BEAR FACTS Vol 4 Health Benefits Of A Hot Tub

By DIFDESIGN | February 24, 2015

There are three factors at work in your hot tub: heat, buoyancy and massage. Together, they create natural healing powers and health benefits discovered by the ancient Greeks years ago. The Romans, Greeks, Japanese and other cultures have recognized the many benefits of this relaxing and rejuvenating experience to mind and body. From simply unwinding to soothing sore muscles and joints caused by sports or minor strains, a hot tub soak can make you feel better – naturally.

Research shows that both the body and mind benefit from the simple act of immersion in warm water. Some health benefits include:

  • Hydromassage and Wellness
  • Stress Reduction
  • Soothes Aches and Pains
  • Arthritis Relief
  • Sleep Better
  • Type 2 Diabetes Management

Just released: Recent scientific studies show that the stress-alleviating, mood-improving, tension reducing power of good old H2O also has to do with the way it affects body chemistry and neurology.

Hydromassage and Wellness

“More Than Just Relaxing – A Hot Tub is Good for You.”

Immersion in hot water raises the body temperature and causes the blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation. The buoyancy of the water reduces body weight by approximately 90%, which relieves pressure on joints and muscles and creates the relaxing sensation of weightlessness.

The massaging action of a spa is created by sending a mixture of warm water and air through jet nozzles. This “energized” stream of water loosens tight muscles and stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Stress has an adverse effect on health – the heart works harder, breathing becomes more rapid and shallow, and digestion slows. Nearly every process of the body is degraded. Researchers have estimated that nearly 80% of disease is stress-related.

Relaxing in a spa stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel good” chemical, giving you a sense of well-being and rejuvenation.

Warm water and soothing massage relieve anxiety and relax tense muscles. A spa provides a sanctuary for quiet moments alone or to reconnect with family and friends.

Just released: Recent scientific studies show that the stress-alleviating, mood-improving, tension reducing power of good old H2O also has to do with the way it affects body chemistry and neurology.

Soothes Aches and Pains

Many physicians and physical therapists recognize the value of a hot tub as an ideal environment for rehabilitation therapy.

  • Eases muscle pain, fatigue, stiffness and soreness due to sports activity or exercising. Stimulates release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killer.
  • raises body temperature and causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in increased circulation and blood flow, accelerating the body’s natural healing process.
  • Speeds elimination of lactic acids and other toxins, which are replaced by oxygen.
  • Relaxes muscles and stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killers.
  • Helps increase flexibility and range of motion, which can help prevent exercise-related injuries.

Arthrits Pain Relief

  • Reduces body weight by approximately 90%, relieving pressure on joints and muscles and making it a safe and gentle environment for warm water exercise.
  • Increases circulation and helps move inflammatory substances away from the joints.
  • Allows muscles to become relaxed, which creates an overall feeling of comfort and makes it easier to carry out daily tasks.
  • Raises the body’s temperature and causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in increased circulation.
  • Decreases swelling and stiffness and restores strength and flexibility, which can help increase range of motion and protect joints against further damage.

For more information about how a spa can be helpful in easing arthritis pain and discomfort, click on the following link to the Arthritis Foundation’s publication, “Water Exercise-Pools, Spas & Arthritis.www.arthritis.org

A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

 According to a study in the scientific journal, Sleep, a drop in body temperature can help ease your body into a deeper, more relaxing sleep.

  • Relaxing in hot water for 10 minutes approximately 90 minutes before bedtime causes the body’s internal thermostat to pull your temperature down, enabling you to drift into a deeper, more relaxing sleep.
  • Hydromassage is a natural remedy, unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs and alcohol, all of which make you feel groggy and have other adverse side effects.
  • The beauty of a spa-induced sleep is that it is a natural remedy without the adverse side affects some sleep aids may come with.

TYPE 2 DIABETES MANAGEMENT

 A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that soaking in a spa can help ease symptoms of diabetes for people affected by Type 2 Diabetes. Persons with that disease who spent half an hour daily in a spa for three weeks reduced their blood sugar levels, as the heat dilated their blood vessels, blood flow improved and the body made better use of its insulin (the hormone that converts blood sugar into energy). Benefits found by that study:

  • Can reduce blood sugar levels by 13%.
  • Ideal for individuals who are physically unable to exercise. (Immersion in a spa simulates the beneficial effects of exercise).
  • Increases overall sense of well-being.
  • Promotes improved sleep.

Sources

Arthritis Foundation: Pools, Spas and Arthritis, January 2003, 835-5580/01.03 National Sleep Foundation: Helping Yourself to a Better Night’s Sleep 1999 New England Journal of Medicine, September 16, 1999, 341:924-925 Mayo Clinic: Thomas Allison, PhD, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

© 2006 Watkins Manufacturing Corporation 1280 Park Center Drive, Vista, CA 92081 Neither Watkins Manufacturing Corporation nor Teddy Bear Pools & Spas shall be liable for any errors in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Always consult with your physician before using a spa.

If you have any question about the Health Benefits of a Hot Tub please call Teddy Bear Pools & Spa at 413-594-2666.

Teddy Bear Pools proudly serving the Pioneer Valley cities of Northampton, Belchertown, Amherst and beyond.

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