HYDROTHERAPY – THE BENEFITS OF SOAKING TUBS
Work is busy, schedules are full, stress levels continue to rise. While we all know showers are faster and more hygienic, very few of us take the time for a good long soak in a tub. But perhaps we should. The numerous benefits of soaking in a tub make make everything just a little better, easier, and relaxing.
Water has an amazing affect on the body. It is very good for our skin and muscles. Heat has a tendency to quiet and sooth the body, while cold will stimulate and invigorate. The calming effect of soaking can relax and work to reduce the effects of stress on the body. If you have a hectic and stressful lifestyle, soaking may be the perfect solution to a better life.
A recent study at the Mayo Clinic found that soaking in a hot bath gives many of the health benefits of exercise with less strain on the heart! Soaking in a hot bath increases the heart rate while it lowers blood pressure rather than raising it as does other forms of exercise. Immersion in hot water first speeds up the heart to send blood to the surface and disperse extra body heat into the air. But after a few minutes, the warm blood causes the blood vessels to dilate, which lessens resistance to blood flow and lowers the blood pressure.