Discover the Immersive Spa Ritual of Jjimjilbang... Autumn’s cooler days can bring in that sense of both enjoying nature’s abundance and wanting to hibernate. Hunkering down and creating a cosy environment can extend to a good pampering experience, and the Korean spa tradition of Jjimjilbang is the perfect way to do this. What is a Jjimjilbang? Essentially a bathhouse, in Korea, “jjimjil” is heating, or placing a hot or cold pack on the skin to produce a calming effect, while “bang” refers to a room. Other translations of this include “heated rooms” or “steamed quality rooms.” A traditional spa experience, this offers a variety of spa services, such as hot tubs, showers, saunas and massage areas. A staple in Korean culture, it’s a place to socialise, relax and rejuvenate, enjoyed by people of all ages. There are estimated over 4000 of these in Korea, ranging from large, modern facilities with food and entertainment to small traditional bathhouses. They tend to be open 24 hours a day, divided by gender and an inexpensive experience accessible to all. Where did the Jjimjilbang Originate? The roots of Jjimjilbang were in Buddhist religious practices centring around spiritual purification and bathing. Traditional mythology emphasised the holiness of water, and in the 12th century, a Chinese envoy noted the popularity of bathing in rivers, hot springs or streams near temples. The traditional hanjeungmak, a large custom-built, domed hot kiln sauna made of stone or clay, was first recorded in the 15th century in the Annals of Sejong. It describes them as state-supported and maintained by Buddhist monks. Their purpose was medicinal, promoting health and wellbeing. It has gradually transformed over the years from simple establishments to luxurious wellness centres that particularly gained popularity in the 1990s. The Jjimjilbang Experience Begin with Bathing It starts in the gender-segregated area with a shower for a thorough wash. Like the Japanese Onsen, no clothes are permitted at this point, but similarly, the atmosphere is very relaxed. This is followed by the baths and pools for soaking and relaxation. They range between temperate, hot and cold, some having jets and other features. The optimal soaking time in the warm pools is 20 minutes, with the recommendation of keeping heart above the waterline. A professional scrub, known as sheshin, is an option at this stage. This is not for a relaxing treat, but rather a deep, skin-softening and cleansing treatment that is best had after at least 30 total minutes of bathing. This stage ends with drying off and changing into the pyjama-style cotton t-shirt and shorts provided. The Sauna Stage This is the heart of the Jjimjilbang experience – a selection of dry saunas that use different types of heat sources, natural minerals and rocks, temperatures and humidity levels. The traditional dry sauna, or hanjeungmak hot kiln, is infused with herbs and pinewood. Typically heated between 50 – 90 degrees Celsius, it’s a pleasant temperature. The idea is to lie on hemp mats or salt/jade crystals, which warm you gently to optimise the health benefits. In the red clay sauna, little balls of red clay generate far-infrared rays that help release harmful substances from the body’s cells. The charcoal sauna is infused with minerals e.g. magnesium, calcium, iron and sodium. This sauna helps to relieve discomfort and maintain the body’s electrical balance. The Final Wind-Down In larger establishments, the pools and saunas are complemented by a fitness area, similar to a gym, and massage rooms for private spa and wellness treatments. Most will feature rest areas, which are lounges where visitors can take a break and relax. The common rooms are no longer segregated, and is a space where you can watch TV, sit in massage chairs, eat snacks and socialise. More sophisticated establishments have arcades, entertainment and outdoor swimming areas. Sleeping there is also optional in the Jjimjilbang Room, a large communal room with heated floors with mattresses, or sleeping rooms resembling capsule hotels with under floor heating. Regardless of when you choose to leave, the experience is ended with a shower for the final cleanse. Benefits of Jjimjilbang Skin Health Benefits The sauna experience improves general skin health. The scrub is deeply cleansing, thoroughly removing dead skin and impurities. An overall rejuvenating experience, helping to improve the skin’s elasticity. Helps improve blemish-prone skin, opening pores and removing toxins. General Health Benefits Improves circulation and boosts the cardiovascular system. Improves the immune system. Jade relieves muscle tension, helps improve metabolism and relieve pain. Clay has a detoxifying effect. Pine wood helps to reduce blood pressure, inflammation, and has respiratory benefits. Helps train the body to regulate temperatures more efficiently. Holistic Benefits Reduces stress and anxiety. Helps improve sleep quality. Boosts social wellness. Jade helps to balance hormones. The Home Experience Jjimjilbang is not an easy one to recreate (unless you have a home sauna!), but there are elements you can bring to the Autumn home spa experience… Unplug from the everyday by creating a restful atmosphere with our Autumn Harmony Candle, and let the gentle infusion of essential oils bring in a sense of calm and clarity. Create the bathing experience with a relaxing soak with our Jojoba Oil-infused Autumn Harmony Himalayan Salts. The salts reflect the deep mineral treatment of the Jjimjilbang, with trace minerals of magnesium, calcium, potassium, iodine and zinc. A 15 to 20-minute bath allows optimal absorption of these, while the Jojoba Oil helps to soften the skin in preparation for the next stage. A good scrub on softened skin works to take cleansing to the next level. Pairing our Himalayan Salts and an extra dash of our Cold-Pressed Organic Oils, briefly ground with a pestle & mortar or blender is a home-made option that stays in sync with the Autumn Harmony theme. Argan Oil is the lightest of the three, while Rosehip is especially beneficial for dry skin, with Jojoba being our favourite for this purpose, as its structure mimics the skin’s natural oils. Shower to rinse the grains off for the final cleanse – our Vitality Body Wash is an option with its gentle formula enriched with Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and Orange Flower Water. Finish off by simply relaxing in whatever way helps you to switch off best! If a massage is one of those, our Toning Duo Ritual pairs deeply nourishing Organic Rosehip Oil with our restorative Autumn Harmony Essential Oil blend. Adding a drop of this to 10ml of the Rosehip will suffice for a wealth of skincare benefits: Thyme Essential Oil: Encourages circulation for radiant skin. Frankincense Essential Oil: Helps repair skin and improves suppleness. Geranium Essential Oil: Balances and tones the skin, bringing evenness to the complexion. Palo Santo Essential Oil: Helps reduce inflammation and clear congested pores. Vetiver Essential Oil: Helps reduce stretch marks and scars. Our Focus Gift Collection provides an introduction to the range, featuring our Autumn Harmony Traveller Candle, Essential Oil blend and Room Mist, complemented by our Organic Argan Oil. Alternatively, the Autumn Harmony Travel Gift Set gives the option of our travel-sized Himalayan Bath Salts, alongside the Room Mist and Essential Oil blend. Embrace Autumn’s nurturing side with a mini-sanctuary to unwind for a well-deserved treat, to launch into the new season feeling well-balanced and grounded.
