Occasionally we get overwhelmed and overstimulated as we go through our daily lives. This can make it difficult to get to sleep at the end of the day. High energy output combined with an inability to refocus the mind often leads to a state of wakeful-seeming. Even though we are tired, we cannot shift our focus and calm down enough to sleep.
One way to help relax the body and the mind is to take a detox bath. This bath is very soothing for many people and the addition of calming essential oils helps to further support the transition to sleep.
To make a detox bath combine the following ingredients in a hot, but not scalding, tub of water:
1 cup epsom salts
1 cup baking soda
3-5 drops of essential oil
Soak for 20 minutes immediately before bedtime.
This bath can be repeated up to twice per week.
Calming essential oil choices would include:
- lavender
- chamomile
- ylang-ylang
- geranium
- grapefruit
- vanilla
Note: if desired rub 1-2 drops of essential oil on each big toe before getting into the tub (in which case oil would not be added directly to the water)
Caution: Do not use this bath if you are pregnant, nursing, have high blood pressure, or other health conditions that might be severely impacted by immersion in a hot bath.
photo: mconnors