As a race, humans have been experimenting with and enjoying the benefits of hydrotherapy for centuries. The ancient Egyptians and Romans had an early type of hot bath where they would use oils and other topical ointments to bathe. Natural hot springs served as some of the first Jacuzzi’s for other ancient civilizations like China and Japan.
In the Venn diagram that could be Spas, Hot Tubs, and Saunas, there are multiple points of overlap-from style and function, to challenges and benefits. But that central point, those benefits, that’s the sweet spot.
While it does not prove beneficial for everyone everywhere, many people experience reduced stress, increased relaxation, and overall better quality of life through regular and controlled hot tub use.
One of the largest markets for hot water therapy is the world of sports medicine. Athletes who have performed hard are encouraged to treat their muscles to some much-needed TLC. From soothing muscle tightness, combatting tension from overuse, and increasing blood-flow, controlled exposure to hot water therapy (combined with underwater jets) provides multiple benefits, many of which have yet to be fully explored.
Water-jet use is an ideal way to relieve pain and tension. Again, a hot tub’s warm temperature soothes the inflammation of arthritic joints, and the water’s buoyancy helps bear the bathers weight and release strain on joints and ligaments. The jet can be adjusted for angle and strength to either target specific aches or an overall experience which can improve your blood flow and overall cardiac system function.
Now whether the inherent stress relief that many hot tub users experience is directly related to the water’s effect on them, or is simply a byproduct of muscle relaxation, pain relief, improved blood flow, and the rest, it’s hard to say. But reduced stress is among the highest catalysts for prospective hot tub owners. Many report lower blood pressure and better sleep, and an overall better outlook on life. It sounds subjective, but also promising!
Hot tub use is cautioned for individuals who have pre-existing heart conditions, low blood pressure, epilepsy, or are pregnant. And as with anything, hot tub use is best in moderation. If you keep the temperature above 100 degrees, fifteen minutes is plenty of time. If you want to soak a little longer, lower the water temperature to allow for that. Stay hydrated, as the elevated temperature can dehydrate you, and cause your blood pressure to go too low. Avoid alcohol while hot tubbing, as the elevated temperature will cause alcohol to hit your bloodstream faster. Impaired judgment and water do not mix. And just because you’re warm now, doesn’t mean you will be when you come out—bundle up!
Our ancestors were on to something when they first started warming stones in the fire and placing them in their bathwater. As my granddaddy used to say, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” The concept of hot tubs and hydrotherapy doesn’t need to be fixed, but the market is always working to bring people the best products and the most benefits to improve their quality of life.
