Low Body Temperature Lowers Immunity and Skin Radiance!

I learned I had low body temperature when I visited a clinic that practiced Eastern medicine due to feeling unwell. They pointed out, "Your internal organs are cold. Low body temperature lowers your immunity and also impairs your skin's cell turnover." At the time, I didn't really grasp what low body temperature meant, nor did I suspect it was the cause of my discomfort, so I just thought, "Hmm, is that how it is?"

Sensing my indifference, the practitioner added, "It's fine for now, but you might experience severe menopausal symptoms later. Low body temperature is the root of all illness." It was only then that I thought, "...I have to do something about this!" And one of the things I started doing was bathing in the morning and evening.

As you know, soaking in a bath promotes blood circulation and improves metabolism. Better blood circulation means an elevated body temperature and improved blood flow. In other words, oxygen and nutrients, the materials for metabolism, are smoothly transported throughout the body, while carbon dioxide and waste products from cells are efficiently removed.

When metabolism becomes active in this way, good cells are produced, leading to younger-looking and more beautiful skin.

My Ideal Bath Temperature and Duration

By the way, I often hear, "Soak in a 40°C bath for a long, relaxing time." However, at this temperature, I feel a chill and don't feel comfortable; I don't get that "Ahhh, bliss!" feeling the moment I get in. So, I set the temperature to 42°C and soak, and when it cools down a bit, I reheat it back to 42°C.

After reheating once, I no longer feel cold even if the water temperature drops, and by then, my body is warm to the core and I start to sweat. This seems to be my optimal bath temperature. That said, the optimal temperature that feels "comfortable" changes with the season and my physical condition, so I adjust the temperature according to my own sensations.

My evening bath duration varies daily; some days I feel "that's enough" sooner than others, but it's usually between 10 and 20 minutes. In the morning, rather than a long soak, I see it as a ritual to awaken my body and my motivation, preparing me for an active day, so it's around 7 to 8 minutes.

I believe it's important to use your own sensations as a guide, as the optimal water temperature and duration for your body vary from person to person and from time to time. It's nonsensical to force yourself to stay in for a long time or to endure a lukewarm bath while feeling cold, as you won't be able to relax. After all, blood flow is said to be promoted when you are in a relaxed state.

Bath Companions: Bath Additives Tailored to Your Needs

Speaking of bath companions (?), bath additives are essential. Rather than sticking to one type, I keep several on hand and change them according to the time, my mood, physical condition, and purpose. Some days I don't use anything, and other days I float lemon balm picked from my garden.

As the humid summer season approaches, it's easy to feel sluggish or unwell due to the cold from air conditioning and cold drinks, or the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. It is precisely during such seasons that we should effectively incorporate the benefits of bathing to adjust our bodies and minds.

(From right, top image)
Rich in minerals from ancient, unpolluted seas, "Himalayan Rock Salt for Bathing" (Amritara)

Wrap yourself in a soothing aroma for a relaxing bath time with "Bath Salt Lavender Scent" (Kneipp)

The calming scents of hops and valerian promote a peaceful pre-sleep bath time with "Bath Salt Hops & Valerian Scent" (Kneipp Guten Nacht)

Invigorate your bath time with the scents of lemongrass and lemon balm with "Bath Salt Lemongrass & Lemon Balm Scent" (Kneipp)

Enjoy a refreshing forest bathing experience with "Bath Salt Pine & Fir Scent" (Kneipp Guter Duft)