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Saturday, 28 April 2007 |
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The use of a hot tub for health reasons has been practiced for thousands of years. Called Hydrotherapy, the Greeks and Romans used the healing power of water for a number of conditions. In Scandinavia, the hot tub has been an integral part of life for many years. Sports medicine has recognized the benefits of hydrotherapy for years, and virtually every major sports organization utilizes hot tubs to help their athletes heal. Bringing together the natural relieving agents of heat, water, and air invigorates the body and gently massages away aches and pains.
Immersion in hot water causes the blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow. This increase in blood flow works on the body in many ways. It increases the efficiency with which oxygen is transported to the brain, bring a calming relaxation over the mind and increasing the body's awareness of itself. It increases the oxygen flow to the organs, making them work more efficiently, and it increases the blood flow to the muscles, helping to heal them.After only 5 minutes in a hot tub, the health benefits of the hot tub begin to work on the body. Your blood pressure and pulse rate begin to drop, then your circulation improves in your hands and feet. After 12 minutes your muscles begin to relax and become more responsive to stretching, aiding in the release of lactic acid and other toxins in the body, and after 15 minutes your minor aches and pains will decrease in severity, and you will feel much better. |
