The surprising health benefits of hot spring baths

The hot spring water promises to relieve muscle pain and stress apart from giving you a rejuvenating experience.

We are all enamoured by the hot springs in Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh and Panamik, Ladakh. While the hot spring destinations promise a very rejuvenating experience, the water of hot springs also promises medicinal properties that relieve stress, pain and fatigue. Here s why you should soak in a hot spring water the next time you plan a trip.

Improves blood circulation: The hot springs contain minerals like calcium and sodium bicarbonate so when you bathe in the hot spring, your body soaks in the minerals. And as the process continues, your blood circulation and the oxygen flow increases suggests a study published in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences [1].

Relieves stress: The same study also suggests that immersing your body into a hot spring water can also help reduce stress. While the heat relaxes the tensed muscles, the minerals in the water can contribute to the psychological healing process [2]. Did you know taking a plunge in ice-cold water also improves your health?

Improves sleep quality: When you soak your body in warm water, your body temperature rises and when your bath is complete your body cools down. This cooling process can help you relax and get a peaceful sleep suggests a study published in the journal Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology [3].

Soothes muscle pain: Soaking into a pool of hot water can also relieve muscle pain. A study published in the journal Rheumatology International found that hot mineral baths can aid in pain relief [4]. Here are some of the health benefits of a sauna/steam bath.

Combats dry skin: The high silica content in hot spring water can soften rough and dry skin. Additionally, the silica in hot spring water has been found helpful in relieving the symptoms of eczema, and psoriasis found a study published in the journal Acta Dermato-Venereologica [5].

However, before you soak in a hot spring make sure that you check with your doctor if the practice is safe for you. Especially if you are pregnant or have a cardiovascular disease.

References:

[1] and [2] Mooventhan, A., & Nivethitha, L. (2014). Scientific Evidence-Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(5), 199 209. http://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.132935

[3]Horne JA, Reid AJ. Night-time sleep EEG changes following body heating in a warm bath. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1985 Feb;60(2):154-7. PubMed PMID: 2578367.

[4] Bellato, E., Marini, E., Castoldi, F., Barbasetti, N., Mattei, L., Bonasia, D. E., & Blonna, D. (2012). Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Etiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Pain Research and Treatment, 2012, 426130. http://doi.org/10.1155/2012/426130

[5] Kubota K, Machida I, Tamura K, Take H, Kurabayashi H, Akiba T, Tamura J. Treatment of refractory cases of atopic dermatitis with acidic hot-spring

bathing. Acta Derm Venereol. 1997 Nov;77(6):452-4. PubMed PMID: 9394980.

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