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Combine these oils to produce a bath made for meditation.

5 drops essential oil of sandalwood

2 drops essential oil of patchouli

2 tsp sweet almond oil

sandalwood incense and soap tealight
Run a warm bath. Just before stepping in, mix the essential oils into the almond oil and pour into the bath, swishing to disperse. Light the incense and a tealight placed at the end of the bath. Wash with the sandalwood soap. Without blinking, focus on the tip of the tealight’s flame, trying to find the point where it disappears. When you can look no longer, close your eyes and see the image in your mind’s eye.

Spoon 12 tbsp milk powder and 12 tbsp oatmeal into the center of a large square of muslin, then tie the corners in the center to secure. Place in a bath as you run the water, then use as a soap substitute to cleanse and relieve irritated skin.

Combine these essential oils for soothing effects on body and mind.

1 tsp sweet almond oil

4 drops essential oil of lavender

3 drops essential oil of camomile

2 drops essential oil of geranium
Mix the oils and swish into bathwater just before stepping in.

When you need some “get up and go” try this zesty, woody aroma.

1 tsp grapeseed oil

4 drops essential oil of cypress

2 drops each essential oils of juniper and rosemary
Mix the oils and swish into bathwater just before stepping in. (Omit rosemary oil if you have epilepsy; juniper if you have kidney disease.)

These essential oils are renowned for their purifying properties.

1 tsp sunflower oil

4 drops essential oil of rose

2 drops essential oil of orange

2 drops essential oil of rosemary
Mix the oils and swish into bathwater just before stepping in. (Omit rosemary oil if you have epilepsy.)

Take half a bottle of red wine and bring to the boil with a handful each of nettles, rosemary, thyme, and mint. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes, covered. When cool, strain and use to bathe the hands to boost circulation and prevent swelling.

Stimulating and invigorating, yet sensual, this wonderful mix of spices is great for enhancing a long soak in a wintertime bath.

2 sticks cinnamon, broken

3 bay leaves

2 tsp cloves, crushed

1 tsp grated nutmeg

1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed
1. Pile all the ingredients in the center of a piece of muslin and tie the corners to secure.
2. Suspend beneath the hot faucet while you fill the bath or float the bag in the water. (Avoid during pregnancy.)

Customize any dry skin bath oil mix by adding a teaspoon of avocado or wheatgerm oil or one vitamin E capsule (prick and squeeze in).

Search out best-quality sandalwood soap, which always comes from Mysore in India. Relish the texture and intense scent, thought to promote meditation and valued in India for its cooling effect.

Japanese research suggests a 15- minute daily sauna can help prevent heart disease. As searing heat causes blood vessels to dilate, blood flow increases to the skin’s surface; and blood pressure drops. (Avoid if you have high blood pressure, heart or vascular disease, varicose veins, or if you are pregnant.)