Snana, one of the important regimens described in Dincharya (daily routine) and mentioned by various Acharyas of Ayurveda and other ancient Indian literature, refers to the practice of bathing. Properly done, Snana is a therapeutic, preventive, and rejuvenating ritual for the body, mind, and soul. There is no doubt that good baths cleanse and rejuvenate our body akin to Rasayana. As per Ayurveda, regular bathing keeps the body and mind healthy, fresh, energetic, and rejuvenated for daily activities.

AYURVEDIC BENEFITS OF BATHING

According to Acharya Charak:

1. Snana purifies, stimulates libido, and prolongs life. It relieves fatigue, removes sweat and dirt, and promotes strength and endurance in the body.

2. Regular bathing is auspicious, increases virility, longevity, strength, compactness, and Ojas.

3. It cures tiredness, sweat, and impurities, and alleviates burning sensation, itching, thirst, and impurities.

According to Acharya Sushrut

1. Regular Snana relieves burning sensation, exertion, perspiration, and removes itching and thirst. Snana is good for the heart, removes dirt, stimulates all the sense organs, and mitigates stupor and sins.

2. It provides satisfaction, enhances virility, purifies the blood, and improves digestive power.

According to Acharya Vagbhata

1. Regular Snana enhances digestive power, stimulates libido, promotes life, increases bodily strength, removes fatigue, sweating, dirt, and bodily heat, alleviates itching, increases appetite, allays thirst, and destroys drowsiness and sins.

According to Bhavprakasha

1. Rubbing the entire body with a cloth just after bathing improves skin color and complexion, and removes itching and various skin illnesses.

According to Kalyanakaraka

1. Suggests that a bath enhances satisfaction, strength, luster, health, longevity, balances the humors, smoothness, and increases gastric fire, creating appetite.

Bathing plays an important role in our well-being. From removing dirt, sweat, and toxins to rejuvenating the mind, daily bathing combats stress and relaxes muscles and nerves. How and when you bathe impacts your energy levels and mental health. According to Ayurveda, the timing and temperature of the water are crucial. Adequate water must be used for bathing as cleansing is an important part of holistic health. The ancient practice also recommends Abhyanga or using warm herb-infused oil to balance doshas and prevent illnesses.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SHEETA JALA SNANA (cold water bath):

1. Improves eyesight and stimulates Agni (digestive fire).

2. Cures Raktapitta (bleeding disorders) but can aggravate Kapha and Vata dosha, especially in winter.

3. Pouring cold water on the head rejuvenates eyesight.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF USHNA JALA SNANA (warm water bath):

• A warm water bath increases strength and lowers Vata and Kapha dosha.
• However, hot water should not be used for a head bath, as it can decrease strength and harm the eyes, hair, and heart.
• According to Sushruta, during Kapha and Vata dosha aggravation, one can use a lukewarm water bath for the head as medicine.
• Warm water baths should be avoided in summer as they imbalance Pitta dosha and have a stimulating effect on the skin and reflexes.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF BATHING

Avoid bathing if suffering from Arditha (facial palsy), Atisara (diarrhea), Aadmana (abdominal distension), Pinasa (rhinitis), Ajeerna (indigestion), immediately after food, during fever, Karna Shoola (earache), Anila (Vata), Arochak (anorexia), and diseases of the eyes, mouth, and ears.

RULES OF TAKING A BATH

1. Bath should be taken in the morning before meals.

2. Use lukewarm water except for the head; rubbing the body with cloth or herbal powders improves luster and removes skin disorders.

3. Always change clothes after bathing, sleeping, before going out, and for worship.

4. Avoid bathing naked in reservoirs of water or sleeping naked.

5. Start a hot water bath from the feet upwards, avoiding the head.

6. Start a cold water bath from the head.

7. Always bathe before meals, preferably early morning, and never after meals to avoid hampering digestive fire (Agni) and causing illnesses.

8. Prefer lukewarm or hot water if suffering from any contraindications.