Soaking in a hot or warm bath seems like a luxury after a long day. Hot baths have many health benefits apart from just relaxing us. Something as simple a hot bath can be good for your heart, blood pressure, skin health and many other things. Surprised? Take a look at what taking hot baths can really do for your health.
Improves blood circulation
Immersing your body till your neck in a hot water bath is considered to be a good exercise for the blood vessels, as there is pressure created by water on your body, thereby increasing your heart’s capacity. That is, when you’re in water, your heart works stronger and faster. Few dips every week is sufficient for heart health.
Induces weight loss
According to a study, diabetics who soak in hot water regularly reduced blood glucose and sugar levels. If you soak for 20-30 minutes, for 6 days every week, you can lose up to 2 kilos every month.
Helps to fall asleep
A warm water bath increases body temperature while relaxing your muscles. This is both mentally and physically soothing, and helps you fall asleep. You can add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender, rosehip, sandalwood or patchouli, which offers a variety of health benefits. For instance, lavender oil drops (after mixing with emulsifier) to heal any skin fissures and reduce anxiety. This can really enhance the effectiveness of your hot bath.
Relieves pain
Minor sports injuries, joint pain, muscle pain is relieved by a hot bath. In an emergency hot water can be very effective to reduce pain, especially if you don’t want to use pain killers.
Reduces anxiety
Did you know that physical stress can lead to anxiety? Relaxing in your hot bath reduces physical stress and you instantly feel better and rejuvenated. This reduces your anxiety levels and you’re able to cope with stress more effectively.
Clears skin
A hot water bath opens up skin pores, drawing out toxins and dirt from your skin. A weekly hot bath followed by a quick exfoliation can deeply cleanse your skin of all impurities, imparting it a healthy glow.
Helps to fight the flu
The steam arising from the hot water can hydrate and loosed thick mucus in the throat and alleviate flu symptoms. A 10 -15 minute hot bath can help you fight the flu.
Reduces headaches
Most headaches are due to narrowing blood vessels. Hot water has a positive effect on blood vessels alleviating the pressure, and thus reducing or curing your headache. Your hot tub can be your home mini spa. A warm bath in which you soak for a maximum of 15 minutes is extremely soothing and an effective cure for headaches and other body pain.
Who should NOT take a hot bath: Pregnant women and those with a heart condition should not soak in hot water. Because this increases the heart beat, it can create unwanted complications for such people.
After a soak in the hot tub, be sure to drink some water, as you may be dehydrated after the bath. Hot baths are, thus, an easy way to maintain good health and it may help you lose some weight too. But don’t overdo it as 15-20 minutes is the recommended time for a hot bath.
