Korean Body Scrub & Other Bathing Rituals From Around the World

Korean Spa Body Scrub Ritual

Popular bath houses have been in existence for thousands of years. Ancient cultures realized the health benefits of baths that can help relieve body aches, soothe the symptoms of certain illnesses, and help release toxins from the body. Nomadic tribes during the Neolithic Age would use natural hot springs whenever they could find them.

Today, bathing rituals are based on cultural traditions as they are spreading to other areas of the world. People everywhere can enjoy the unique customs and benefits of soothing baths, massages and facials to restore the natural health balance of the body.

Popular Bathing Rituals Around the World

Korean Jimjilbang Rituals

In Korea, bathing is a ritual that involves the entire family in a bathhouse called a jimjilbang. A jimjilbang will be lined with different materials, such as clay or jade, to provide unique healing and purification properties to the bathers. People must completely disrobe to enjoy the unique experience as baths are separated by gender and usually open for 24-hours to please any weary traveler. Jimjilbangs take their origins from the natural hot springs located in the country. A Korean body scrub is also a common treatment for people when they take their bath. Korean body scrubs are a vigorous scrub that is performed by a aesthetician while warning specialized scrub mittens. The process usually takes  two hours as the spa-goer is first placed in a hot steam sauna to help get the top layer of the skin soft and ready for a full exfoliation. The exfoliation process can feel abrasive to some but it should never feel painful. After a traditional Korean body scrub the skin on your body is left feeling super smooth and soft. Patrons are unusually surprised by how much gray-colored dead skin flakes are left on the spa table.

If you would like to learn more about professional Korean body scrub treatments, contact Aura Spa today.

Turkish Hammam Rituals

During the 7th century, Roman bathing rituals extended into areas of Turkey to promote the purification of the soul through cleanliness. It became popular in 600 AD as Turkish hammams were accepted in all types of celebrations, including weddings. The hammam ritual usually involves a three step process of hot steam and scrubbing using a kese for skin exfoliation, a warm bathing room, and then a cool room where a person can rest after having their bath and massage.

Japanese Onsen Rituals

It is believed that in 500 AD, Buddhists monks founded early Japanese bathing rituals when using the natural hot springs across Japan. The Japanese culture believes that onsen, natural hot spring, rituals are designed to for spirituality and rejuvenation of the body. Japanese etiquette rules are a part of the bathing ritual, such as nudity, as travelers should find out the rules before bathing there.

Finnish Sauna Rituals

There are over 2 million saunas in Finland as the tradition dates back to the 12th century. It is so popular that everyone will partake in the bathing ritual at least one time every week, even criminals who are incarcerated. The steam is created by pouring water over hot stones as an ancient tradition required bathers to then jump into a frozen lake to stimulate blood circulation.

 

NYC Spa Day at Aura Spa

Bathing rituals from around the world have become so popular that many spas will incorporate these traditions in spa and massage treatments. A New York Korean massage and Korean body scrub can be found in a NYC day spa such as Aura Spa to give people a relaxing and unique experience. Contact us today at (212) 695-9559 to learn more about exotic bathing rituals available at our NYC day spa!