Not only are mineral baths comfortable and relaxing, but a 2018 study revealed that soaking in hot baths can have overall benefits to health and wellness. The natural mineral water can improve health issues ranging from skin conditions to vascular health.
At Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic’s The Springs, there are a variety of private, relaxing baths where patients can choose from a list of over 12 types of mineral baths. Sourced from Clifton Springs, the water’s naturally occurring nutrients and minerals provide a variety of health benefits, especially for those who bathe regularly.
Krista Ingerick, BA, LMT, Operations Manager of the Spa, highlights some of the incredible health benefits that the mineral baths at The Springs can provide to patients.
Health benefits of mineral springs baths
Soaking in a mineral springs bath has been shown to improve many areas of health, especially when done regularly. Although mineral baths cannot prevent or cure illness, they offer a variety of health benefits.
Pain relief
Soaking in warmer springs water can block pain receptors around your body, helping to eliminate or reduce aches, soreness, and pain. For patients with severe, chronic pain issues like arthritis or fibromyalgia, mineral springs baths can provide significant relief.
“The most common reason patients choose to schedule a mineral bath is to relieve pain,” said Ingerick. “Many of our mineral baths are paired with therapeutic services including acupuncture or massage. Soaking in the water before a massage helps warm the tissue and tends to make the massage more effective.”
Helps skin
Mineral springs baths provide a variety of benefits to the skin. When spending time in a mineral bath, the skin absorbs minerals and nutrients that smooth and heal, helping to relieve symptoms of conditions like psoriasis, acne, eczema, and dry scalp.
“Our spring water is known to have sulfur—a mineral that has many proven benefits for the skin. Sulfur is known to help reduce dandruff and relieve itchiness, acne, and skin redness.”
Vascular benefits
Spending time in a mineral bath can help increase circulation. Research revealed that those who began regularly soaked in hot water experienced an improvement in vascular health similar to those who began regular exercise around the same time.
Can burn calories
Another study found that when folks with a sedentary lifestyle started regularly soaking in hot water, they began to burn extra calories and demonstrated an increase in their metabolism.
Benefit mental health
Spending time relaxing in a hot, mineral springs bath can help reduce levels of stress and relax the body and mind.
“Soaking in mineral baths can also improve your sleeping habits & reduce stress or anxiety especially if you bathe on a regular basis,” said Ingerick.
Talk with your doctor
Before embarking on your mineral springs bath journey, it’s a good idea to talk to your primary care physician first. Depending on your health, there may be some specific suggestions, such as water temperature or length of time in the water, which your doctor will recommend.
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