Since ancient times, various civilizations have been aware of the natural benefits that come from soaking in hot water. Today, there are a variety of customs and rituals around the globe pertaining to hot water and hydrotherapy, and its uses continue to grow as scientific research reveals more and more about its healing potential. Click any of the health benefits below to learn more.
Better Sleep
Soaking in a hot tub or taking a hot bath before bed is one of the National Sleep Foundation’s top ten healthy sleep tips.
Lower Back Pain Relief
Studies have shown that individuals suffering from low back pain will improve more quickly with regular hot water treatments than their counterparts who rely on medications alone.
Connecting People
The physical proximity and intimacy of sharing a soak in a hot tub or spring strips away certain social barriers and fosters emotional intimacy as well.
Arthritis Relief
The Arthritis Foundation calls warm water the “ideal environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness.”
Natural Healing
Take charge of your own healing process by utilizing the completely natural and inexpensive process of immersing yourself in hot water.
Healthy Heart & Blood Pressure
Simply sitting in a hot tub provides a cardiovascular workout, and any amount of exercise in water “can strengthen the heart better than a similar routine on land,” says Dr. Bruce E. Becker.
Self Care
When we take the time to care for ourselves, we are better able to care for those we love. Treating yourself to a half hour in a warm bath or hot tub will often help you de-stress and recharge so you can tackle your day with greater ease.
Natural Detox
Increasing your body temperature by submerging in hot water causes the body to sweat, thereby releasing toxins in a completely safe and natural way.
Sports Medicine
Many athletic trainers use water therapy (alternating between hot and cold) to speed post-workout recovery. Heat is widely held to improve vascular circulation and speed the body’s repair process.
Exercise & Weight Loss
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but water exercise is especially good for you. Because water provides more resistance than air, you get a better workout while putting less strain on your body.
New Research
New research continues to reveal the therapeutic benefits of warm water immersion in dealing with issues that range from chronic heart failure to childbirth.
History
Hydrotherapy is considered to be one of the oldest known medical treatments, dating back to ancient Egyptian and Roman civilizations. It is found in Greek history, too, with water treatments for a variety of disease states.