by Melissa Rousseau

As my healing journey continues in a forward + upward direction, I find myself reflecting back on some of the most vital tools that I've used regularly along the way.  My detox bath ritual has surely been one of them.  However, these days, instead of focusing on detoxing, I am focusing soley on nourishment, which includes deeply rooted sustenance for my mind, body, + spirit and heavily focused on the beautiful rituals of self care.  With this comes more gentle ingredients. 

I was fortunate recently to have a wonderful group Medicine Reading experience at my friend Mikki's space with Deborah Hanekamp of Mama Medicine, a gifted Seeress carrying over 16 years in healing arts as an initiated Amazonian Curendara, Reiki Master, and Yogini.  I usually have a bit of a wild ride in group healing sessions as there tends to be loads of energy being released and much movement happening for everyone.  Deborah held the space so beautifully and so strongly for us that for me it felt totally nurturing, relaxing, and immensely clearing.  At the end of our sacred healing she prescribed a special herbal bath for all of us, which of course I was delighted for.  I had been prescribing myself herbal baths for a while, but had been keeping the ingredient list simple with just one or two herbs and had also been doing raw Milk, Rose Petal, + Honey baths more specifically for my dry skin.  This time however, the list was lengthy and included specific crystals, flowers, herbs, an aura cleansing prior to getting in the tub, and a full head dunk once submerged. 

It.  Was.  Divine. 

And harmonizing.  And relaxing.  And soothing. 

A mind, body, spirit massage if you will.

Ever since, I have been indulging in these sublime herbal healing baths at least 1-2 times a week and now even more as the temperatures drop a bit.  I like to do a gentle 5 minute bounce on my rebounder to get my lymph flowing well and then the warmth of the bath helps to move it even more.  And of course a good clearing of the space and your aura is a must.  I have been so adoring the scent of Copal that I've been using that many, many times a day and used this last night just to settle into the present moment and my body a bit more.

Last night's healing included the following ingredients which I added to an already full tub ::

• ancient Magnesium flakes
• ancient Sea Salt
• Baking Soda
• Nettles
• Calendula Flowers
• Rose Petals
• Rose Quartz
• Citrine
• Honey
• Pine Essential Oil

This also makes a really loving, homemade gift for the special ones in your life. 

And I highly recommend receiving a healing session with Deborah, who is based in Brooklyn, but does travel quite a bit.  Check her calendar here to see when she may be in your area.