Spiritual Bathing: Healing Rituals and Traditions from Around the World

by Rosita Arvigo, Nadine Epstein, Thayer Allyson Gowdy (Photographer)

Since ancient times, people have engaged in spiritual bathing—a soothing and restorative practice that rejuvenates the body, mind, and soul. Spiritual baths promote health and have been proven to aid in the treatment of anxiety, grief, insomnia, and depression. In SPIRITUAL BATHING, best-selling authors Rosita Arvigo and Nadine Epstein explore this lost art and its fascinating history, with information on where sacred baths are currently offered and easy recipes to create bathing rituals in your home. Derived from various regions and philosophies—Shinto, Buddhist, Wiccan, Mayan, and others—most of these baths require only water, a simple ritual, accessible plants and herbs, and the desire to nurture your spirit. Rich with luxurious rituals as well as simple, practical remedies, SPIRITUAL BATHING will help you discover a sense of balance, vitality, and pleasure in your daily routine.An exploration of the lost art of spiritual bathing for promoting healing, rejuvenation, and well-being.Filled with prescriptive recipes for preparing sacred baths at home using water, plants, and ritual.Includes more than 75 stunning photographs from 15 cultures around the world.

Genres: Spirituality, Health

182 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2003

About the author

Rosita Arvigo is an American herbalist, author, and teacher dedicated to the study of medicinal plants and their role in human health. Born in Chicago in 1941 to immigrant parents, she was influenced by 1960s counterculture movements and lived in communes across the U.S. and Mexico. Her interest in traditional medicine began during her time in rural Mexico, where she witnessed the healing power of plants during a birth complication. She later studied Naprapathy in Chicago and returned to Belize, founding a clinic and learning from traditional healer Don Elijio Panti. Arvigo also co-founded the Ix Chel Tropical Research Foundation and The Arvigo Institute to preserve and share traditional plant knowledge. Her work combines modern therapeutic methods with ancient healing practices, especially those focused on women’s reproductive health. Though praised for preserving Indigenous wisdom, she has faced criticism for commercializing traditional techniques and privileging Maya traditions over others. Arvigo maintains that her teachings were passed down with full consent. She continues to advocate for the respectful integration of herbal knowledge into holistic health practices.

Reviews

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Until recently, water was one of the most universal spiritual concepts on our planet. Buried somewhere in the genesis of every culture is the idea that water is divine, life-giving, healing, cleansing and renewing. Some people even considered water to be a living being.

Our bodies are 85% water. The kidneys are 82% water; the muscles, 75% water; the liver, 69% water; even the bones are 22% water. Water makes up nine-tenths of our blood, saliva, plasma, lymph, urine, synovial fluid of the joints, and the cerebrospinal fluid. Our watery blood carries nutrients, hormones, proteins, and chemical messengers to help us to stay afloat in the sea of life. All of the waste in the body is dissolved and eliminated by water. Water, the great solvent, is also the primary transporter of oxygen to our cells, and maintains the exact acid and alkaline balance that, if only slightly awry, brings about illness in a very short time."

A compelling and well-researched book about the significance of using water in a sacred manner in order to enhance our Divine connection. Not to mention providing an ideal nexus to heal Physically, Emotionally and Mentally. Through a precise synopsis of various cultures and their ancient & current uses of bathing rituals, Rosita and Nadine have created an invaluable resource for personal and professional use. By including, detailed recipes and guidelines, the reader has everything they need to claim Spiritual Bathing as an effortless and pleasurable way of taking responsibility for their own well being.

[Bryn Truett-Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful guide to traditions around the world. often out of print, so i make sure to keep a few copies for my students.

[Juliezs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely book. Just looking at the gorgeous photography is uplifting and calming. Then reading all the detailed information on bathing rituals from cultures around the globe is so interesting and inspiring. I want to try all of these baths and go all these places that are mentioned. Really practical advice and how-to's are included as well as stories from the authors' experiences of these varied baths from their travels. I'm really glad I bought this book as I'll be referring to it frequently!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just looking at this book is pampering myself! It is glorious. It took me 4 and a half decades to understand the glory of taking a bath, a hot tub, a soak in hot springs, or some ritual taken simply. Now, I find it a great transformative pleasure. And, my massage therapist is going to Belize soon to study with one of the authors. I feel spoiled already.

[Liaken · Rating 4 out of 5]

An artistic, poetic, usable, and very enjoyable introduction to the cultural and spiritual uses of water and bathing. Beautiful pictures. It doesn't go into much depth, so it's a good intro, but not a great reference.

[JayeL]

July 2015: not available on audio at Mechanics' Institute