Bincho Charcoal Bathing

According to Sadao Kojima (a famous water specialist and former member of the Japanese Waterworks Bureau), Chlorine, carbon dioxide, oxygen and other gases dissolve into water. Heating causes supersaturation and makes bubbles in water just like a boiling pot. These bubbles attach to the skin of bathers causing irritation and a smarting sensation. When you have Bincho charcoal in the bathtub, these irritating gases quickly attach to it and are absorbed.

The charcoal makes water molecules group together smaller (called clustering), and this smooth condition gives comfortable stimulation. That's why bathing with Bincho charcoal feels soft and relaxing.

Charcoal is originally alkaline (its pH is 8 to 9) so it changes hot water to alkali. Generally speaking, it has the same bathing effect as hot springs with alkali ion deposits. Continued bathing with Bincho charcoal, can help to alleviate rheumatism, frozen shoulder, lumbago, and poor circulation, much like the curing effects of hot springs.

Also using with Mokusakueki (dry-distilled liquid from trees) has been shown to be effective against atopic dermatitis.

Charcoal bathing also helps to reduce inflammation, relieves itching, sterilizes dehydrated dermatitis in the elderly, chronic eczema, and other inflammation. Reduces chaps, too.

Taking charcoal bathes greatly relaxes the day's stress, and keeps the body warm longer due to its sustained high humidity effect. It improves the circulation of the blood, relieves muscle tension and quickens recovery from fatigue. The key to charcoal bathing is allowing it time to react with the water and using lukewarm water. The suitable water temperature is about 100° F (or 104° F in winter.)

For those with weak/sensitive lungs or heart, there are two methods to reduce the burden of the water pressure. One method is to float on the surface of the bath and the other is to sit upright so that only the lower part of the body (like waist and belly) is submerged.

Be sure to place the Bincho charcoal into the bathtub before running the tap. Run the water over the Bincho charcoal and let it sit for a short period before you bathe. After using Bincho charcoal for bathing, wring out the charcoal (basically whip the water out) and then dry it in the sun. You can continue to use Bincho charcoal in this way for about two months. After that, the Bincho charcoal can be used in flowerpots to improve the soil or used to dehumidify the kitchen and closet. Bincho charcoal is highly reusable and a great recycleable material.