There is no better way to relax your sore muscles at the end of a busy day or after an intense work out than to soak in a hot tub. Even better, there are various practices one can employ to make their soaking time even more relaxing and one option is through the use of a method known as aromatherapy. It utilizes aromatic essential oils derived from diverse and fragrant healing plants. Aromatherapy has been known to improve not only the emotional wellbeing of a person but also their physical as well as spiritual wellbeing.
In the article below, we will explain what aromatherapy oils are and how you can incorporate them into your concrete hot tub experience.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils, also known as volatile oils, are a highly concentrated form of the natural oils found in plants. They are extracted from a wide variety of plants including trees, herbs, and flowers. Obtained through distillation, the oils contain the characteristics of the plant from which they are derived, including the fragrance as well as properties such as healing. For many years these oils have been used for their therapeutic properties. In aromatherapy, the oils are used for their aromas which have healing effects. Many of the oils also have antiseptic properties hence reduce the risk of infections when used on the skin.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is an ancient medical practice that has been used for many years to promote both the physical as well as the emotional wellbeing of people. This method utilizes the fragrance and aroma of essential oils to help people relax and unwind.
Aromatherapy is performed in many ways. These include through diffusion of the essential oils in the air, inhaling the oils from a cloth or a bottle, massage therapy with scented oils, rubbing the oils directly into the skin and as an oil-infused bath. The soothing scents of the oils can change your entire hot tub experience by helping you immerse yourself into tranquil, healing escape.
How Can I Use My Hot Tub for Aromatherapy?
Unfortunately, not all types of essential oils are compatible with the components of your hot tub system. Hot tubs aren’t primarily designed for circulating and filtering such thick substances like oils. It is important to use only products specifically designed for use in hot tubs. Before dropping that essential oil into the tub water, consider all the risks involved both for your hot tub as well as your wallet due to the expensive repairs or replacement that may be needed if the wrong product is used.
Fortunately, more and more aromatherapy products which are safe to use in the tub are on the market today. They are in many forms and fragrances. They include salts, crystals, liquids as well as capsules. In case one is unsure of which products to use safely, contact your trusted hot tub dealer for recommendations.
What Types of Scents Should I Use?
There is a wide variety of therapeutic essential oils on the market today. Different oils provide different results. The type of oil you use depends on what effect you are looking to get. Below are some of the most common essential oils:
- Frankincense – Used to stimulate the immune system as well as for helping with asthma and bronchitis.
- Lavender – known to help in alleviating stress, irritability, depression, fatigue, and anxiety as well as panic attacks. It is also useful for both stretch marks and bruises.
- Peppermint – used to help with nausea, exhaustion, headaches, and vertigo.
The benefits of aromatherapy are numerous. Relaxing in your hot tub is an experience in itself but it is certainly worth incorporating aromatherapy into your daily soaking routine.