“Taking to the Waters” – Walking in the Footsteps of the Ancient Romans
Starting as early as the Neolithic Age, the tradition of the public bath has changed over the years to adapt to evolving cultures and social norms. The Romans, however, are known as the true founders of spa culture. For 500 years the practice of medicine was confined to Roman public baths. Whenever they found a source of warm mineral water, they built bathhouses, temples, gyms, libraries and even museums. The term “taking to the waters” was the fashion with the elite classes of the Roman Empire. The spa was considered a sacred space, a place to experience transformation and healing on both spiritual and physical levels.
The first civilization to practice the health benefits of hot and cold-water bathing, Roman bath houses played an instrumental role in their citizens’ health and hygiene. Over the years this bathing practice was adopted across Europe and the Middle East.
This contrast temperature water experience is often today referred to as “The Art of Spa”. This hour-long experience is both relaxing and therapeutic. Some of the primary benefits are a profound calming effect on the body and mind, purification and detoxification of the tissues, destruction of invading pathogens, immunity boosting by increasing white blood cell counts, increased circulation and metabolism as well as autonomic nervous system balance.
The autonomic nervous system controls the respiratory, endocrine, circulatory and involuntary nervous system and contrast bathing temperatures along with rest periods affect breathing patterns, hormonal balance and circulation activating the body’s own natural healing process. It helps create a more responsive internal environment, a more efficient cellular exchange, more oxygen and increased waste product removal via the lungs, skin, bladder and colon. It nourishes muscles, increases flexibility and leaves you with a deep sense of calmness and clarity.
Water cure instructions
Use the restroom before beginning
Make sure skin is totally clean
Check resting pulse – usually between 60-100 beats per minute
Enter dry sauna, steam or bath for 5-15 minutes approximately until pulse is between 120-130 : A Roman hot bath is a Caldarium
Exit heat and take a cool shower, cold plunge or roll in the snow : A Roman cold bath is a Frigidarium
Rest at room temperature until pulse is back to resting rate : A Roman room temperature bath is a Tepidarium
Repeat these steps 2 more times
Rest, drink plenty of water.
Sanitas Per Aqua – Health Via Water!
Jennifer Peterson http://www.bodykindwellness.com
BodyKind Wellness 