The Tub Trap

Some say that using wooden Japanese bathtubs were part of ancient religious rituals that were practiced by Buddhists. Others claim that the use of these tubs originated from a ritual that involves volcanic baths. Whatever the truth is, these kinds of bathtubs are still part of the Japanese culture. If you think that a Japanese bathtub is just like any other kind of tub, then think again. This kind of tub is very much different from a tub used in many Western and European countries. First of all, Japanese bathtubs have more depth compared to American or European tubs. This is because the Japanese don’t really take a bath inside a tub. They mostly use bathtubs for soaking in order to relax or relieve muscle pains and other ailments. If you are used to lying down in a bathtub, you might be surprised when you use a Japanese type. People in Japan don’t really lie inside a tub. They sit on a stool or bench instead and soak themselves up until their neck is completely submerged in hot water.

Another unique feature of Japanese bathtubs is that family members often share bathwater. It may sound weird but before getting into the tub, it’s a tradition in Japan to take a bath outside the tub. Once they have cleansed themselves, they now soak in the tub to relax and enjoy the effects of hydrotherapy. Unlike in many Western countries, Japanese bathtubs are for relaxation purposes and not really for cleansing.

First-time users of these bathtubs will also notice that the temperature of the water used in these tubs are higher than what you’d normally expect. This is because the Japanese believe that hot water can work wonders for your health.

Many Japanese wooden bathtubs are made of Hinoki, a rare Japanese tree that is known for its antiseptic properties. The wood from this tree is also rot-resistant, making it a perfect material for a Japanese bathtub. The Japanese have been using this rare wood in creating scented tubs that are perfect for aromatherapy. The herbal oil from this rare plant doesn’t cause allergic reactions and is very gentle even on sensitive skin. It is even used as an ingredient in many Japanese cosmetic goods such as shampoos and soaps. Many contemporary versions of these fascinating tubs are now made from modern materials and are built with digital panels that can control water flow and temperature.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 22nd, 2007 at 4:31 pm and is filed under Bathtub. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.