Balneology is the practice of treating and preventing disease through the use of natural mineral hot springs water. This practice has been used since the bronze age by many different civilizations including the Romans, Egyptians and Greeks.
Soaking in mineral waters have numerous benefits such as:
- Improve Circulation—They are thought to help with blood circulation, hypertension, nervous imbalances and atherosclerosis.
- Treat Skin Infections—Sulfur is a mineral present in every cell of your body and is used to make collagen, which keeps your skin smooth and healthy. Hot springs are a rich source of sulfur and its healing benefits include treating skin irritations and infections such as rashes and eczema. Sulfur-rich hot springs are also thought to help treat dry scalp, arthritic pain and internal problems such as menopausal symptoms and digestive disorders.
- Reduce Stress—Hot springs help your body relax, which benefits many aspects of your health, including sleeping patterns and nutrient assimilation. The relaxation promoted by the heat and buoyancy of hot springs also helps increase the range of motion of your muscles and joints, making the soaking beneficial for individuals recovering from trauma or suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
- Detoxify—Bathing repeatedly in hot springs can help tone your autonomic nervous system and normalize your endocrine system, as well as release toxins in your body through sweating.
- Boost Immune System—Some proponents believe that iron content in hot springs, along with other trace minerals, might help build your body’s immune system, making it stronger and more able to fight infections
While there are many benefits to soaking in hot springs there are some precautions to consider. If you are pregnant or nursing, elderly, have heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes or are using prescription drugs you should consult with a physician before using the pools.
Everyone should drink plenty of (nonalcoholic) fluids. Hot water soaks can increase your body temperature and can put abnormal stress on your heart. Drink plenty of water during your hot springs bath, and avoid alcoholic beverages, especially if you’ve been soaking for a long time.
For the safety of Resort guests and members, each of our 5 small hot pools all have temperature gauges. This allows soakers to determine which pools they will be the most comfortable in. Our small hot pools range from 90-110 degrees while our large 70 foot swimming pool ranges from mid 80’s to mid 90’s year round.
For more information about our Healing Waters Spa and 70-foot natural hot spring mineral pool at our Hot Springs Amenities page here.