Mineral Baths
Mineral baths have been used throughout time for their therapeutic healing benefits. Entire cities have been developed around natural springs that bubble up from the ground at warm temperatures from †the heat of the earth’s core. There are many components to the healing benefits of a natural hot spring, including the warm temperature, the mineral rich water and muds, and the relaxing settings of many of these springs. These natural hot springs are located all over the world…Europe, Asia, South America, and even right here in the United States. El Dorado Hot Springs in Tonopah, AZ, just west of Phoenix, is a wonderful place for local Phoenicians to go for some R&R and breathtaking views of the desert.
If you can’t visit a natural spring for a soak in a mineral bath, try creating one at home. Set time aside for an undisturbed soak. Use warm water to soothe aches and pains in your body, to help with detoxification, or for just general overall well-being. For increased therapeutic value, add in some mineral rich bath salts such as Himalayan salt, Epsom salt, or sea salt. If using a pre-packaged bath soak, make sure it is free of additives such as fragrances and dyes. This will prevent unnecessary chemicals from entering your bloodstream during your soak. You can also add calming herbs such as chamomile and lavender in a tea infuser, cheese cloth, or tea bag. To set the relaxing atmosphere, light some candles and play some relaxing music in the background. Also, have a cup of water nearby to keep yourself hydrated from any sweating that may occur.
Happy Soaking!!
References
Routh HB, Bhowmik KR, Parish LC, Witkowski JA. Balneology, mineral water, and spas in historical perspective. Clin Dermatol. 1996 Nov-Dec;14(6):551-4. Review. PubMed PMID: 8960791.
ï van Tubergen A, LandewÈ R, van der Heijde D, Hidding A, Wolter N, Asscher M, Falkenbach A, Genth E, ThË HG, van der Linden S. Combined spa-exercise therapy is effective in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Oct;45(5):430-8. PubMed PMID: 11642642.
M Nguyen, M Revel, and M Dougados. Prolonged effects of 3 week therapy in a spa resort on lumbar spine, knee and hip osteoarthritis: follow-up after 6 months. A randomized controlled trial. Rheumatology (1997) 36(1): 77-81 doi:10.1093/rheumatology/36.1.77
If you can’t visit a natural spring for a soak in a mineral bath, try creating one at home. Set time aside for an undisturbed soak. Use warm water to soothe aches and pains in your body, to help with detoxification, or for just general overall well-being. For increased therapeutic value, add in some mineral rich bath salts such as Himalayan salt, Epsom salt, or sea salt. If using a pre-packaged bath soak, make sure it is free of additives such as fragrances and dyes. This will prevent unnecessary chemicals from entering your bloodstream during your soak. You can also add calming herbs such as chamomile and lavender in a tea infuser, cheese cloth, or tea bag. To set the relaxing atmosphere, light some candles and play some relaxing music in the background. Also, have a cup of water nearby to keep yourself hydrated from any sweating that may occur.
Happy Soaking!!
References
Routh HB, Bhowmik KR, Parish LC, Witkowski JA. Balneology, mineral water, and spas in historical perspective. Clin Dermatol. 1996 Nov-Dec;14(6):551-4. Review. PubMed PMID: 8960791.
ï van Tubergen A, LandewÈ R, van der Heijde D, Hidding A, Wolter N, Asscher M, Falkenbach A, Genth E, ThË HG, van der Linden S. Combined spa-exercise therapy is effective in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Oct;45(5):430-8. PubMed PMID: 11642642.
M Nguyen, M Revel, and M Dougados. Prolonged effects of 3 week therapy in a spa resort on lumbar spine, knee and hip osteoarthritis: follow-up after 6 months. A randomized controlled trial. Rheumatology (1997) 36(1): 77-81 doi:10.1093/rheumatology/36.1.77