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- Soaking in the warm and mineral-rich waters found in hot springs (or hot pools) has been proven to deliver a number of health benefits: improving general health and happiness, enhancing cardiovascular health, and soothing skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne.
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Should you soak in natural hot springs?
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How to take care of a hot spring?
Sep 30, 2023 · One of the primary concerns when soaking in natural hot springs is the risk of bacterial infections. Hot springs, with their warm water and natural mineral content, can provide a perfect breeding ground for certain types of bacteria.
Yes, soaking in hot springs can offer various health benefits, including pain relief, improved skin health, stress reduction, and enhanced circulation. So, let’s soak up the knowledge and explore how these geothermal wonders can do wonders for your well-being.
- Are hot springs safe?
- Are there any benefits to hot potting?
- What’s not proven about hot potting
- Health risks and side effects of hot potting
- How to hot pot safely
- Takeaway
“Hot potting” is the practice of soaking in natural hot springs.
Hot springs, also known as thermal springs, form when water seeps deep into the Earth and circulates back up. The deeper the rocks, the hotter the temperature. In volcanic areas, water may gain heat from contact with hot magma.
All around the world, hot springs are popular tourist destinations, with many a spa sprouting up nearby. One big draw, of course, is their awe-inspiring natural beauty. Another is to soak in the soothing, mineral-rich waters.
People have been soaking in warm or hot springs for thousands of years. The practice is known for promoting relaxation and general wellness, along with a few other health claims.
Hot potters have a passion for traveling from hot spring to hot spring, alone or in groups. But hot potting is a dangerous practice. It has caused serious injury and death.
Keep reading to learn more about hot potting, whether it’s safe, and what you need to know before you take the plunge.
There’s quite a bit of research into the health effects of water therapy. When we talk about hot springs, things get complicated. Temperatures vary from one warm or hot spring to another and hot springs contain a variety of minerals in differing amounts.
While some studies can point to positive effects of bathing in hot springs, there are no guidelines on how long or how often you’d have to bathe to see them. Here are some of the potential benefits of hot potting:
Hot springs hold no magical powers. There is no proof that hot potting can:
•detoxify the body
•prevent any particular disease or health condition
•cure health issues
Extreme temperature
The temperature of a hot spring may not be obvious when you first see it, and you could easily end up blistering your skin in seconds. Hot springs can cause significant burns, or kill instantly. Some hot springs are hot enough to boil and shoot water like a geyser.
High acidity
Some hot springs are highly acidic, which can severely burn your eyes or skin.
Harmful microorganisms
Natural springs contain many different microorganisms that can lead to waterborne diseases like infection, skin rash, and gastrointestinal illness.
Some areas prohibit entering hot springs — and for good reason. So, first and foremost, heed these warnings. Don’t ignore safety barriers, and make sure you use the utmost caution when walking near hot springs.
Advance planning will help you identify warm or hot springs that are safe to use. In the United States, you can check estimated water temperatures through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Here are a few other tips to keep in mind:
•don’t hot pot alone
•don’t submerge your head
•avoid swallowing the water
Hot potting is the practice of soaking in thermal springs, something people have been doing for thousands of years. Some do it for the sheer appreciation of nature. Others do it for a sense of improved health and well-being.
There’s a lot of research regarding the health benefits of hot water immersion. But since there’s great variation in water temperature, acidity, and mineral content in thermal springs around the world, definitive studies are lacking.
A spring that reaches a temperature 122°F (50°C) is a hot spring, and should be approached with great caution. These springs can far exceed the boiling point of water. They can also be highly acidic. Hot springs have been known to cause severe burns and death.
When visiting hot springs, be sure to stick to approved springs and follow posted safety measures.
- Ann Pietrangelo
Apr 7, 2022 · A trip to the hot springs is often a full- or multi-day endeavor, so temper your soaking with small breaks, nearby hikes or even a roll in the snow or plunge in the cold pool to help cool down. With any hot spring session, make sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
- The Magic of Natural Hot Springs. Hot springs have long been regarded as sources of healing and relaxation. These natural wonders can be found all around the world, with their unique mineral content and therapeutic properties.
- Enhancing Circulation and More. One of the most significant health benefits of soaking in a hot spring is the potential improvement in blood circulation.
- Pain Relief and Stress Reduction. Hot springs have the potential to offer natural pain relief, making them a popular choice for those dealing with conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Skin Conditions and Healing Powers. If you’re dealing with skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, hot springs may provide much-needed relief. The mineral-rich waters in hot springs contain various minerals and elements known for their healing properties.
Oct 26, 2023 · Practical Tips to Stay Safe While Enjoying a Soak in a Hot Spring. Pre-soak Precautions and Checks; Dos and Don’ts When Inside the Hot Spring; Post-soak Actions and Checks; Myths vs. Facts: Clearing Common Misunderstandings about Hot Springs. Myth 1: Higher the Temperature, Better the Heat Therapy; Myth 2: Sulfur in Hot Springs is Harmful
Jul 23, 2024 · When you soak in a hot spring, your body's temperature rises, and the subsequent cooling process once you leave the water mimics the natural drop in body temperature that occurs before sleep, signaling to your body that it's time to rest.
