How to Improve Health With Hot Springs
Hot springs therapy became a popular alternative form of healing in the US in the 19th century. While still available, the FDA forbids anyone to tout it as having medicinal value. But balneologists, scientists who study naturally occurring mineral waters, note there are legitimate reasons people still believe they can improve their health with hot springs.
1
Understand that a hot springs facility can promote only the relaxation and rejuvenation factors. By law, they can't make any specific health claims.
2
Learn about the minerals found in hot springs, including sodium, which possibly stimulates the lymphatic system, and magnesium and bicarbonates, which can help the body eliminate toxins. Other minerals found in naturally occurring hot springs can include sulfur and arsenic.
3
Review scientific studies that show the importance of the hot water in any claims of physical improvements from hot-springs therapy. Damp heat is a popular method of relieving back, neck and knee pain. Research has shown symptoms of other conditions, such as fibromyalgia, improve when patients receive sulfur baths.
4
Ask your doctor's opinion of how a visit to hot springs could affect your health. The heat could help stimulate your elimination system or jump-start your metabolism, but only if your physician thinks it would be worth the time and money spent. If you do get medical permission, you'll want to spend at least a week at a hot springs to receive the maximum benefits.
Tips & Warnings
The waters at a hot spring can reach temperatures of over 108 degrees F. and most doctors recommend soaking no longer than 20 minutes at a time.
Pregnant women and people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis should check with a physician before soaking in a hot spring.
While most people report some relief of pain after soaking in hot mineral springs, the benefits are usually temporary.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2190864_improve-health-hot-springs.html
Hot springs therapy became a popular alternative form of healing in the US in the 19th century. While still available, the FDA forbids anyone to tout it as having medicinal value. But balneologists, scientists who study naturally occurring mineral waters, note there are legitimate reasons people still believe they can improve their health with hot springs.
1
Understand that a hot springs facility can promote only the relaxation and rejuvenation factors. By law, they can't make any specific health claims.
2
Learn about the minerals found in hot springs, including sodium, which possibly stimulates the lymphatic system, and magnesium and bicarbonates, which can help the body eliminate toxins. Other minerals found in naturally occurring hot springs can include sulfur and arsenic.
3
Review scientific studies that show the importance of the hot water in any claims of physical improvements from hot-springs therapy. Damp heat is a popular method of relieving back, neck and knee pain. Research has shown symptoms of other conditions, such as fibromyalgia, improve when patients receive sulfur baths.
4
Ask your doctor's opinion of how a visit to hot springs could affect your health. The heat could help stimulate your elimination system or jump-start your metabolism, but only if your physician thinks it would be worth the time and money spent. If you do get medical permission, you'll want to spend at least a week at a hot springs to receive the maximum benefits.
Tips & Warnings
The waters at a hot spring can reach temperatures of over 108 degrees F. and most doctors recommend soaking no longer than 20 minutes at a time.
Pregnant women and people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis should check with a physician before soaking in a hot spring.
While most people report some relief of pain after soaking in hot mineral springs, the benefits are usually temporary.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2190864_improve-health-hot-springs.html
