Hip Young Things

The use of water to maintain, to restore ones health, and for revitalization is known as hydrotherapy.  Treatments include everything from saunas, to sitz baths, to steam rooms, and to the use of hat and cold compresses.  During the 19th Century a monk from Bavaria, Sebastian Kneipp, discovered the effects of using water to cure diseases and to eliminate toxins, or waste from ones body.  He is said to be the father of modern hydrotherapy.  Throughout Asia and Europe, going to the mineral and hot springs has always been a common practice.  And now in the United States, as more people are seeking the care of naturopathic doctors and holistic approaches to health, more people are discovering what these other cultures have known for years, and that is that water heals.  Some are going to spas or to the offices of physical therapists, while others are purchasing hot tubs from companies such as choosehottubsdirect.com, and practice self care in their own homes.

Physiological reactions to hot and cold are obvious, as hot tends to relax one and make them sleepy, and cold serves to invigorate and to wake up the body.  Heat dilates the vessels, while cold constricts them.  Alternating between the two serves to create a pumping affect, moving the blood through the body faster, thus decreasing swelling of injured areas while stimulating circulation and aiding in the elimination of toxins.  Dry heat, such as in a Turkish steam bath, involve the use of either hot or cold compresses which cover the body.  Many colds and cases of respiratory or sinus infections, bronchitis or skin infections are treated in this manner.  This has been shown to not only reduce the symptoms and provide relief, but to shorten the duration time of the illness as well.  Sitz baths are also used for various infections, and have been shown to decrease the severity and the occurrence of such discomforting ailments as hemorrhoids or Premenstrual syndrome.  In all, choosing to bring a hot tub or spa into ones home is making the conscious choice to take better care and control over ones health in the long run.

The addition of hot tubs and spas to one’s backyard or home, is exciting and will lead to many nights and days of relaxation and rejuvenation.  In the quest for managing stress levels, one of the most essential elements is the reduction of tension in the mind and in the body.  This involves more than enjoying and practicing a hobby, more than just peace of mind, it is a process that serves to reduce the negative effects on one’s mind and on the body.  In this fast paced world of working all day, picking the kids up from school, sitting in traffic and worrying about finances, individuals can tend to forget about themselves, they can forget to, or have literally forgotten how to…just simply relax.

If one chooses to install their hot tubs and spas into their backyard, gardens can be designed surrounding beautiful gazebos, strung with lights and hung with delicate wind chimes.  Choosing the flowers that are suitable to individual tastes serves to create a visually inviting environment.  Other plants and trees can be planted for the aromatic benefits.  Aromatherapy, usually involves the use of essential oils, however in planting a garden with such varieties as the creosote bush, the desert sage plant, the Mexican anise tree, or the Arabian jasmine vines, one can enjoy the physical and psychological benefits right in one’s own backyard garden, while relaxing in the hot tub.

All of these combined, the visual and aromatic beauty, the soothing sounds, and the bubbling water, serve to lower the heart rate and blood pressure.  The warm water serves to relieve tense muscles or the pain associated with chronic injuries and ailments.  Blood flow is increased throughout the body and feeds the major muscles and organs.  And the anger and frustration that can be caused by a bad day at the office is simply washed away, giving one not only the confidence, but the energy to tackle whatever it is that tomorrow will bring.