Since time immemorial, people have enjoyed soaking in natural hot springs. Usually, hot springs contain minerals and salts like silica that smooth and soften dry skin. They also contain sulfur that relieves psoriasis and eczema.
But a soak in the mineral waters of these picturesque spots is more than just a relaxing vacation activity. It has been proven that they have healing benefits, too.
Relaxation
The mineral-rich waters of hot springs resort and spa can boost blood circulation, ease pain, and soothe achy joints. They also contain bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, and sulfate, which heal skin and relax muscles.
Buoyant, warm, and mineral-rich, the water at a natural hot spring helps relieve arthritic pain in joints and muscles and provides healing properties when applied to a painful area as a massage. The minerals can also help improve circulation, reduce stress, and provide a natural facelift.
The subjective items of life satisfaction correlate with the frequency, duration, and period of hot spa bathing behavior (Supplementary Material). Hot springs have been used as balneotherapy for centuries. Soaking in these therapeutic waters can have a lasting impact on mental health. This is especially true if you soak in hot springs close to home.
Detoxification
For centuries, Native Americans and early European explorers relied on natural mineral springs to soothe the body. Today, soaking in these steamy and sulfur-smelling pools is a famous spa wellness trend that may help you detoxify.
The hot water temperature increases circulation, sending more oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to your organs, including your liver, kidneys, and bowels. Soaking in these mineral-rich waters also helps improve skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dry scalp.
Just remove all jewelry before entering a hot springs pool because the hydrogen sulfide that gives some natural hot springs their rotten egg smell can blacken silver jewelry. And, for the best results, eat well while you soak and engage in wellness activities to reap the therapeutic benefits fully.
Pain Relief
Anyone with achy joints or muscles can attest to their relief after a soak in natural hot springs. A 2014 study found that soaking in thermal baths can block pain receptors, helping ease muscle and joint soreness.
Buoyant, warm, mineral-rich waters also promote circulation, bringing nutrients to swollen areas and flushing out toxins that accumulate throughout the day. The soothing properties of sulfur, iron, and calcium are credited with reducing skin irritations and conditions like eczema.
A soak in hot springs can help decrease stress levels by lowering salivary cortisol and chromogranin levels, essential for maintaining mental health. Regular soaks may also help increase immune system function, according to a 2021 report in Spa Executive magazine. This ancient practice, balneotherapy, is still used to treat medical conditions today.
Skin Care
A soak in natural hot springs is a steamy, sulfur-smelling tradition that spans Western civilization. It is believed that these healing waters contain minerals, which have a variety of health benefits.
In addition to detoxification, soaking in mineral springs water can help treat persistent skin problems such as eczema and dry, flaky skin. The minerals in the water, mainly silica, can soften rough or dry areas of the body and soothe irritated skin.
Regular soaking in hot springs can also aid musculoskeletal issues such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. The gradual increase in water temperature eases pain and tension without causing additional stress to the muscles or joints. Soaking in these waters can also relieve nasal congestion. The sulfur content in the water is thought to clear mucus and ward off sinus infections.
Weight Loss
Soaking in a hot spring is an excellent therapy for those with back pain, arthritis, and menstrual pains. This is because the heat and buoyancy of the water can help reduce the pressure put on the body by these problems.
In addition, the sulfur in some natural hot springs has been known to improve skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis, relieve arthritic pain, boost circulation, and ease symptoms of menopause. Iron-rich hot springs can also aid in reducing fatigue and anemia.
While more research is needed, some studies have shown that soaking hot water may also increase metabolism and aid weight loss. So, while you should rely on something other than hot springs for this, it is worth adding them to your regular wellness routine.
