Ritual Bathing Resurgence
Sacred WAter
Water is an enabler of life on earth. Beyond the biological reliance on water as a life giver, water has held spiritual significance across cultures and throughout history. Considered a sacred element, many cultures and traditions believe it has the power to purify the spirit and connect humankind to the Divine. For me, bodies of water are mysterious places that permeate my heart. I personally connect to deep, dark, still, water as an analogy of the soul. The practice of looking into the watery depths often guides me toward discovering the secrets that are held beneath the surface of my emotions, residing within my own spirit. Water, a universal solvent, aids in dissolving any negativity that dwells there.
Whether you experience the quietude of still water, or the disturbance of rushing water, many agree water is synonymous with energy. Since ancient times, people have firmly believed that energy carried by water can transform human energy (Epstein, N. & Arvigo, R., 2003. Spiritual Bathing). When I immerse myself in water and meditate on positive thoughts, I begin to feel the energetic shift. In their book, Spiritual Bathing, Epstein and Arvigo say this about prayer and water:
““Prayer and water go hand in hand. Many cultures and religions believe that the subtle energies of water can be affected by prayer. When prayers are offered over water, they believe it absorbs the vibratory patterns of the words as well as healing thoughts and intention. Water is an excellent accumulator of prayer- a sort of spiritual energy storage battery. Water infused with prayer can wash away the negative thoughts and emotions that form the root of many physical and emotional ailments, getting in the way of spiritual clarity.” ”
Healing Water
Water can have physical and emotional benefits as well. A study conducted in Japan in 2018 concluded that immersion in warm water can provide health benefits such as improving skin conditions and aiding reduction of stress, body pain, and fatigue. In addition, the researchers suggested that improved circulation stimulated by warm water assists the body in eliminating toxins while boosting mental and physical states. Bathing in warm or hot water can be an effective therapy. Bathing for just ten minutes each day in hot water can relieve the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, and provide a general sense of wellbeing.
Ritual Bathing Resurgence
Though evidence of ritual bathing has been around since the 3rd Millennium BCE, I believe that ritual bathing is currently experiencing a resurgence due to its therapeutic benefits. These days, modern American spas are adding more diverse baths (beyond milk baths) to their offerings. In preparation for a trip to Sedona last year, I stumbled across a local spa offering a Hammam bath (though, sadly, it was closed when I was there). Another spa offers a Japanese-inspired bath ritual which incorporates a mineral bath soak alongside a massage, as well as a “sacred pool” treatment that incorporates an essential oil-infused massage and energy work to align your chakras.
The good news is this- you don’t need to make regular trips to your local spa to take advantage of the benefits of a ritual bath. You can create your own personal ritual bath at home using water, salt, and essential oils*. If you desire, just add prayer, meditation, or positive intentions! Whether you are looking to enhance your self-care routine or are seeking a deeper connection with the Divine, ritual bathing can separate you from your day-to-day worries and transport you to a place where it is possible to obtain peace, serenity, and clarity.
