Good things happen when you slip into hot water & you instantly lose 90% of your body weight. Buoyed up, warmed up and reminded to let go of whatever it was that was bothering you! But what separates soaking in a warm hot tub from treading water in a pool, or even soaking in a hot bath, is the fact that the warm temperature is sustained - at around 40°C. Medical experts say that, over time, this brings changes in your circulatory system that affects other aspects of your body's operations.
Your body's first reaction to being immersed in hot water is to try to get back to its normal temperature by pumping the heart faster, so as to bring blood to the body's surface and normally disperse extra body heat into the air. This causes a temporary increase in blood pressure.
But because hot tub water is maintained at a high temperature - and because water is one of the most efficient conductors of heat - the blood being carried to the surface is warmed, rather than cooled. The longer the bather remains in the tub the more time the blood cycles through the body and the deeper into the body the temperature is carried. Studies have shown that immersion in a spa maintained at 104°F can raise the core body temperature to 102°F in less than 20 minutes.
After a few minutes, the warm blood causes the blood vessels to dilate, lessening the resistance to blood flow and dropping the blood pressure. As the body goes through this process, several benefits are enjoyed, most of which are enhanced further by the jet action:
Muscular relaxation ~ this occurs when the warm blood reaches deeper and deeper into the muscles, causing the vessels to expand. The muscle relaxation effects of hot water also help deaden muscle pain by easing any pinching of nerves or blood vessels and by helping the muscle rid itself of lactic acid and other metabolic wastes.
Temporary pain relief ~ as the body tries to register temperature change, the central nervous system becomes depressed, contributing to muscle relaxation and temporarily relieving or at least lessening pain. This can happen with any drastic change in temperature, hot or cold, but most people are more comfortable sitting in warm water than holding an ice pack. Although there are times this is more suitable.
Bodily cleansing ~ in trying to regain its normal temperature, the body will begin sweating so that moisture on the skin will evaporate and cool the body. This process also helps rid the body of toxins.
Priming of the muscles ~ by relaxing muscles, hot water helps increase their range of motion to allow for gentle exercise and stretching in the tub.
Promotion of healing ~ the jet action found in hottubs can promote healing by providing even more oxygen than is provided by warm water alone. The heat and pressure from the jets can also raise the level of antibodies and white blood cells delivered to the area, promoting the destruction of bad cells and stimulating the formation of new tissue.
Help for insomnia ~ it has been found that sleep deepens as the body temperature falls. As a result some medical experts recommend that anyone wanting to induce sleep - especially those being kept up by pain - soak in water approximately 103°F about two hours before bedtime.
If you've been putting off owning a hot tub, you're postponing one of life's great rewards - daily relaxation. A home spa is not a 'feel good' extravagance; it's a down-to-earth investment in renewed overall sense of well-being.
Hydrotherapy Ancient civilisations recognised the healing power of natural hot and cold springs. Back in the 4th century BC., the Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed bathing and drinking spring water for its therapeutic effects. The Romans built outstanding communal baths because they believed in the value of hot springs.
The benefits of water healing, or "hydrotherapy" have been recognised for thousands of years. In Europe, where hydrotherapy is especially popular, there are numerous health spas and health facilities for all types of water cures. Water healing is one of the oldest, cheapest and safest methods for treating many common ailments. We know from personal experience that water is not just for cleansing, but for making us feel better. When you plop into that tub of hot water, after a strenuous day, you know youll feel much better when youre done, for hot water relieves fatigue and prevents stiffness.
Water healing at home couldn't be simpler. Spas are good for whole body treatments and the water should come to shoulder level. A hot tub is soothing to the nerves and helpful for bladder and urinary problems, mild colds and low fevers. A hot tub dip should last at least 20 minutes. Remember that the application of heat is soothing, easing muscle tension and relieving pain. Heat also improves circulation by causing blood vessels to dilate.
Hot tubs work their magic by circulating warm water & air through a system of high pressure jet nozzles to provide therapeutic muscle stimulation and relax the user.
Clustered jets to massage specific groups of muscles simultaneously - such as the neck, shoulders, back or feet
Jets which direct their stream in a moving pattern to provide progressive relaxation of a muscle group
Air injection to add a tingling, bubbling, whole-body therapy
Specialised massage inserts to put just the right amount of pressure on specific areas just as a masseuse varies the manner in which muscles are manipulated.
Physical and psychological benefits are immediate, aches and pains disappear as the heat expands blood vessels to improve circulation, restore nutrients and cleanse muscles of carbon dioxide. Buoyancy lets the muscles and joints relax even more. Powerful, pulsating directional jets provide a soothing massage. Water healing is helpful in maintaining metabolic function, and in making us feel much better, and is easily accomplished right in our own homes.
| Reduces your stress levels | Relieves pain of arthritis |
| Eases joint pressure | Helps you sleep better |
| Increases blood flow | Softens your skin |
| Soothes your soul |
Enriches your life |
| Relaxes sore muscles | Unclogs nasal passages |
| Increases white blood cells | Stimulates antibodies |
| Increases endorphins | Helps respiration |
| Acts like a natural sedative | Renews your spirit |
By using your hot tub regularly, just 3 times a week, 20 minutes each time, you'll enjoy the hydrotherapeutic, stress reducing effects of relaxing in its soothing waters. Regular use of your spa gives you a happier, healthier outlook that will improve your life and the lives of those close to you.
Sauna Health BenefitsFirst and foremost, saunas and steambaths should be viewed as leisure products. They provide a relaxing and enjoyable environment to help you kick back and unwind. A place to find peace of mind, relaxation and contentment. In other words, a way to deal with daily stress with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Having said that, there are all kinds of established and professed health benefits from saunas and steambaths. We have reviewed the literature and listed some of most significant health advantages:
During a 10-20 minute sauna session, your heart rate increases by 50-75%. This provides the same metabolic result as physical exercise. The increased cardiac load is the equivalent to a brisk walk. There is a nominal effect on blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels in skin to expand to accommodate increased blood flow.
Blood vessels become more flexible and there is increased circulation to the extremities. During a sauna, blood flow to the skin increases to as high as 50-70% of cardiac output (compared to the standard 5-10%). This brings nutrients to subcutaneous and surface tissue resulting in glowing healthy skin.
Steambaths and saunas induce sweating to provide a comprehensive cleansing of the skin and sweat glands. Skin is the largest organ in the body. 30% of body wastes are passed through the skin. Profuse sweating enhances the detoxifying capacity of the skin by opening pores and flushing impurities from the body.
When taking a sauna, skin temperature rises to 40°C (104°F) and internal body temperature rises to about 38°C (100.4°F). Exposure to the high heat creates an artificial fever state. Fever is part of the bodys natural healing process. Fever stimulates the immune system resulting in increased production of disease fighting white blood cells, antibodies and interferon (an anti viral protein with cancer fighting capability).
Spas and other such therapeutic facilities utilize saunas and steambaths in conjunction with massage to loosen fatty tissue and assist in the battle against cellulite.
Many regular steam and sauna users claim that a good sweat at the onset helps relieve and ward off the most severe symptoms of cold or flu.
Some of the other benefits associated with saunas and steambaths include:
Relief from the pain and stiffness of arthritis.
Steam is an excellent treatment for respiratory problems, such as; chest congestion, bronchitis, laryngitis and sinusitis.
Revives tired and strained muscles after physical exertion.
The cleansing effect of profuse perspiration helps provide healthy skin and a clear complexion.
