Hot tub will heal you
Sponsored Content - Jan 21, 2019 - Think Local

Photo: Contributed

Know how you’ve been thinking about getting that hot tub?

Well, stop thinking about it and go get one, because hot tubs are not only fun and a great place to gather with friends and family, but they are also good for your health.

In fact, there are many reasons why hot tubs are good for your health. The technical term for it is hydrotherapy, which is why you should run—not walk—to Valley Pool and Spa to find the hot tub that is right for you.

1. Lower blood pressure
You know those warning signs that say people with heart disease and hypertension should check with their doctor before entering a hot tub? Well, that is not supported by any research. In fact, studies have shown that soaking in a hot tub drops your blood pressure.

2. Improved circulation
Hot tubs help with this because hot water causes your temperature to rise, which dilates the blood vessels. That improved circulation speeds healing, eases tension on the heart and breathes life into tired muscles.

3. Improved sleep habits
Everyone knows the dangers of not enough sleep. Your body temperature drops slightly at night, which can keep some people awake longer. So soaking in hot water for a half hour and raising your body temperature will help your body relax and make it easier for you to fall asleep.

4. Stress relief
Dr. Bruce Becker says that immersing your body in the water at 102 F or more helps your autonomic nervous system fall into balance quickly. And this is what helps your body adjust to various situations and remain calm.

5. Mental clarity
That’s right, folks. Being in a hot tub makes you smarter. That’s because the improved circulation results in increased blood flow to the brain, which improves cognitive functions.

6. Headaches
Hydrotherapy induces sleep and relaxes your muscles, so it will alleviate a lot of the tension that could be causing the headache. For even faster relief, try putting a cold towel on the back of your neck while soaking in your hot tub.

7. Arthritis
Soaking in hot water loosens up the joints by reducing the force of gravity that’s compressing the joint, and it supports your limbs, reduces inflammation and increases circulation, according to Westbank’s Dr. Richard Blakemore.

8. Fibromyalgia
It increases the blood flow to stiff joints and tight muscles, loosening the tension that causes pain. It also reduces a lot of the inflammation that is causing pressure on your muscles and joints.

9. Joint pain
Joint pain is most commonly caused by arthritis, but not always. Warm water therapy can work wonders by easing inflammation, cushioning your limbs with water support and increasing circulation.

10. Back pain
According to Spine Health, soaking in a hot tub has a way of stopping the pain messages your body is sending to your brain and stimulating your circulation to speed up healing. It also relaxes your muscles and eases the tension that can cause that tight, achy feeling.

11. Muscle pain
Your back muscles aren’t the only ones that can get tight and cause pain. Leg cramps and body aches can sneak up on you for all kinds of reasons. And the increased circulation a hot tub causes will help with all of it.

12. PMS cramps
“Heat brings blood flow to your pelvic area, and that helps relax the muscles causing cramps in the first place,” New York OB-GYN Alyssa Dweck says. Not only that, but raising your body temperature and causing yourself to sweat can cause your body to release feel-good endorphins that are better than any pain medication.

13. Skin health
Hot water and steam has long been a treatment for skin because it opens up the pores and allows you to wash away any impurities that may be lurking there. Not to mention the fact that perspiration also helps with detoxing. It also increases your circulation, which is excellent for elasticity.

14. Hair growth
Increased blood flow will help it reach the hair follicles and rejuvenate them, although you should make sure to condition your hair after chlorine contact.

15. Weight loss
Believe it or not, sitting in a hot tub actually burns calories. A person weighing 150 pounds would burn almost 70 calories in an hour.

16. Decreased diabetic symptoms
Some studies show that soaking in a hot tub can help lower blood sugar levels, decreasing diabetic symptoms. It’s unclear exactly why this works, but improving sleep, losing weight and reducing stress can have positive effects on blood sugar levels as well.

17. Healing from injuries
Professional athletes go from the cold tub to the hot tub to recover from physical wear and tear, because it speeds up the blood flow to the rest of the body. If you have the resources to do this and the physician approval, then, by all means, give it a shot.

18. Improved kidney function
Studies done by Dr. Becker suggest that kidney function can be improved in warm water immersion therapy. It’s possible that edemas can be reduced and renal function improved.

19. Respiratory system benefits
The compression on the chest along with the flow of the blood supply to the lungs seems to have a positive effect on breathing and lung functions.

20. Better bone health
Blood flow is absolutely vital to bone health and repair, and regular hot tub usage can help with that.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Okanagan Edge.


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