Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Spa Girl says it’s time for a Bath in a Copper Tub




What a day! The kids are back to school, the fall is settling in and everyone is taking out their blackberries and making appointments, arranging meetings and organizing lunches. It’s all too much for those of us still wondering where the summer went! Its fall, it’s a made house and it’s time to remember to be good to yourself. Remember my motto: relax, rejuvenate, and restore and indulge in an evening salt soak and let all that stress go.

If you are lucky you will be plunging into a magnificent copper tub. Copper has been used for bath tubs for centuries in Europe. Copper and its alloys, brass and bronze are naturally antimicrobial. A recent hospital study in the USA indicates that when hospitals switched to copper (sink fixtures, toilet seats and push plates) the copper had 95% fewer germs on their surfaces. This study promoted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to register copper and its alloys as the first solid materials as antimicrobial.

It is also believed that copper restores movement of the body's joints and connective tissue, an effective anti-inflammatory. As we age, our skin thins, we develop lines, wrinkles and age spots because our body is slower to produce collagen, elastin and glycoaminoglycans. Copper plays an essential role in skin health by helping restore the skin's ability to repair itself. Copper is a powerful collagen and elastin important in the production of glycoaminoglycans. This essential mineral also works as an antioxidant to protect the skin against damaging free radicals. So as you slide into your heavenly evening soak in that elegant copper tub, remember it is also providing you many additional benefits.

Soaking in Epsom or Dead Sea salts has a tranquilizing effect on the body. They are also mildly detoxifying as they induce perspiration to help eliminate toxins. Clary Sage essential oil with its wonderful nutty aroma adds to the calming effect and is considered one of the most powerful sedatives for stress. It blends nicely with Lavender essential oil whose mellow scent helps to relax and is also great for the skin.

Evening Salt Soak

Fill the bath with warm water and pour 1 pound of either Epson or Dead Sea salts into the water. Add 4 to 5 drops of Clary Sage essential oil and 2 to 3 drops of Lavender essential oil and stir the bath to disperse the salts and oil. Always be extremely careful getting into the tub. Then soak to your hearts content 20 to 30 minutes. Make sure to drink lots of water as the salt will dehydrate your body.

Enjoy!

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