Achieving balance through health and relaxation
We’ve already discussed how hot water heals and relaxes the body, now let’s discuss how to incorporate it into your life for greater health and wellness.
Let the endorphins flow - Numerous independent studies have proven that a warm water immersion and hydromassage stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel good" chemical, which naturally will enhance your sense of well being, and leave you feeling fresh.
HEALTH TIP -There is not a drug on the market that can rival the number of beneficial physiological effects of hot water hydrotherapy; a natural sedative that soothes and relaxes for a more restful sleep.
Set aside some “Me time”
Everyone should try to set aside some time for yourself every day to slow down, meditate or just sit quietly. Treating your body to warm water during this time will help you relax your mind, let you step back from the stresses of everyday life and find greater wellness in body, mind and spirit. Hippocrates, the 'father of medicine', is credited with saying “the way to health is to have an aromatic bath [and a scented massage] every day.”
Self-care
Take care of yourself and find a warm water sanctuary where you can breathe deep, relax and let your entire self enjoy the moment.
“I attribute much of my composure during a stressful day at school as a class teacher to a morning soak in my hot tub. Breathing the steam and just soaking in the warm water wakes me and my mind up slowly so I can collect my thoughts, reflect on yesterday’s lessons, and design my lessons for the kids today.” –SS, Yarmouth
An article in National Geographic entitled, "Hot Tub Monkeys" Offer Eye on Nonhuman "Culture", discusses the adoption of ‘cultural activities’ by primates. “When Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) began receiving food handouts more than 50 years ago— freeing them from the daily grind of foraging for food—they invented "cultural activities" to fill their newly acquired leisure time, researchers say. “Hot-tubbing in volcanic springs [has] become mainstay behavior within various troops of macaques around Japan that are still given daily food provisions at research stations. Half a century later many of these behaviors persist and are the subject of studies exploring nonhuman primate culture.” These monkeys are commonly found (and photographed) bathing in hot springs.
Aromatherapy
To further your hot water experience, add some essential oils to the water. Each aroma has a different holistic benefit for both mind and body. Chamomile, lavender, jasmine and rose are popular for use as sleep aids and stress relief aromatherapy treatments. Health food stores and hot tub dealers should carry a variety of essential oils for a wide range of different holistic treatments. There is still much to learn about aromatherapy. Feel free to leave your comments.