Hot tubs, also referred to as spas, provide relaxation and soothe muscles. The term "spa" is associated with treatment by water. The earliest descriptions of western bathing practices come from Greece, where citizens bathed using regimens that form the foundation for modern spa procedures. In Greek mythology, it was believed that the natural springs and tidal pools were blessed by gods and able to cure a variety of diseases. While spas do not cure diseases, they do provide some benefits.
Joint Pain
When injury occurs at a joint in your body, your body responds by increasing blood flow to the injured area. The swelling begins at the joint and this will cause pain. The warm water in spas enhances blood flow to the muscles and affected joint by dilating the blood vessels in your lower body.
Muscle Aches
Your body responds to injury by not only increasing blood flow, which results in swelling, but also by tightening the muscles around the injured area. The reason muscles around the injured area tighten is that it serves as protection against further injury, but this response creates painful spasms. Using the spa promotes healing with increased blood flow and the jets provide a massaging pressure to the muscles that are in spasm.
Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping, sitting in the spa may be an excellent way to unwind and increase the quality of your rest. Warm water massage can stimulate your body to release endorphins and these endorphins help reduce stress. The National Sleep Foundation suggests that soaking in hot water, such as in a spa, before retiring to bed can ease the transition into deeper sleep.
Arthritis
The National Arthritis Foundation recommends the spa for sufferers. The foundation says individuals can benefit from the spa because it provides buoyancy that aids relaxation and exercises your joints. Don't soak for more than 10 to 15 minutes and keep the temperature between 98 and 104 degrees.
