Wellness without a bathtub

For most people, a long, fragrant bubble bath is simply part of the wellness programme. But what if there is no bathtub in your home? Take comfort in the fact that relaxation and even water treatments are still possible.

First of all, get rid of the thought that you are missing a bathtub. No one can relax if they are annoyed about something. Enjoy what is there and make the most of your flat for your personal wellness experience.

• Put on a CD with your favourite music. Alternatively, you can also stream suitable music via a laptop.
• Then prepare a relaxing tea and pour it into a warming cup or a thermos flask.
• If you like, choose a book that you would like to read and put it by your sofa.
• Enjoy a long warm shower with a shower gel that pampers the senses. Combine the shower bath with a face and body scrub.
• Then apply the cream slowly and consciously enjoy the experience.
• Apply a face mask before lying on the sofa wrapped in a warm bathrobe.

Who needs a bathtub to relax?

You can upgrade your shower by replacing the shower head with a model with massage jets. Versions with LED light are popular, which make showering a special experience. There is often even the option of attaching a shower panel. This is either a gentle rain shower from above or a powerful massage from a nozzle on the side. As a rule, installation is also possible in rented flats.

Steam showers, which can replace a conventional shower, are somewhat more elaborate. Steam showers are normal showers and steam baths in one. They can be installed in place of an existing shower cubicle or retrofitted with a steam module and suitable nozzles. High-quality models also have massage jets and are perfect for enjoying wellness at home. In rented flats, the landlord must agree to the installation, as it is a structural change. Conversion or retrofitting should be carried out by a specialist company.

If you miss a sauna, consider buying an infrared cabin. The heat rays have a similar effect to a stay in the sauna, but the temperatures are lower. Overall, the stay in an infrared cabin is less stressful than in a sauna. Since there are combinations of infrared cabin and steam shower, you can replace your shower with a combination model that allows you to shower, steam and apply heat.

Kneipp cures get the circulation going and strengthen the immune system. You don't need a bathtub for many of the water treatments. A thigh cast against tired legs or an alternating foot bath against colds or rising arm baths can be done in the shower bath, the kitchen or even outdoors, depending on the application.

For a rising arm bath against tension and for better blood circulation, a larger sink or a bowl with a drain placed on the kitchen sink is sufficient. Fill with lukewarm water and immerse your hands and arms in the water up to your elbows. Turn on the inlet from the warm water to raise the temperature in the bowl up to 39 degrees within 15 to 20 minutes. Just wipe off the water without drying yourself and lie down in a warm place, well covered, for about 30 minutes.

An alternating foot bath only requires two deep tubs or tubs, but they must be sufficiently high. The rim should reach about 5 centimetres below your knee. Fill one tub with water that is about 36 degrees and the other with water that is 18 degrees cold. The water level should be about 10 cm below your knees. Place your feet in the warm water for five minutes and then in the cold water for ten to 15 seconds. Repeat the process and then wipe off the water before putting on warm socks and moving your feet to warm them up.

Thigh casts are excellent to do in the shower. Remove the shower head from the hand shower hose, or if your shower doesn't have one, get a large 10 litre watering can. Pour a cold, soft stream of water starting at the right foot, going from the ankle to the hip and down the inside of the leg. Repeat the process on the left leg. Now pour again on both legs as described and finally on both soles of the feet. Then put on warm socks and lie under a blanket on the couch.

Today, there are many ways to get a bathtub. A fixed installation in a small shower bath is one of the alternatives. Hip baths, asymmetric models and corner solutions often fit into small shower baths. Perhaps a combination shower and bath model is ideal for your space? If you are looking for a long-term solution, contact a specialist company, which will certainly suggest interesting options.

But it's also possible to do it more cheaply and without a permanent installation. If you only want to use a tub occasionally or are looking for a quick, very cheap solution, portable tubs are ideal. A portable plastic tub, with a footprint of about 80 x 40 cm, usually fits in any shower room and can always be stored in a utility room if you need the space. Even more practical are foldable or inflatable models that require hardly any storage space when dismantled.

If you want more comfort, upgrade your mini bathtub with an air bubble mat. These are particularly suitable for enriching the air with the soothing scent of essences.

But you don't need to set up a bathtub or upgrade the shower room to enjoy a day of wellness. The most important thing is to enjoy the day, and all you need is a shower, a sofa, music and a good book.