Some people like bubble baths, some like to read in the bath, some like rose petals. Me? I’ll try a hay bath!
Hay bath attendant preparing my bath after wrapping me tightly in a sheet.
I had never heard of a hay bath before my visit to Alpe di Siusi in Italy, but now I can say that I’ve actually taken one.
Hay baths were started over a hundred years ago by farmers in South Tyrol who had no where else to sleep. They discovered that they woke feeling revitalized. Later, studies showed that the baths were also good for relieving aches and pains, improving immunity, increasing circulation clearing the bronchial tubes and for promoting good health.
My view while enjoying my bath.
You have the option of going naked, but we modestly decided to wear our bathing suits. A Hay Bath Assistant digs out a place in the hay for you and wraps you tightly in a sheet, to promote sweating – and to keep the hay from itching. You lie there for at least 20 minutes, sweating and reaping the benefits of all the herbs in the hay. Unfortunately our hay wasn’t fresh meaning that we didn’t sweat, so didn’t experience the full benefits of the bath.
A hay bath was an interesting experience, and while it was relaxing lying in the hay, I can’t say that I felt anymore refreshed after the bath than I did before. I think its important to make sure the hay is fresh to get the full benefits.
The other difference is that hay baths are usually offered as part of a spa experience. I was with a large group so ours was offered in a clean barn. I liked the rustic atmosphere, but I imagine the experience would be quite different in a spa where you were alone, not giggling with your fellow hay bathers as I did.
One thing is for sure: A hay bath is a far more interesting experience than a regular old bubble bath!
See the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) tourist board’s page on hay baths for more info and list of hotels/spas offering the unique and traditional experience.
Note: Thank you to Alpe di Siusi Tourism for the opportunity to experience the most unusual bath I’ve ever taken. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
