8 Surprising Health Benefits of Natural Hot Springs
Throughout history hot springs have been revered as a place of healing and rejuvenation. Today, especially in the United States, they’re often overlooked, underrated, and relegated to just a hippie pastime.
Yet, the benefits of hot springs aren’t just folk lore… In fact, there is an entire field of science known as “balneology” which means the “treatment of disease by bathing”. Science is starting to prove many of the traditionally held benefits of hot springs.
Imagine yourself getting out of the city for a few days for some soaking sessions on an upcoming weekend – no doubt you’ll find yourself feeling amazing and perhaps experiencing some of these incredible health benefits:
Trace mineral absorption
Heal skin issues
Reduce stress
Boost blood circulation
Promote restful sleep
Provide pain relief
Reduce arthritis symptoms
Decrease blood pressures
1 . Trace Mineral Absorption
Poor diet and lifestyle can lead to mineral deficiencies in many people. Natural hot springs contain a plethora of minerals such as: boron, calcium, chloride, sodium, sulfate, lithium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, silica, zinc, fluoride, phosphate, nitrogen, and others. These minerals are absorbed while bathing and can provide various health benefits.
Many people may be deficient in key minerals due to poor diets lacking in nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and unrefined grains. Mineral deficiencies can contribute to health issues like fatigue, muscle cramps, weakened immune system and more.
Soaking in mineral-rich hot spring waters allows minerals to be absorbed through the skin's pores. This can help replenish mineral stores in the body that may be depleted. The heat also opens pores and increases mineral absorption.
Some potential benefits of bathing in hot springs containing these dissolved minerals include:
Magnesium plays a crucial role in the body's immune response, helping to regulate various functions of the immune system.
Sulfur can help treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Its also known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help in preventing infections.
Silica is known for its role in collagen production, which is essential for healthy skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues. It also helps strengthen bones and joints.
Iron vital for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. It also supports immune function and energy metabolism.
Lithium is known for its mood-stabilizing properties and is often used in the treatment of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. It also has neuroprotective effects and can help reduce inflammation.
Zinc is an essential mineral for immune function, zinc helps in the production of white blood cells, which are vital for fighting off infections.
Of course, drinking plenty of mineral-rich spring water can also help restore mineral balance. But soaking allows the minerals to be absorbed more directly into the body's tissues.
2. Heal Skin Issues
A German study from 1990 found that the Magnesium content in the water of the Dead Sea is effective in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as Dermatitis.
This study underscores the broader potential of mineral-rich waters, such as those found in many hot springs worldwide, for dermatological health. Magnesium, a key mineral in these waters, plays a crucial role in skin health by reducing inflammation, a common symptom of conditions like Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and Eczema. It helps in healing the skin barrier, making it more resilient against irritants and allergens.
Beyond magnesium, hot springs often contain other beneficial minerals like sulfur, calcium, and sodium bicarbonate, each contributing its own set of healing properties. For instance, sulfur is known for its antifungal and antibacterial effects, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin, while calcium can help in cell renewal and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Magnesium's anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly useful for calming conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema that involve inflammation and disruption of the skin barrier. By reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing, magnesium absorption can help resolve flare-ups and prevent future irritation.
his synergistic combination of minerals absorbed through hot spring bathing can have profound topical benefits. It helps explain why taking the waters has been a traditional dermatological treatment in many cultures over the centuries. From an evidence-based perspective, studies like the German one you mentioned on the Dead Sea provide that scientific validation.
Soaking in mineral-rich thermal spring waters could be an excellent complementary or alternative treatment for those suffering from chronic inflammatory and microbial skin disorders. The absorptive and anti-inflammatory effects get to the root of the problem in a natural, holistic way. You've highlighted an important perspective on the rejuvenating properties of these ancient healing springs.
3. Reduce Stress
Soaking sessions (especially in nature) can help you unwind and reduce stress. A 2012 study showed that after 2 weeks of treatment, participants experienced a 60% reduction in stress-related health problems.
The process of soaking in hot springs, particularly those situated in natural surroundings, offers a unique combination of hydrotherapy and the calming effects of being close to nature. The warm water helps to relax muscles and increase blood circulation, which can alleviate physical symptoms of stress. Meanwhile, the serene setting—a hallmark of many hot springs locations—provides a tranquil environment that promotes mental relaxation. The natural landscape, the quiet, and the distance from everyday life contribute to a mental state where stress levels can significantly decrease.
The warmth of the mineral-rich waters helps physically relax tense muscles and improve circulation, allowing the body to shed some of the physical manifestations of stress and anxiety. At the same time, being nestled in a serene natural setting allows the mind to quieten away from the stressors of daily life.
The simple acts of focusing on one's breathing, taking in the peaceful scenery, listening to ambient nature sounds, and being present in that moment facilitate a meditative state. This helps alleviate worry, quiet the endless mental chatter, and attain a childlike sense of awe at nature's beauty that we so often lose as adults.
Soaking in perfect silence, save for the gentle sounds of water and wilderness, combined with the sensations of warm silky waters cradling the body, can induce profound states of relaxation that wash away stress and worry. The effects are holistic, recalibrating body and mind alike.
4. Boost Blood Circulation
Warm water increases circulation and helps overall oxygen flow in the body. The heat from the water works to expand blood vessels, which in turn enhances blood flow throughout the body. This increased circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to cells, aiding in the removal of waste products and promoting cellular health. For those suffering from poor circulation or cardiovascular issues, regular sessions in hot springs can provide significant benefits. The minerals found in these natural waters, such as calcium and sodium bicarbonate, play a role in boosting heart health and improving circulation, making hot springs an enjoyable and beneficial experience for cardiovascular wellness.
