If you have ever found yourself soaking in natural hot springs, you’ll be pleased to know that this is an incredibly leisurely, soothing activity, but it also offers a myriad of health benefits.
1. NATURAL HOT SPRINGS CAN HEAL SKIN PROBLEMS
If you are struggling with acne, a bunch of blackheads, or most other sorts of unpleasant skin conditions, you’ll be pleased to know that natural hot springs can help.
In fact, a German study, which was conducted in 1990, found that the magnesium content in the water from the Dead Sea is highly effective in treating inflammatory skin diseases, such as Dermatitis.
There you have it!—You can soak for hours in natural hot springs, enjoy the scenery on your own and visit with your friends and family, while also healing a skin problem you may have.
2. NATURAL HOT SPRINGS CAN REDUCE STRESS
It seems rather intuitive to note that soaking for a few hours in natural hot springs as you look up at the bright blue sky and watch geese flying overhead can indeed relieve stress.
There was even a 2012 study indicating that—after two weeks of treatment—patients experienced a 60% reduction in health problems related to stress.
Health risks caused by distress were reduced, and resources increased, whereas the probability of general health risk decreased by 18% . Conclusion. Balneotherapy with highly mineralised geothermal water reduces distress, by reducing the health risk posed by distress by 26%, increasing the health resources by 11%, and reducing probability of general health risk by 18%. Balneotherapy is an effective preventive tool and can take a significant place in integrative medicine.
—Lolita Rapoliene, Arturas Razbadauskas, and Antanas Jurgelenas
Honestly, this is one of the most relaxing and beneficial activities you can engage in:
- Your body absorbs minerals, which is especially useful if you are deficient in something such as magnesium or calcium.
- You are spending time outside, which tends to decrease anxiety and depression.
Soaking in natural hot springs is an excellent way to engage in self-care during your day off and enjoy all that this beautiful planet has to offer.
3. NATURAL HOT SPRINGS CAN BOOST BLOOD CIRCULATION
Believe it or not, natural hot springs can boost blood circulation. It also helps oxygen flow in your body.
If you really want to increase your circulation, you might want to go in a cold plunge—if one is available!—and then soak in the hot water.
This is definitely a shock to the body, but it actually provides quite a few health benefits: It can also trigger lymphatic circulation, release endorphins, elevate your heart rate, and boost your mood.
4. NATURAL HOT SPRINGS CAN RELIEVE PAIN
If you’ve ever soaked in hot springs for an extended period of time, you’ll likely remember how much it eased your aches and pains.
This benefit has actually been proven.
For instance, there was a 2014 study stating that exposure to hot water filled with minerals can actually block pain receptors in the body, and it even indicated that the soaking may have positive effects on your joints and muscles.
Additionally, a 2006 study indicated that balneotherapy and spa therapy may provide relief for lower back pain. If you’re curious, balneotherapy simply refers to the treatment of diseases by soaking in hot mineral water.
5. NATURAL HOT SPRINGS CAN PROMOTE RESTFUL SLEEP
In this day and age, it’s incredibly difficult to get a good night’s sleep, and, while taking a long Epsom salts bath with a few drops of your favourite essential oil and your preferred cup of tea can be immensely beneficial, there is something exceptionally luxurious about soaking in natural hot springs before treating yourself to a massage.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, it may be a good idea to take a minivacation and enjoy the hot springs.
The benefits of a good night’s rest include:
- Decreased anxiety
- Decreased depression
- Lower risk of gaining unhealthy weight
Honestly, there is not much that is as precious as a good night’s rest.
6. SOAKING IN THE HOT SPRINGS CAN ALLEVIATE ARTHRITIS PAIN
If you are struggling with arthritis and want to engage in an alternative treatment that can potentially ease some of your symptoms, soaking in some natural hot springs could be the perfect way to unwind.
A 2012 study indicated soaking in hot springs is, indeed, very beneficial for folks who are struggling with arthritis.
“We found bona fide evidence that Dead Sea treatments are especially effective in psoriasis due to both the special characteristics of solar ultraviolet radiation in the Dead Sea and the Dead Sea water balneotherapy. Dead Sea mud and Dead Sea balneotherapy have been found to be beneficial in rheumatologic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and knee osteoarthritis.”
— Uriel Katz MD, Yehuda Shoenfeld MD, Varda Zakin Eng, Yaniv Sherer MD, Shaul Sukenik MD
There you have it: Soaking in some gorgeous hot mineral water during your day off while staring at the mountains or the bright blue sky can make a world of difference for your health!
Honestly, arthritis can be immensely difficult to cope with, so it’s nice to know that people who are struggling with this condition can actually benefit from an activity that is excellent for so many aspects of your health.
At the end of the day, it’s good to know how much a soak in the hot springs can truly help with. That being said, if you want an immersive and luxurious experience, then you might want to complement your time in the springs with a full-body massage: It’s extremely enjoyable to soak your sore joints after your masseuse gets those knots out, or before you go in for your session, or both if that’s your preference.
There are so many hot springs to explore around the world. Some of our favourites here in Australia are:
- Peninsula Hot Springs
- Blue Mountain Sparadise
- Innot Hot Springs
There’s nothing quite like soaking in hot water—with all of its beneficial memories—and watching the sunset.
Please contact us at https://touchtherapy.com.au/ for more information. We pride ourselves in offering excellent massages to each and every one of our clients and would be more than happy to assist you.