With the arrival of autumn, the decrease in temperature and dry air often make people feel unwell, and illnesses become more common. In order to stay healthy, people adopt various methods such as dietary supplements or exercise. Additionally, medicinal bathing, as a traditional yet emerging healthcare method, has attracted considerable attention. Medicinal bathing, with a long history rooted in traditional Chinese medicine theory, involves adding medicinal herbs or other natural ingredients like flower petals and herbs to bathing water. This practice not only promotes physical fitness but also detoxification and beauty enhancement.
The health principles of medicinal bathing lie in the dissolution of medicinal ingredients in water, which can enhance blood circulation, invigorate meridians, dispel cold and dampness, and clear heat and toxins. Modern research has also found that medicinal bathing can increase the levels of certain immune globulins in the blood, enhancing skin elasticity and vitality. Medicinal bathing comes in various forms, including full-body baths, sitz baths, and foot baths, catering to different individuals and needs. For example, full-body baths are suitable for most people, while sitz baths are more appropriate for pregnant women and specific groups.
Medicinal bathing offers numerous benefits: firstly, it aids in detoxification, and salt baths are a simple and effective method. Secondly, the nutritional components in medicinal baths nourish the skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin texture. Furthermore, medicinal bathing promotes metabolism, accelerates blood circulation, and enhances immunity. It also helps alleviate fatigue, relax the body and mind, especially when incorporating herbs like Panax notoginseng, which is particularly effective in reducing stress. Lastly, medicinal bathing helps improve sleep quality, making it easier to enter deep sleep.
However, while enjoying medicinal bathing, safety precautions should be taken into consideration. When selecting herbs, individual constitution should be taken into account to avoid allergic reactions. Those with poor heart function and skin wounds should proceed with caution. Bathing during a cold should ensure good ventilation to prevent discomfort due to heat accumulation. Moreover, it is advisable not to bathe within half an hour before or after meals to avoid affecting digestion. Proper and moderate medicinal bathing undoubtedly serves as a significant supplement to autumn health maintenance.
