Think of your bathroom as a private room where you can escape from the pressures of modern life, and as a therapy center where you can completely relax and indulge yourself at the end of the day. A long soak in a warm bath in the evening not only relieves tension, stimulates the circulation, and softens the skin, it will soothe tired, aching joints and open the pores ready for moisturizing. If it helps you relax, read or cover your eyes with a pair of eyepads and listen to some calming music while you are soaking in the bath. Always make sure that you have a warm towel and bathrobe ready to wrap yourself in when you have finished your bath treatment.

Cleansing the Body

1 - Fill the bath with warm water. but do not make it too hot as this could raise your heartbeat and make it difficult for you to sleep later. Add some scented bath crystals or bath oil to the water; choosing a product that contains sea minerals or sails will add to the feeling of creating a spa in your own bathroom. Test that the temperature of the water is comfortable before stepping into the bath.

2 - Lie back in the warm water, immersing as much of your body as possible. Close your eyes - or put on eyepads - and relax for at least ten minutes. If you find il hard to switch off. 

3 - Using a pair of bath mitts, concentrate on washing your body from lop to toe, working from the feet upward. Pour a little body shampoo onto the mitten for a deep-cleansing treatment. Use gentle circular movements and take time to focus on pampering yourself in your own private sanctuary.

4 - Soak for another ten minutes, adding more warm water if necessary, and meanwhile work on the acupressure points on the soles of the feet and on the lower legs as shown opposite.

5Rinse off excessive lather and dry yourself thoroughly with a warm towel. Massage a non-oily body lotion alt over ihe body.

5 – Rinse off excessive lather and dry youself thoroughly with a warm towel. Massage a non-oily body lotion all over the body. 

Acupressure Points

acupressure could be thought of as acupuncture without the needles. It is basically a self-help technique in which the fingers arc used to apply pressure to particular points, which are thought to relieve pain or promote positive health benefits by stimulating the flow of energy through the body. In Japan, it is known as Shiatsu, or finger massage. There are about 600 different acupressure points found all over the body; they can often feel a little more sensitive than the surrounding area and can be located by their slight indentation. Pressure is applied with the fingers for a few seconds at a time; the process can be repeated three or four limes at each spot.

1 - Press the acupressure point on the sole of the foot, marked point A right. Release after a few seconds and repeat three or four times. This is sometimes known as the "gushing spring" point and helps any kidney-related problems as well as stimulating a flow of energy throughout the body.

2 - Press the acupressure point on the back of your ankle, marked point B right. Release after a few seconds and repeat three or four times. This helps improve digestion and can help relieve backache.

3 - Apply pressure to the acupressure points on the front ol the lower leg, working upward from the lowest point. Release after a few seconds and repeat three or four limes. This improves blood circulation and relieves tiredness in the legs.

Body Brushing

For extra-clean skin, brush your body every day before you get into the bath or shower. This will help slough off dead skin cells and other forms of surface dirt. Dry skin brushing is also thought to be effective in the battle against cellulite as it boosts the lymphatic drainage system into action, breaking down toxins that have become trapped in the fat cells. It should take about five minutes to brush your whole body, and afterward your skin will feel smooth hut invigorated; if your skin begins to feel sore and rough, you are probably brushing too hard. 

Use a natural-bristled brush and make long sweeping movements in the direction of the heart. Sweep the soles of the feet first, then work toward the knees. Use firmer, circular movements on the thighs, hips and buttocks, but be more gentle over the stomach and breasts. Use a long-handled brush to reach down the back.