March 20, 2024
10 Impressive Benefits of Showering with Hot Water
Wellness benefits of hot water bathing
Hot water bathing presents itself as a readily available and powerful tool for promoting holistic wellness. Recent scientific research has shed light on a compelling array of health benefits associated with this seemingly simple practice. Even Ayurveda promotes adding 3 mugs of warm water to make it tepid. Here are some benefits of this practice:
Natural Antidote to Stress
Hot water immersion can significantly reduce stress hormone levels, leading to feelings of calmness and relaxation. Stepping into a warm bath triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. At the same time, hot water immersion may also reduce the stress hormone cortisol.
Regulate Body Functions
A shower with hot water activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. It regulates your daily rhythm and helps you sleep and absorb nutrients better.
Helps in Arthritis Pain
A study conducted by Arthritis Foundation suggests that warm water immersion can be an effective pain management tool, particularly for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Patients suffering from such conditions who participated in warm water exercise could move around better and had less pain.
Enhancing Sleep Quality
The warmth from a bath can also work wonders for promoting better sleep. A study published in Sleep Medicine Reviews found that a warm bath taken 1-2 hours before bedtime can help regulate body temperature. As your body cools down afterwards, it mimics the natural sleep-onset process, leading to deeper and more restful sleep.
Sharpens Your Brain
According to Vikram Raman, vice president, Ariston Thermo India, “Taking a warm bath or shower at a temperature of 40-43°C, can improve your brain functioning. Regulating the body’s core temperature and circadian rhythm can contribute to better cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall health.”
Soaking Away Muscle Tension and Pain
The warmth and buoyancy of a hot bath can significantly ease muscle tension and stiffness. The warmth helps to increase blood flow to the affected areas, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle spasms. Moreover, the buoyancy can take pressure off sore joints, providing much-needed relief.
Potential Benefits for Cardiovascular Health
A study published by Harvard Health revealed that people who took a daily warm or hot bath had a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 26% lower risk of stroke. Researchers hypothesize that the warmth may cause vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, which could potentially improve blood flow and reduce
