Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Detox baths (Home Spa)– My healing secrets revealed! – PART 11


CONFINEMENT BATH- Soothing, Beautifying, detoxifying
Daifonai Herbal bath(contains 2 sachets) - $4 (lasts 2 baths)
Soak Time: 30- 40 MIN
(once a week)
My Rating : ★★★★★

Those who know me best — or those who read this blog with any regularity — know that I love bath time. Bathing is more than getting the dirt off; for me it is a ritual with water! I have already shared a few ideas to turn your bathtime into a grown-up spa fit for a queen. Or a Kardashian!

Steeping your body in a bathtub full of herbs and flowers is more than pampering; it is preventive medicine that washes away stress and tension. Many herbal constituents can be absorbed through the skin and taking the time out to lie down in the bathtub is healing in itself. Herbal bathing can help to calm the mind, lift the spirits, reduce stress, relax sore muscles, increase circulation, promote mental clarity, and help the body to release toxins.

Mind you. I am not expecting or a new mommy. I have always been curious about the confinement baths and tried it for the very first time and loved it! It is a fantastic way to get soft, supple skin – all over your body.

The Custom of Confinement - What is confinement like?

Traditional confinement practices are based on the belief that a new mothers body is 'out of balance' after giving birth. The confinement period focuses on re-energising your body. Chinese, Malay and Indian communities all have their own confinement practices. While different ethnic groups may do things differently, the main aim is to help the mother and her body recover from the intensities of childbirth.

First and foremost, Confinement - in Chinese cultures - is the utmost important period following childbirth (often 30 to 45 days) for women to recuperate and regain energy after the birth. Women are advised to rest completely, often with help from Confinement Nannies, and take specially prepared meals and herbs for fast healing.

What is a Confinement bath?
Chinese Herbal Bath is believed to aid blood circulation in confinement mums. Confinement baths are not just aimed at maintaining hygiene, they are necessary to rejuvenate, and invigorate a new mother’s body. The herbal preparations are also calming and add to the pleasantness of bath time. The bath ingredients come pre-packed in sachets available from most Chinese medical shops.

Benefits of Confinement Bath:

. Traditionally, the herbal bath is believed to help a new mum to
   regain her energy;
   dispel wind;
   get rid of odours
   treat sore veins.

Herbal bath is a pure herbal preparation with unique blend of natural ingredients. It is a 0% chemical product, so it does not cause any harm to the skin. On the other hand it has a unique feature of keeping skin soft, smooth and glowing due to the natural herbs present in it. It maintains the oil balance and prevents dryness. It removes the dirt blocked in skin pores that enables free passage of oxygen. This helps to keep skin healthy and glowing. The herbs in herbal bath powder protects the skin from rashes and other skin allergies. It also helps to tone muscles and keeps them supple.

How to take a Confinement bath?


My favorite way is to brew a very strong tea using the herb sachets (and essential oils, if I want an extra kick). Brew 1-2 cups of very strong herbal tea and add it to your running bathwater. It is necessary to boil sachets in water just before bath time so that the water is hot enough to relax your muscles but not scald your skin during the bath.

So whether you are Chinese, Indian or Malay in sunny Singapore, a confinement bath is something you probably would look forward to. Just the thought of enveloping yourself in the vapour of the various herbal fumes is a relaxing nap waiting to happen.

It’s just … softening. Soothing. It caresses the body and makes it feel brand new. Most of all I love how when I step into the bath and lay my head back, inhale the beautiful smell, I instantly feel relaxed. Extremely relaxed, in muscles and mind. It is such an indulgent treat. But a girls’ got to have a treat every now and then. Right?

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