A true wellness ritual: this is the Japanese Furo.
The traditional bath, in Japan, is governed by a precise ceremonial aimed at relaxing the mind and body, regenerating them.
The steaming tub of water one immerses oneself in, therefore, has the function of loosening muscles and nerves, purifying skin impurities, and allowing thoughts to rest.
Nothing to do, in short, with simple personal hygiene, to which a specific moment prior to immersion is dedicated.
For Japanese culture, every gesture dedicated to the care of one’s body turns into wellness and positive energy, which is why what may seem like a simple bath to many is, in reality, much more.
What is Furo
As we were saying, the Furo (or Ofuro) is the traditional Japanese bath characterized by a true ritual.
Unlike how the bath is understood in the West, in fact, the Furo keeps the aspects of hygiene and relaxation separate and is governed by a precise ceremonial.
The main purpose of the Furo is to relax and warm.
This ritual is still practiced today in traditional Japanese inns (ryokan), in hot springs (onsen), in public baths, and in private homes.
The ritual
The Furo ritual follows well-defined rules that start from a careful hierarchical order.
The first to be allowed to immerse themselves are the guests, then it is the turn of the elderly, then the children, and finally the mother, who immerses herself together with the smaller children who are unable to bathe alone.
All family members use the same water, and it is for this reason that the ritual requires entering the tub already perfectly clean.
Before immersing oneself in the hot water, in fact, one sits on a stool to wash the body and hair carefully using the water in a basin. You soap yourself and scrub energetically to eliminate impurities. Careful, though, because soap must never come into contact with the Furo tub, and so rinsing is extremely important.
At this point, you can immerse yourself in the tub containing hot water, generally at a temperature between 38° and 42°.
Once the bath is over, it is not uncommon to have a massage with essential oils and to brush one’s hair after rubbing it with a small amount of scented oil.
At this point, you can put on the traditional bath yukata (different from the one used as summer attire for going out).
The preferred time for the Furo is usually the evening, when, with daily commitments finished, one has the time to dedicate to self-care and feels the need to relax.
The beneficial effects of Furo
As we have seen, the Furo constitutes a true wellness ritual.
The initial cleaning ensures the removal of impurities and, moreover, allows the skin to derive maximum benefit from the heat released by the hot water tub. The high temperatures, in fact, help pores open and favor the elimination of toxins. In this way, the skin can regain its natural luminosity.
Furthermore, the hot bath has a considerable relaxing power: by immersing oneself, in fact, the muscles relax and, by releasing tension, one manages to recover a good mood.
In short, the Furo is definitely a rite of purification for body and spirit.
Furniture and materials
The Japanese bathroom is very different from the Western one regarding space, dimensions, and decor.
In most cases, it is much smaller and includes space for the Furo tub and a floor-level shower.
The toilets, on the other hand, are located in a separate room.
In the past, the tub was made of Japanese cypress wood (hinoki), but today it is easy to find acrylic or steel tubs as these materials require much less maintenance.
Traditional Furo tubs did not have a drain and were heated with a wood-burning stove. Modern ones, however, are often equipped with a recirculation system capable of filtering and heating the water thanks to a water heater or a heat pump.
Although materials have changed, what has remained unchanged is the profound meaning of this genuine ritual.
How to experience the Furo at home
If you too want to relax your soul and body and wish to try the Japanese Furo ritual, be aware that numerous SPAs and thermal centers now offer this experience in Italy as well.
If you are lucky enough to have a tub at home, then everything is simpler.
Start with a deep cleansing of the body with a shower, and then, after filling the tub, immerse yourself and let your mind and muscles relax.
Once the bath is over, dedicate a few minutes to the care of your skin: our Routine Box sets are perfect for dedicating a gentle gesture to your body every day. Massage your face with delicate, circular movements to regain wellness and luminosity!
If you do not have the possibility at home to enjoy a bath like the Japanese one, still take care of your skin daily by cleansing it and keeping it hydrated with natural ingredients.
With Ikigai Beauty Routine Box products, you will be able to perceive that sense of harmony and balance on which the Furo experience is based.
Revitalize your skin thanks to the properties of Uji green tea, Matatabi kiwi, Eijitsu multiflora rose, Ume apricot, rice, seaweed, camellia oil, bamboo, and silk, and treat yourself to an unmissable sensory experience!