Japanese Cypress Baths

As we continue on our journey of healing and discovery, let us meditate on the restorative qualities of bathing; the rush of warm water filling the tub, steam rising to greet you, a bath bomb bubbling, moody candle light, warm water enveloping you with comfort and ease—this is what life is all about, savoring the small moments.

Let draw upon these seemingly small moments to look for new inspiration to improve our health and beauty routines in 2022! As we discussed in our previous post on Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese art of forest bathing allows humans to reduce stress and better manage anxiety, depression, and sleep issues through their communion with the natural world. Similarly, bathing offers numerous health benefits as well. Baths can assist people to better regulate their physical and mental health, improves sleep quality, soothe sore muscles and joints, and even can help to heal minor cuts and scrapes.[i]

In Japan, cypress baths have long been touted for their healing qualities. Special bathtubs are constructed using solid cypress wood, which releases a strong aroma of cypress when filled with warm water. Both the scent and contact with the cypress wood calms the prefrontal brain while activating the parasympathetic nerve system, inviting you deeper and deeper into a state of relaxation and rejuvenation.[ii] By combining the healing effects of bathing with the curative properties of nature, you will be transported to a new level of healing, comfort, and self-care.

If you may not have access to a wooden cypress tub, have no fear! Here at Aisu Essence, we offer many pure, wildcrafted products that will help you elevate your bathing experience into a healing artform.

Our Hinoki Essential Oil, originating from the Hinoki cypress native to central Japan, can be used both aromatically and topically to provide a sense of calm by releasing tension, improving respiratory functions, and relieving muscular aches and pains. When preparing a bath, we recommend mixing 4 to 16 drops, or the equivalent of a 1% to 4% dilution ratio, of Aisu Essence 100% Pure Essential Oil into 1 tablespoon of your carrier oil of choice, such as our Rice Bran Beauty Oil prior to adding it to your warm bathwater.

[i] “4 Reasons to Take a Bath.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 20 Nov. 2020, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/reasons-to-take-a-bath/.

[ii] Miyazaki, Yoshifumi. “Bringing the Forest Closer to Home.” Shinrin Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing, Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2018, pp. 98–122.