This is the first series of my blog about some tips on how to go through the cold winter more comfortably and, hopefully, avoid getting sick. I'm writing this for those who comes from countries close to the equator and had never experienced the temperature dropping below 10 degrees Celsius, and for those who have lived but still dread winter, and for those who plan to live in Japan in the future.
Hot Bath I had a funny experience. It was my first winter and I complained to my Nippongo teacher that there's not enough heat in my room so I had trouble sleeping. She suggested taking a hot bath before going to bed. I did and it worked! But one day, I stayed in the bath for about half an hour or so. When I got out my heart was beating fast. I didn't know what was wrong with me. I thought I'd die. I manage to go back to my room. I got in the bed, grabbed my rosary and prayed. If I'd die that night I wanted my soul to be clean, too. Of course I didn't die coz I'm still here writing a blog :)
Tip: Don't get up after you soak in a hot water for a long time because your veins become large. The heart has to work harder to pump blood all over your body. Instead, stay seated for a while or if you can bear it, while seated, take a cold shower to bring back the veins to it's normal size.
What are the benefits of a hot bath? Here's some of those that I know.
1. Eases the tired muscles and improves blood circulation.
2. Relaxes the mind and gives you healthy skin especially if you add those bath "additives". You can easily get them from any drugstore and supermarkets. Different kinds of oils and essences have different purpose. Some to cure stiff muscles, poor blood circulation, dry skin, etc.
3. Can cure hemorrhoid. Those who take a bath regularly are less prone to this disease, I learned. Where? Most of the apartments are equipped with bath tubs. Some are just too small that you have to curl like a baby in a womb to fit in. Be sure to clean your tub every time you use it to avoid contacting skin disease. If your room doesn't have a bath tub, ask your land lord because some dormitories and cheap rooms have a common bath.
There are also public baths called "sento" and the more expensive ones called "onsen" (hot spring). Inside the public bath.Don't be surprised when you see people stark naked. It's required. You can't get inside with an underwear on. There is a place with lockers where you can take off all your clothes. Don't stare at other people and act naturally. You'll soon get used to the sight. If you are still shy to expose your whole naked body, it is acceptable to use your small towel to cover the private part.
Before getting into the bath, you are expected to clean yourself, i.e. take a shower, scrub your body, shampoo your hair, etc. The bath should be kept as clean as possible for a lot of people to use. Most baths now have running water so the water is clean despite the long use. Also, someone is checking regularly to maintain the cleanliness of the water.
If you're a man, don't be surprised to see cleaning ladies (of course with clothes) getting in and out the bath room freely. I haven't been to a lady's bath but I'm pretty sure their cleaning ladies are women, too. So, ladies, don't be afraid that it's the opposite in the ladies' section.
Some public bath provide soap and shampoo but others don't. If you're not sure, be sure to bring your own. However, if you're skin is sensitive be sure to bring your own soap and shampoo always coz it might be possible that they're providing the cheap ones.Towels, razors, etc are often available for sale so you don't have to worry if you go unprepared.Most onsens have a restaurant. I also suggest to taste their specialty. Besides, after a long bath you'll have an appetite of a lion.
Things to remember after taking a bath:
1. Drink plenty of water because, you might not notice it, you sweat a lot when you take a hot bath.
2. Don't drink alcohol because it will dehydrate you. You might notice some Japanese like drinking beer after a bath. Don't imitate them. It's just a bad habit.
3. Although it feels warm, put on enough clothes. You can easily catch a cold after a hot bath.
Let's enjoy winter! And hope that it'll snow every now and then so we can take pictures and send to our family and friends back home.