on your feet and hands, and help get rid of tension and toxins in your very own bathroom, so warm up an herbal oil of your choice, and start cleansing from within.
Lead Image: Sarah Fletcher
Author BIO:
Sophia Smith is Australian based beauty and fashion blogger. She is very passionate about latest fashion trends, DIY projects and organic beauty products. Sophia writes mostly in beauty and fashion related topics, mainly through blogs and articles. Over the years I wrote pieces for: Viva Glam Magazine, LA Fashion, Everyday Power Blog, How to Simplify and Carousel.
