FEATURE – As hot tub and swimming pool experts, we are often asked about the benefits of owning a spa. They beneficial for everyone (except those who are restricted from using them due to medical issues) and are much easier to care for than most people think. The mental, physical, and emotional benefits far outweigh the minimal amount of time and resources required to maintain them.
Hydrotherapy is an age-old form of healing and stress relief based on three simple principles: Heat, buoyancy and water movement, or hydro-massage. Heat dilates the blood vessels, increasing blood flow to sore or damaged tissue. Buoyancy reduces body weight by 90 percent, which relieves pressure on joints and muscles, and massage relaxes muscles and relieves pressure on nerves. Nerves carry what is felt by the skin deeper into the body, stimulating the immune system, influencing the production of stress hormones, improving circulation and digestion, encouraging the flow of blood and lessening the body’s sensitivity to pain.
Hydrotherapy boasts many benefits, including:
- Relieving stress and stress-related conditions
- Reducing the pain of sports injuries, overexertion and arthritis
- Overcoming sleep disorders
- Increasing circulation
- Flushing toxins
- Carrying blood to internal organs
To elaborate, hydrotherapy reduces the pain and inflammation of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions; increases the elimination of waste, thus assisting in detoxification; loosens tense and tight muscles which encourages relaxation; increases metabolism and digestion rates; hydrates the cells which improves skin and muscle tone; boosts the immune system and improves the function of internal organs by stimulating their blood supply.
The use of warm water therapy is touted by the Arthritis Foundation through their aquatic exercise program; studies of individuals who have attended these classes report that they have “less pain, improved joint function, increased muscle strength and a better perceived quality of life and well-being.” Hydrotherapy also aids in the injury rehabilitation process, as being immersed in warm or hot water raises the body temperature, increasing blood flow around the circulatory system and helps alleviate pain. The improved circulation will, in turn, help heal injured tissues and rehabilitate damaged muscles or joints.
Soaking in a hot tub or spa with the specific goal of reducing stress is a growing trend as our lives become increasingly chaotic. There is stress at every turn from our work, families and society in general. The link between stress and illness is alarming, and anyone concerned with their health should take notice.
Using the spa just before bedtime raises your body temperature, and it is the cooling down of your core temperature that induces sleep. Unlike the use of medications and prescription sleep aids, the circulation and warmth of a hot tub encourages the body to unwind and relax on its own, leading to more restful sleep. Being relaxed improves your chances of falling and staying asleep.
As we begin a new year, we carry over the negative effects of the end-of-the-year madness — stress, poor food choices, disrupted sleep patterns and so on. For those of us who have experienced the calming effect of a hot tub, we have learned firsthand just how to soak our worries, aches and pains away.
Consider making hydrotherapy part of your routine. It will improve your overall quality of life, just as it does for millions of people around the world every day.
Written by Jackie and Mark Denton for St. George Health and Wellness magazine and St. George News.
Jackie and Mark Denton are local business owners with 50 years of combined experience in the hot tub and swimming pool industry. Their mission is to help health-conscious individuals and families feel, sleep and look better. Health, wellness and customer service are their top priorities.
St. George Health and Wellness
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
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