Taken before an air bath, hot baths often contain bath salts.
An air bath is exactly what its name implies: a bath taken in fresh, cool air. Although this practice is no longer fashionable, Benjamin Franklin and other gentlemen of his day considered an air bath a luxury. Franklin and his contemporaries claimed that these baths opened the pores and cooled the body, removing toxins from it. It was also said to be relaxing and strengthening. Today, some doctors recommend daily air baths to help promote restful sleep and a stronger immune system.
Air baths open the pores of the skin and release toxins.
Traditional air baths can be taken indoors or outdoors, but always outdoors. Those who shower inside often open the windows to allow the cross breeze to flow through the room. People who live in more secluded areas can afford to bathe in the open air. In both cases, an air bath involved simply sitting in the breeze for up to 30 minutes. This was usually followed by a warm-up activity such as light exercise or a hot cup of tea. These baths were generally shorter in winter than in the warmer months.
Some doctors recommend daily air baths to help promote restful sleep and a stronger immune system.
Those looking to add air baths to their daily routines have many things to consider. First of all, very old or very young people should consult a doctor before taking an air bath. Improper bathing can weaken an already weak immune system or constitution. Second, people should not normally start taking this type of bath. For example, opening the windows in the dead of winter and sitting naked in the freezing air for 30 minutes is probably not a good idea.
Beginners should take their first air bath for one minute or less in the fall or winter, and for 10 minutes or less in the spring or summer. Those who start to shiver while showering should immediately cover themselves and drink something warm to help bring their body temperature back to normal. An air bath usually only strengthens when the body can recover its own heat afterward. The purpose is to refresh the body and skin, releasing toxins. Allowing the body to warm up afterward usually relaxes it and gives a person more energy.
Some people like to take a warm bath before or after an air bath. These water baths often contain bath salts and essential oils to condition the skin, promote relaxation, and further cleanse the pores. Those who take a warm water bath after the air bath should bathe in warm water to avoid shock to the system. People who want to take an air bath after the water bath should dry themselves very well and wrap their wet hair in a towel. Air baths taken after water baths should be relatively short, especially in winter.