Hot Tubs Offer Therapeutic Benefits

by Mary Butler

If you've ever taken a bath to relax after a hard day, you know how effective soaking in hot water can be for relieving stress. Hot water naturally causes blood vessels to dilate and flush waste from your body; it increases blood flow, oxygen consumption, and reduces inflammation. Sitting in a hot tub or bath feels good--and it's very therapeutic. For these reasons, physical therapists and athletic trainers sometimes use hot tubs and other water therapies to help their patients recover from injuries.

Home Spas Go Beyond Luxury
While you may think of a hot tub or home spa as a luxury item, they are as practical as workout equipment. When you use them, your body thanks you.

Water has its own healing abilities. When combined with the jets and massage chairs found in today's home spas, soaking in a hot tub can be the perfect antidote to arthritis pain, muscle soreness, or other body aches. Hot water promotes increased blood flow, which facilitates faster healing in muscles. You can also use a hot tub in combination with cold or ice water to reduce swelling and treat minor injuries.

Spas: an Ancient Tradition
Since ancient times, people have soaked in thermal baths to improve their health, as well as to unwind and socialize. You've probably heard of Turkish and Roman baths. But such traditions continue to thrive elsewhere. In Japan, there's onsen, and Ayurvedic warm water bathing is practiced by many Hindus--as well as Ayurvedic enthusiasts--in India and beyond. Around the world, people travel to enjoy natural hot springs, whether in the Rocky Mountains or in Iceland.

It's hard to argue with history. What's wonderful in today's world is you don't have to travel anywhere to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of thermal springs. A home spa or backyard hot tub brings that healing experience right into your home.

Source:
Forbes.com
The Daily Collegian