They Serve as Pain Therapy
In the same way a heating pad can provide relief, the warmth from hot springs can help ease pain.
"Heat overall decreases your perception of pain when in moderation by blocking the pain receptors," explains Posina. "A study in Rheumatology International suggested that hot springs may help with pain relief, especially [in cases of] diffuse body pain or fibromyalgia. Another study showed that it helped patients with inflammatory arthritis."
Nicole adds that in Europe medicinal bathing is considered a form of health care to the end that it's actually covered by some health insurance plans. Courses on the subject are even offered at medical institutions.
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They May Help With Circulation
"It is known that hot springs usually have certain minerals, as mentioned above, and that some of them are believed to increase blood circulation," says Posina.
Nicole adds that "most hot springs contain calcium and sodium bicarbonate which are absorbed through your skin. This helps to oxygenate the blood leading to better circulation."
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Hot Springs vs. Hot Tubs
A nice dip in a steaming hot tub is an excellent way to spend your time. And while the goal here isn't to pit one against the other, it must be said that natural hot springs add another dimension in terms of our physical health.
"The water found in natural hot springs has a high variety of minerals that aren't found in hot tubs, saunas or pools," says Nicole. (Plus, pools and hot tubs are usually drying due to high chlorine content.) "These minerals are great for a variety of health and skin issues, are extremely relaxing and are usually accompanied by breathtaking views which you [can't always] get from inside of a sauna or hot tub."
So the only question left to answer is when will be your next hot spring adventure?
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