Here are some other potential benefits of hot potting.
1. May Provide Potential Pain Relief
“The heat of the water helps relax the muscles and can have pain-relieving effects,” says Ingerick. “Essentially, this therapy can act as a whole-body immersion heat pack.”
Research suggests that people who have arthritis and other pain conditions found that soaking offered some pain relief. One study examined the effects of balneology on nearly 1,300 people with joint or muscle pain, including from rheumatoid arthritis. Around 83 percent said that bathing in a hot spring provided relief from their symptoms by the end of the bath.
However, understanding the role of hot springs within the overall conventional medical management of disease and adjusting expectations as necessary is vital. In another study, many participants with musculoskeletal conditions hoped that soaking would provide a permanent cure, but this was not the case. Others also noted that this was something they had to do regularly since pain-relieving effects were only temporary.
Indeed, this may become part of a treatment plan. “One thing I do want to caution is that I don’t want it to sound like if you have arthritis, you can soak in hot springs and be fine. Though it is effective [as a complementary therapy for some people], part of the efficacy is the proper application of prescription medication and physician monitoring,” says Dr. Coplin.
2. May Relieve Certain Skin Conditions
Minerals such as sulfur and magnesium have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and these and other minerals may be useful in treating some skin conditions, says Ingerick.
A review concluded that soaking in warm, mineral-rich water may benefit those with psoriasis or eczema most, with some health perks for skin itchiness and scaling. This is largely due to the water’s effects against inflammation and support of the immune system, as well as the effects of heat stimulation.
3. May Help You Relax
Relaxation is one well-known potential benefit of hot potting. “The simple experience of soaking in a warm bath for relaxation can have profound effects by turning off our fight-or-flight stress response, allowing our bodies time to heal,” says Ingerick.
She adds that relaxation is a nice antidote to fatigue and can help improve resilience in the face of stress. The setting, like a natural spring or a spa, may also play a role in promoting relaxation.
4. May Support Weight Loss
Research suggests that the heat from a soak may increase your metabolic rate (this is, in part, the speed at which your body burns calories), lower markers of inflammation, and help regulate your stress response, says Coplin.
A review of the benefits of a different type of passive heat exposure, Finnish sauna, found that heat may increase your calorie burn at rest and help you control blood sugar. Regular heat exposure may offer weight-loss benefits as part of an overall lifestyle approach. The review also notes that hot baths increase levels of the hunger hormone leptin, which may help you feel full and snack less.
The authors found that combining hot water immersion with a healthy diet and regular exercise is more effective for weight management and metabolic health than only soaking in hot water. Federal guidelines note that exercise, such as walking, can be safe for almost everyone, and the benefits generally outweigh the risks.
Coplin agrees that a hot springs soak can’t do it all. “While hot springs soaking can be a nice component of a comprehensive weight loss program, it is unrealistic to think you will soak and come out 20 pounds lighter. This is something you would do regularly in addition to a mindfulness-based diet and exercise program,” Coplin says, and in conjunction with your primary healthcare provider under your doctor’s guidance.
5. May Provide Cardiovascular Benefits
One of the most notable things that affects your body is the heat of the water, which may improve circulation of blood and lymphatic system fluid, which helps clear waste out of the body, says Coplin.
A study also found that combining hot water immersion with mild exercise lowered blood pressure and improved signs of blood vessel health and healthy blood flow more than exercise alone. However, combined exercise and hot water immersion didn’t affect cardiovascular fitness, blood sugar levels, blood fats, or inflammatory markers in the study.
If you are looking to use hot potting as a complementary therapy for any health condition, know that hot soaking is not a substitute for routine conventional care. Be sure to discuss your treatment goals and plan with your healthcare provider, and how a hot soak may fit within them.
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