The enhanced blood flow achieved by immersing the body in thermal waters is key for cardiovascular health. Better circulation means more efficient delivery of oxygen to tissues and organs. This can help prevent issues like high blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and other cardiovascular conditions.
The mineral content, especially calcium and sodium bicarbonate as you noted, provides an added boost. Calcium helps regulate blood pressure and studies show it can reduce risk of hypertension. Sodium bicarbonate makes the blood slightly more alkaline, which has been shown to improve circulation.
5. Promote Restful sleep
Hot Spring enthusiasts report the most amazing sleep after soaking. The warm water helps to relax the muscles and calm the mind, creating an ideal state for falling asleep. When you soak in a hot spring, your body's temperature rises, and the subsequent cooling process once you leave the water mimics the natural drop in body temperature that occurs before sleep, signaling to your body that it's time to rest.
This thermal regulation process can help address insomnia and promote deeper, more restorative sleep. Additionally, the minerals in hot spring water, such as magnesium, are known to relax the nervous system and enhance sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Furthermore, soaking in a hot spring can improve circulation and help your body detoxify, which contributes to a feeling of overall well-being and can further enhance sleep quality. The buoyancy of the water also reduces stress on joints and muscles, providing relief from physical discomfort that might otherwise interfere with sleep.
This combination of benefits visits to a hot spring not just a relaxing activity but a holistic wellness practice that can positively impact sleep patterns and overall health. Many hot spring enthusiasts also find the natural setting of hot springs, often surrounded by serene landscapes, to be mentally soothing. The connection with nature and the quiet, peaceful environment help quiet the mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
6. Provide Pain Relief
A 2014 study suggested that hot mineral water exposure can block pain receptors in the body, and may have positive effects on your joints and muscles. Anecdotally, almost anyone with achy joints and muscles who has taken a good soak in a natural hot spring can testify to feeling much better post-soak.
Additionally, a 2006 study showed that balneotherapy and spa therapy may provide relief for lower back pain. These findings are significant because they offer a natural and enjoyable alternative to managing chronic pain, particularly for conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lower back issues.
The heat from the water helps increase blood flow and circulation, which can speed up healing by bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas. The minerals found in hot springs, such as sulfur, are believed to have therapeutic properties that contribute to the healing process of muscles and joints. This combination of heat and minerals not only alleviates pain but can also help reduce inflammation, further aiding in muscle and joint recovery.
Moreover, the buoyancy experienced while soaking in a hot spring reduces the effect of gravity on the body, allowing for greater movement and flexibility. This can be especially beneficial for those undergoing physical rehabilitation or those with mobility issues. Regular sessions in hot mineral water might not only provide immediate pain relief but also improve range of motion and flexibility over time.
7. Reduce Arthritis Symptoms
One 2012 study showed that the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea may provide improvements in arthritic conditions. The warmth of the water helps to increase blood flow to arthritic joints, which can reduce inflammation and ease pain. Additionally, the buoyancy experienced while soaking in hot springs takes the pressure off the joints, offering a gentle means of improving joint mobility and flexibility. Many hot springs contain minerals like sulfur, which is believed to have therapeutic properties, including the reduction of joint inflammation and improvement in joint health. Regular visits to hot springs can be a beneficial part of managing arthritis symptoms, offering a soothing, natural way to support joint health and mobility.
8. Decrease Blood Pressure
A 2012 study in Japan demonstrated that hot springs reduced blood pressure in patients with chronic heart failure. The warmth of the water encourages relaxation and dilation of blood vessels, which can lower resistance to blood flow and consequently reduce blood pressure. This process of vasodilation is beneficial for those with high blood pressure, as it aids in easing the strain on the heart and arteries.
However, individuals with significant heart conditions or severe hypertension need to consult with a healthcare provider before using hot springs as a therapeutic measure. The tranquil setting of hot springs also contributes to stress reduction, which is another factor that can positively impact blood pressure levels. Engaging in regular, moderate hot spring therapy can be a complementary approach to managing blood pressure, alongside a healthy lifestyle and prescribed medical treatments.
Moreover, the serene environment and natural beauty surrounding many hot springs offer a mental reprieve that can lead to decreased levels of stress and anxiety, both known contributors to high blood pressure. The psychological benefits of being in nature, combined with the physical relaxation induced by hot spring waters, create a powerful duo for combating stress and promoting heart health. This mental relaxation can further enhance the therapeutic effects on blood pressure, providing a holistic approach to cardiovascular wellness.
It's essential, however, for individuals to monitor their body's response to hot spring therapy, especially those with cardiovascular issues. The practice should be part of a broader, doctor-approved health regimen that considers all aspects of an individual's health condition. By thoughtfully integrating hot spring visits with conventional medical advice, individuals can potentially harness the natural benefits of these thermal waters to support heart health, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.
Hot Spring Safety
*It is important to check with your doctor or medical professional before bathing in a hot spring to ensure that the practice is safe for you. Additionally, longer exposure in hot springs can lead to the loss of a lot of water through sweat (and it’s hard to realize when you’re in the water). Therefore to avoid dehydration make sure to drink a lot of water when you hit you enjoy your next soaking session.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal medical physician. All readers and viewers of this content and information are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Finding Hot Springs nor the publisher of this content takes any responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content and information, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians or qualified health professionals before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
