I’ve always enjoyed soaking in the tub and enjoying the emotional and physical benefits of bath scrubs and salts. On occasion I have also enjoyed pairing this ‘love-me’ activity with a glass of chilled wine. It is the perfect hot and steamy date with moi!
The offsetting of the hot, soothing water against my body with the cool wine sliding along my palate is sensuous and relaxing. It’s important to harmonize the aromas of the bath scrubs or salts with those found in the wine. Otherwise one’s mind senses the disconnectedness. This halts the ability to focus and relax. The juicy aromatics of the scrub or salts paired with the wine’s aromas may appear as snobbery at its finest, but it is actually a potent medicinal, emotional and spiritual activity and partnership.
Sipping a glass of wine while bathing has many health benefits. Wine, in general, when consumed in moderation (defined by the American Heart Association as one to two four-ounce glasses a day) has proven through studies to promote longevity, all the while lowering the risks of heart attacks, heart disease, strokes, type 2 Diabetes, gallstones, cataracts, colon cancer and mental decline. The alcohol in wine has anti-bacterial power as well and can help prevent against the common cold.
The art of smelling wine to distinguish its aromas requires single-mindedness and is meditative. Alcohol, in general, when consumed in moderation has proven to reduce stress.
Using quality bath scrubs and salts containing essential oils is a form of aromatherapy and is also emotionally and spiritually beneficial. The inhalation of different essential oils can help balance the body, mind and spirit. Essential oils are not actually oils at all. They are the lifeblood of the plants used to make them. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant constituents possessing powerful medicinal and cosmetic qualities. Different oils contain distinct medicinal and emotional attributes. The elements of heat, light, air and moisture activate the release of their aromatic scent.
While using the bath scrub or salt we inhale the essential oils, which stimulates the part of the brain connected to smell – our olfactory system. A signal is sent to the limbic system of the brain that controls our emotions and helps to retrieve learned memories. This action causes chemicals in the brain to be released like serotonin and makes us feel relaxed and calm. When the essential oils in the scrubs are applied to the skin, they activate thermal receptors, destroy microbes and fungi and can produce healing effects.
It’s important that the scrubs or salts you buy are made of quality, organic essential oils. Our bodies absorb whatever we put on our skin While there are many brands on the market, Arbonne produces bath scrubs and salts that are of the highest quality ingredients (plant extracts and essential oils) that act as exfoliates and antioxidants and condition the skin, as well as soothing the mind and spirit through their aromatics. The oils are minuscule in molecular size, which means they are absorbed well by the skin.
So the next time you decide to take a bath, be sure to take part in the art of sipping and soaking.
Here are a few Arbonne inspired sipping and soaking combinations worth exploring:
Arbonne Awaken Sea Salt Scrub (Essential Oils of Avocado, Coriander Seed, Rose Flower and Bierea Seed) Paired with an organic or biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc.
Arbonne FC5 Exfoliating Body Scrub (Essential Oils of Grapefruit, Sandalwood, Mandarin, Orange Peel, Bergomot, Lime, Ginger, Lemon, Orange) Paired with organic and biodynamic Dry Riesling.
Arbonne Foaming Sea Salt Scrub (Essential Oils of Grape Seed, Orange Peel, Lavender, Grapefruit Peel Spearmint Leaf) Paired with dry Gewurztraminer.
Arbonne Unwind Bath Salts (Essential Oils of Odorata, Bergamot) Paired with chilled organic or biodynamic Pinot Noir.