I am not used to London at the best of times, but London in the run up to Christmas is not a pretty experience. Last weekend I was in Covent Garden to attend classes as part of my aromatherapy diploma. Having achieved a blissful, massage induced, Zen like state; I lightly floated down the stairs, opened the door, stepped out onto the street and Wham! Not the 80s pop group, although that may have been equally disconcerting, rather a barrage of shopping bags smacking against my hitherto relaxed body, to a backdrop of “So here it is Merry Christmas! Everybody’s having fun!” Had I just emerged from a business lecture I may have considered claiming against the trade’s descriptions act, “Panic on the streets of London” would have been a far more accurate reflection of the scene before me. I must admit as I wended my way to Leicester Square underground -dodging further bags, clouds of cigarette smoke, sandwich boards, leaflet pushers and festive purveyors of pies, I still mentally checked out the shop fronts, starting to inwardly fear that perhaps I was indeed missing out. The magpie within my soul was drawn to the golden glimmer of tinsel and fairy lights, the promise of joy within the beautifully packaged displays. ….Wham! (again, not the pop group, although rather ironically I could hear “Last Christmas” playing in a nearby store) my thoughts had converted to action, and as I stepped out to reach the Christmas treasure, I promptly smacked into someone else.
Safely back in familiar surroundings, later that evening, I had a beautiful Sage bath, although the water was alarmingly murky as a layer of underground grime washed away from my body. It struck me that is exactly what I want to give people at Christmas – no, not a bath full of dirty water! Rather that wonderful feeling of peace and tranquility, the head space to see the world more clearly, a little voice of calm in the form of one of the wonderful Dr. Hauschka baths. Here is a little summary of the beautiful baths on offer – all available via their website www.drhauschka.co.uk and there is a 15% discount by entering the code XMAS15 at the checkout (available until 12th December) all priced at £17.95 or £3.50 for a trial size (a little does go a very long way, so a very worth while investment).
| BATH | GIFT FOR… |
| | Lavender cools and relaxes the body, reducing tension and inflammation. It would be perfect for someone who is always rushing around, constantly on the go, perhaps caring for everyone else but not taking time out for themselves. |
| Lemon baths awaken the nervous system and the senses, capturing the warmth and energy of the sun. A good choice for someone who feels rather lack luster, where life seems flat and uneventful. Sunshine for the soul! | |
| A good choice for darker, winter months when things are cold and slightly oppressive. Rosemary revitalizes and brings warmth to light the fire within. | |
| | Sage is very healing to the body and to the mind. Especially good for periods of over exertion, whether physically or mentally. |
| Spruce is very grounding and relaxing, without being as sedating as a Lavender bath. Perfect for a morning bath before heading off into the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping! |