We all treasure sensual experiences, such as a spa treatments to rejuvinate our spirits and bodies. Here I will share tips to create your very own sensual, relaxing and rejuvinating spa treatment at home. As resources I have used two books I love, Energy Secrets; The Ultimate Well Being Plan and Readers Digest Bathing for Health, Beauty and Relaxation.
Setting the mood
This is an essential part of creating a “spa experience.” I suggest candles and essential oils. Essential oils can be found in most natural health food stores for approximately five dollars per bottle. If cost is an issue a single scent will work nicely. Another option is to use dried herbs and flowers. These days many of us grow our own herbs in our window sills. If you are growing lavendar this is a delightfully relaxing aromatherapy scent to use for your personal spa day. A good tip is to take the dried lavendar flowers and tie them in a piece of cotton fabric with a ribbon or string and let the water flow over it, allowing the calming scent to fill the bath area.
The Basics of Using Essential Oils
If you prefer to use essential oils remember they should never touch your skin undiluted. Essential oils need to be mixed with an oil or added to bath water before getting in. An easy at home tip I found in the Bathing for Health, Beauty and Relaxation was to make camomile tea from tea bags and then pour it into the bath water. Camomile is good when we are restless or anxious, while lavender also has a wonderful calming effect. When using the essential oils I generally drop about ten to twelve drops into my bath. Sometimes I use one scent and sometimes I choose two to mix.
Spa touches; are an essential part of a spa experience.
1. A robe is a delightful touch and allows you to relax without feeling the need to get dressed, it allow you to extend the spa experience and continue relaxing.
2. Slippers are another touch that some times signal relaxation.
3. Music, most spas help create the atmosphere with relaxing music and relaxing spaces for sitting, reading and resting between treatments. If you can create such an area in your bath or bedroom for the day it will be an added bonus to your at home spa experience.
4. A pitcher of water with lemon or orange slices next to the bath on a tray is a nice addition, along with a piece of fruit to enjoy.
5. Choose your most luxurious towels for your at home spa experience.
6. Make a tray with your favorite bath/spa products and have them within reach.
At Home Spa Treatments
This first tip comes from the Energy Secrets book. I found this to be quite envigorating.
Salt Scrub Skin Brushing, ” a salt scrub stimulates the skin and promotes sweating. Do NOT use if you are diabetic or have any heart or skin problems. Never use salt on broken skin. Put a half cup of sea salt in a small plastic dish moisten it with enough water to make a stiff paste. Standing in the shower take a handful of the salt paste starting at your feet and rub it into your skin in a circular or up and down motion. Repeat on each leg, your arms, shoulders and abdomen, women should avoid the breasts. Rinse off the paste with warm water.”
Bath additives
According to the Bathing for Health, Beauty and Relaxation a few spoonfuls of honey can be added to the bath to make your skin soft. Rosemary leaves in the bath, tied in a piece of cotton fabric helps ease muscular aches and promotes better circulation. Rose petals added to your bath help to calm and soothe the skin. The beauty of the petals floating on the water is an added spa touch.
Sugar Scrub
Recipes for these are plentiful online and take about two minutes to prepare! A GREAT spa product for very little money. I created this recipe from a couple I found online.
Two cups of sugar (more as needed)
Coconut oil (found in most grocery stores) Enough to mix the sugar into a nice paste, probably a half cup.
Choose essential oils of your choice, I would recommend at least six or eight drops, mix well and test the scent and decide if you’d like more. Another option is to add vanilla extract; many people find the scent of vanilla relaxing. Mix this sugar scrub in a non breakable container that seals. Keep it in your bath or shower for every day use. This is delightful!!
For other spa ideas check out The Delight of Massage at Home, if you have only an afternoon to escape this article Break Away For The Afternoon, offers some excellent ideas for creating an afternoon away. To explore some wonderful and sensual massage products take a look at my product review on Lush Massage and Body Products