Ditch your shower: Why you should try the Japanese Ofuro bath for instant stress relief

After a long, draining day, most of us crave a moment to unwind truly. In hopes of relaxation, we step into the shower, armed with exfoliator, body wash, serum, shampoo, and conditioner, only to end up more exhausted than before.

Step by step, the multi-product ritual saps our energy, instead of restoring it. But what if relaxation didn’t have to be a complicated routine at all? For centuries, the Japanese have been following a bath ritual that promises more than just cleanliness. It’s called an ofuro, and it may be the answer to your stress!

What is ofuro?

The Japanese ofuro is everything the modern bathing routine is not. In fact, it challenges the very idea of what a bath traditionally means.

The ofuro is a small, deep tub, traditionally carved from hinoki cypress wood, filled with warm water. It is meant to provide relaxation, rather than cleansing. Which means it is not for washing. You have to scrub and rinse before even stepping into the bath! Consider it a perfect ritual to decompress.

The warm bath outperforms a shower if your aim is stress relief. When you immerse yourself in a warm bath, your stress hormones drop, giving you a sense of relaxation. It improves your circulation and also eases muscle tension. If you take a relaxing bath in the evening, you might sleep like a baby afterwards. The ofuro will provide you with a deep and restorative sleep. No wonder the Japanese have been holding on to this soothing ritual for generations!

How to get the benefits of ofuro at home?

Though traditionally the Japanese use a wooden bathtub for this ritual, it is not a must.

You can still enjoy the benefits of an ofuro at home. Start by taking a shower first to cleanse your body. No multiple-step routine here. You only have to wash off dirt. Now draw a warm bath. Fill the tub with warm water. Set out a towel or robe for later. You can perhaps add a drop or two of essential oils to mimic the traditional ofuro. You can also use herbs or salts if you like.

Dim the lights, and light a few candles. Make sure there are no distractions.

Place your phone in another room. Set aside at least fifteen to twenty minutes of uninterrupted soaking. Now, enter the tub slowly. Sit upright. Let the water cover your shoulders. Now breathe deeply. Sit and relax. No need for adding any products or splashing. Soak in the goodness. The key is intention. Hit pause and enjoy the slow and deliberate rest. No rush. After 20 minutes, you can rinse lightly if you want and pat dry.You can make this a daily ritual. In Japanese households, this practice isn’t optional; it's just part of their daily routine. This simple ritual will help you to decompress. You will stop worrying about the world. And this evening ritual will also help you get a good night’s sleep!