What Are The Health Benefits Of Using A Spa?
Spas are a brilliant way to unwind at home, as they create a relaxing aura and can be used all year round, even in the depths of winter! But did you know that portable spas have benefits that range far beyond just being a nice place to relax? In fact, using a spa on a regular basis can actually have some pretty great health benefits.
Spas and their combination of warm water and use of massage jets provide a healing method that is known as hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy, also known as water therapy, is a type of therapy that uses water to help relieve pain and improve physical function. The combination of warmth and pressure has been used to aid in the treatment of a variety of conditions which we will touch on shortly.
Hydrotherapy, as it is known today, has been employed as a therapeutic healing process for centuries. As time has progressed and our medical understanding of its benefits has developed, we now know that the benefits of hydrotherapy reach much further than we first thought.
Next, we'll take a look at some of the benefits of using a spa:
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
2. Relieves pain
3. Improves circulation
4. Helps with sleep disorders
5. Reduces inflammation
How Can A Spa Help You De-Stress?
One of the main benefits of hydrotherapy is that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels significantly. When you immerse yourself in warm water, your body starts to release endorphins which have a calming effect on the body and mind. Studies have shown that spending time in a portable spa can decrease cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in both healthy subjects and in those with diagnosed pre-existing stress disorders.
If you find yourself struggling to switch off at the end of a long day or you're feeling particularly anxious, spending some time in your spa can help you to relax and feel more like yourself again.
How Do Spas Relieve Pain?
Hydrotherapy is often used as a form of pain relief as the warmth of the water can help to soothe aches and pains. If you suffer from conditions such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia or chronic back pain, using a spa on a regular basis can have a positive effect on your symptoms. This is accomplished by the fact that warm water and the heat from that water causes the body's blood vessels to widen. This widening of the blood vessels promotes the circulation of oxygenated blood around the body. This can also help to reduce inflammation and swelling.
One study found that those with chronic back pain who used a spa regularly reported experiencing less pain and improved function. If you're struggling with pain, spending some time in your portable spa could help to ease your symptoms.
How Do Spas Improve Circulation?
As we touched on earlier, one of the main benefits of hydrotherapy is that it can help to improve circulation. This is extremely beneficial for those who suffer from conditions of the heart.
Unsurprisingly the same dilation of your blood vessels that is so beneficial to pain relief also applies to cardiovascular health as well. By improving your circulation, hydrotherapy can help to reduce your blood pressure and improve your overall cardiovascular health.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, using a spa on a regular basis helped to significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy adults. So if you're looking for a way to improve your cardiovascular health, using a spa could be a great option for you.
How Do Spas Help With Sleep Disorders?
If you struggle to get a good night's sleep, hydrotherapy could help you to get the rest you need. One of the main benefits of using a spa is that it can help to relax the body and mind, which can be extremely helpful if you're struggling to drift off at night.
Immersing yourself in warm water can help to soothe your muscles and ease any tension you may be feeling, which can be very helpful if you find yourself lying awake at night. If you have trouble sleeping, spending some time in your portable spa before bed could help you to get the rest you need.
How Do Spas Reduce Inflammation?
Hydrotherapy can also help to reduce inflammation as the warmth of the water can help to increase blood flow and reduce swelling. This is extremely beneficial for those who suffer from conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia as it can help to ease symptoms such as pain and stiffness.