The ultimate DIY Hammam experience
As the saying goes, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. This is especially true when it comes to self-care. It’s your duty – and no one else’s – to give your body what it needs to thrive. And this goes beyond eating, moving and sleeping.
One thing you can do is hot towel scrubbing. Arabs have transformed the art of scrubbing into a sensual experience - the « Hammam ». The good news is you don’t have to go to an actual hammam to reap its benefits. Body scrubbing can be done at home at any time of day. All you need is a sink with hot water and a medium-sized cotton washcloth.
The experience
Dim the lights, light some candles, put on some relaxing music and savior this physical, mental and emotional experience. Here’s how to maximize its benefits:
Turn on the hot water and fill the sink
Hold the towel at both ends and place it in the hot water
Squeeze the towel to remove excess liquid
While the towel is still hot and steamy, begin to scrub the skin gently
Scrub one section of the body at a time, until the skin becomes slightly pink or until each part becomes warm (you can reheat the towel often by dipping it in the sink of hot water after scrubbing each section or as soon as the towel starts to cool)
Besides reducing muscle tension, this practice can be re-energizing in the morning and deeply relaxing at night. It opens the pores to allow excess fat, mucus, cellulite and toxins to actively discharge to the surface rather than to accumulate around deeper vital organs. It’s a meditative activity that relieves stress and calms the mind. It promotes circulation and activates the lymphatic system, especially when scrubbing underarms and groin.
Hot towel scrubbing will help you create a profound and loving relationship with your body – especially the parts not often shown care – and is particularly beneficial for people with body image issues.
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