Balneotherapy
For thousands of years before the era of pharmaceutical medicines, bathing in natural mineral waters was considered an effective remedy for many diseases and health issues, especially musculoskeletal conditions, as well as for general health and even longevity.
Even animals such as the Snow Monkeys in Japan instinctively know the benefits of bathing in hot mineral springs.
Across the world, there are many famous hot springs and baths, such as:
Blue Lagoon, Iceland: The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in southwestern Iceland. The water is rich in minerals such as silica, sulfur, and algae, which are believed to have therapeutic benefits for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Baden-Baden, Germany: Baden-Baden is a town in southwestern Germany that is famous for its hot springs. The waters contain minerals such as sodium, chloride, and calcium, which are believed to help ease joint pain and improve circulation.
Pamukkale, Turkey: Pamukkale is a natural hot spring located in southwestern Turkey. The water is rich in calcium carbonate, which forms stunning white terraces as it cascades down the hillside. The water is believed to have a range of health benefits, including improving digestion and helping to reduce stress.
Calistoga, California, USA: Calistoga is a town in Napa Valley, California that is known for its hot springs. The water is rich in minerals such as sulfur and calcium, which are believed to have therapeutic benefits for skin conditions and joint pain.
Tuscany, Italy: Tuscany is known for its natural hot springs, many of which are located in the picturesque countryside. The water is rich in minerals such as sulfur and calcium, which are believed to have a range of health benefits, including improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
What is Balneotherapy?
Balneotherapy is the name given to the practice of bathing in warm mineral springs. It is a traditional Naturopathic modality that can be replicated at home with a bathtub and some mineral salts and other items. While not the same as bathing in a pristine outdoor mineral spring, it can still provide much comfort and proven healing in our busy lives.
The benefits of Balneotherapy at home
Bathing in just warm water alone can have many benefits such as:
Relieving stress and anxiety: Warm water can help relax the body and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Improving sleep: A warm bath before bed can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Reducing muscle and joint pain: Warm water can help ease muscle and joint pain by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Improving skin health: A warm bath can help remove dead skin cells and improve circulation, leading to healthier skin.
Lowering blood pressure: Soaking warm water can help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
One study has found that a 30-minute hot bath can burn around 140 calories, which is significant and about as much as a 30-minute walk. It is not a substitute for many benefits of exercise, but it is now known to benefit cardiovascular health.
Boosting immunity: Research has shown that a warm bath can help improve immune system function.
Relieving respiratory symptoms: Warm steam from a bath can help ease congestion and other respiratory symptoms.
Hot water, as much as a sauna, can help the body release toxins through the skin though sweat.
Hot tub therapy may benefit people with Type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity.
Adding Minerals and other substances
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts is magnesium sulphate, and both magnesium and sulphate can be beneficial and can be absorbed through the skin when the pores are open during a warm bath. Epsom salts is readily available and inexpensive and I would recommend a cup or more per bath to get a therapeutic amount. Epsom salts have long been used to help relax, reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
2. Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium chloride is now readily available as bath flakes, which also help the body take up magnesium.
Magnesium is an essential mineral which is commonly deficient in our modern world. It is deficient because of poor soils, poor diet, and we burn it up during stress. It is an important mineral to help the body relax and fight fatigue, reduce inflammation, improve circulation and blood flow, fight infection, and is also important for skin health.
Which is better, magnesium sulphate or magnesium chloride? Sulphate is needed for many metabolic functions and a deficiency can be linked to inflammation and muscle and skeletal disorders. Chloride is important in helping the body balance electrolytes. Some people find epsom salts slightly irritating to the skin- some find magnesium chloride slightly irritating when applied as a lotion but not usually in the bath. Either way, it is personal preference, and Epsom salts are probably more easily available and cheaper.
3. Other mineral salts
Other mineral rich salts can be added to a bath, such as dead sea salts, Himalayan pink salt, local lake salts, other sea salts, which contain other minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium and potentially many microminerals.
4. Baking Soda
Baking soda can help soothe skin irritation and reduce itching.
5. Seaweeds
Seaweeds are rich in minerals such as iodine, magnesium and potassium and other micronutrients, and seawater is also known to be of benefit. Kelp, dulse and other seaweeds can readily be bought online or picked up along the seashore in some places.
6. Essential Oils
Essential oils are well known and loved as bath companions and can be combined with any of the above mineral-rich substances. There are thousands of oils and blends on the market nowadays- make sure what you buy is an essential oil, not a fragrance, because you will be absorbing it through your skin. During a warm bath, your pores open, and you will absorb any toxins in the water, so you don’t want to add artificial fragrances to your bath. (Therefore, be careful of any bath products you buy- ensure they only have pure substances, not fragrances and other toxins. )
7. Bentonite Clay
Honestly, I would only use this if I was drawn to it because it will make a bit of a mess, but it has been used traditionally to help with detoxifying, reducing inflammation and for skin health. Warm mud baths are an ancient healing ritual.
8. Oats in a sock
This is a folk remedy that can greatly benefit itchy skin. Put a cup or two of oatmeal into a stocking or fabric bag, and tie the end off. Let it soak in the bath. The emollient and mineral qualities of oatmeal can help soften and soothe the skin.
9. Herbal infusions
Herbal infusions can be used in the bath. One example is strong nettle infusion for its antiinflammatory and cleansing properties, and can be useful for those who get allergies because it has antihistamine properties. I would use one to two cups of the herb steeped in boiled water for at least 15-60 minutes, before pouring the filtered infusion into the bath.
Other herbs that can be used for the bath are herbs with aromatic properties such as rose, rosemary, eucalyptus, citrus peel, ginger, lavender, peppermint or jasmine. See what you have in your garden. You could either make a short infusion (so as not to destroy the delicate aromatic substances) or put them directly into the bathtub, or again into a sock or tied off piece of stocking and let it float around.
10. Hot and Cold
While cold water is all the rage at the moment, warm baths have a long history of benefits. However, finishing a warm bath with a cold shower can be very refreshing and help close the pores and revitalise. Not recommended for weak adrenals, in convalescence, during a woman’s period, or just before bed for most people.
I hope I have inspired you to enjoy your bathtub even more, and experiment with some additional healing substances. I encourage you not to underestimate the power of a regular warm bath for health and healing, on all levels. Especially to help with stress, insomnia, and musculoskeletal issues.
