…become immersed
Balneotherapy – Hot and cold water baths for the treatment of illnesses goes back to the dawn of civilisation. Hot springs and bathing in water has been equated to healing by purifying our skin, protecting us from infections and illnesses, and rejuvenation of our physical wellbeing, easing emotional stress. In the past a formal system of medicine known as hydropathy, and later naturopathy, was developed. Today, mud packs, saunas, and steam baths are often included along with water baths under the general name of balneotherapy:
- Improves circulation and heart health: Taking a hot bath will make your heart work faster and become stronger, giving it a healthy workout and improving circulation. This increases sweating so will help you eliminate more toxins, viruses and bacteria from the body.
- Relieves muscle aches and pains: Baths are a tonic for aching muscles. They raise the temperature of sore muscles and block pain receptors, producing relief from pain. Athletes, who have cold baths after exercise, lowers their levels of lactic acid in the bloodstream, so the muscles recover faster.
- Calms the nervous system: Bathing reduces stress and anxiety, and can boost your mood. A study at the University of Wolverhampton found that a daily bath, usually at the end of the day, improved significantly the mood and optimism of participants.
- Burns calories: Excess fat is associated with multiple health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and more. Experts at Loughborough University found that sitting for an hour in a hot bath lowered blood sugar levels more effectively than spending the same amount of time cycling, benefiting people with type 2 diabetes.
- Lowers blood pressure: Studies have proven that bathing can significantly lower blood pressure. For those with high blood pressure, this can be particularly important as it lowers the risks of having a stroke, improves vision and kidney health.
- Helps with coughs and colds: Reduces inflammation and dries out the nasal passages and throat which helps clear them with steam. A 2011 study also found that elevated body temperature can help certain elements of the immune system to function more efficiently, warding off infections and viruses.
- Aids Sleep: A good night’s sleep is associated with everything from weight control to better immunity and pain recovery. Baths are long proven to help the body drift off in a deeply satisfying sleep and the period immediately after a bath promotes calming relaxation.
- Benefits muscles, joints and bones: Moving in water has shown to lessen the impact on joints, muscles and bones, and improves postural stability. Known to have excellent heath benefits, a swim in the sea or aqua aerobics are great ways to enjoy being in water.
- Bathing safely: Excessive immersion in hot baths can be dangerous for pregnant women, young children, those with heart conditions or other serious medical illness, and people under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, so take good care.
‘Water quiets all the noise, the distractions, and connects you to your thoughts.’
-Wallace J Nichols-
A hot bath is a deeply sensory experience and adding Essential oils, Dead Sea Salts and Epsom Salts (see the self-care tool box for suggestions) can aid relaxation. Run the bath on a hotter setting creating steam in the room infused with your favourite essential oils to really enjoy the moment. By the time you dip your toe in the water it should have cooled sufficiently for you to stay immersed for 20mins to 40mins to get it’s full benefits.
…relaxation after bathing
Time spent after a warm bath needs to be given the same level of attention and care. In Japan, this moment is known as ‘Yuagari’, which translates as the moment after the bath. A moment of luxuriant tranquillity during which the body cools down. Perhaps sip tea, let your body relax and allow yourself to be idle before finally getting off to sleep.
Please leave a comment, like or share this post with your friends would also be greatly appreciated! Thank you for reading…
SOPHRO BALANCE for Wellbeing 
Leave a comment