The practice of bathing has a rich and lengthy history. Immersing ourselves in water, whether using a bathing chamber or in a natural body of water, is something we do for a variety of reasons, including maintaining our hygiene, having fun, and taking care of our bodies.
Nothing can compare to the experience of going for a swim in the ocean on a hot summer day or taking a steamy bath with fragrant essential oils when it is cooler outside.
Why People Prefer Hot Baths
If you have trouble unwinding at the end of the day or falling asleep, you might be inclined to take a steamy shower to wash away the tension of the previous day. This is a common practice for achieving muscle relaxation before going to bed.
This is because hot showers stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which causes us to become tired. You are also not the only person whose body longs for a steaming shower first thing in the morning. Most individuals have the handle turned to the edge to experience the full body coverage provided by the warm water.
Here we will discuss the pros and cons of warm baths:
Pros of Hot Baths
One of the most obvious benefits of a nice, hot bath is the way it soothes aching muscles. The heat from the water helps increase blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and lessen joint and tissue inflammation. You can maximize the therapeutic effects of a hot bath by adding a spoonful of bath salts.
A warm bath can make your heartbeat quicker and offer a healthy workout, but soaking in excessive temperatures might strain your heart, specifically if you have a pre-existing cardiac problem. Water heaters are necessary to make these relaxing dreams come true.
Better for Skin
A five-minute soak in a warm water bath can do wonders for dry, itchy skin. As it soothes the skin's outer layers, water aids in the healing process.
A few drops of a moisturizing agent, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or essential oil, can do wonders for your skin's health. It's important to keep the water warm but not boiling.
Improves Overall Health
Traditional natural treatment for alleviating the symptoms of a cold or cough is to take a hot shower and let the steam surround you while standing in the shower. The heat that is generated by the water and the steam can assist with the following:
Free Passage of Air
Reduce the mucus in your airways and clean out your nasal passages. If you have a stuffy nose and congestion from a cold, a hot bath may help clear things up. The water's steam might open the airway and make breathing easier.
The mucus is easier to expel thanks to the water's warmth. Reducing the likelihood of respiratory issues, this method also eliminates the microorganisms responsible for the infection.
Reduces Stress & Tension
It has been shown that being completely immersed in water has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety and boosting mood.
Individuals with multiple sclerosis can benefit from hydrotherapy because the soothing heat and the water's pressure can help ease the pain and stiffness in the spine.
A hot bath has been shown to have positive effects on mental health. Experts speculate that this is because of the comforting sensation of being engulfed by heat.
Your nervous system and muscles will calm down immediately. Anxiety, tension, and depression are all alleviated, and a calm state of mind is achieved as a result.
Alleviates Joint Pain
It has been established that stretching and moving in water is little impact on the joints, muscles, and bones but provides a decent workout through resistance, so it is a good option for those who want to be active but are concerned about their health. Aquatic exercise is excellent for the elderly since it reduces the risk of harm from falls.
Hydrotherapy is a practice that dates back hundreds of years. The consumption of warm as well as cold water has the potential to produce advantageous benefits for the body.
Hot springs are a natural source of boiling water, and many countries, such as New Zealand and Iceland, have found hot pools in nature that locals can use to reap the benefits of the mineral content of the water.
Cons of Hot Baths
Opened Skin Pores
The steam from hot water can dilate your pores, giving the impression that they are more substantial than they are. An increase in the likelihood of breakouts due to the build-up of dead skin cells, sebum, dirt, and other pollutants is associated with larger pores than normal.
Increased Blood Flow
If you suffer from a cardiovascular condition like hypertension, you should never take a hot bath. Taking a bath in hot water might worsen hypertension symptoms by increasing blood flow throughout the body.
Damages Hair
Keratin cells, which make up hair and protect it from damage, become weak and brittle when exposed to water, which in turn causes the hair cuticle to split.
Loss of hair or bald spots could be another side effect of this. Always use tepid water while washing your hair and scalp.
Impacts the Skin
The skin's protective barrier is also removed after a hot shower or bath. Underneath this layer lie the essential oils and other substances responsible for maintaining the right moisture. In addition to washing away filth, a hot water shower also removes the skin-beneficial components.
A lack of prompt use of a moisturizer after a shower will result in dry, flaky skin. A brief shower of 5-10 minutes is all that's needed.
The epidermal layer of skin can be burned and reddened by water that is too hot. The heat of the water might cause extreme dryness of the skin. Itchy, flaky, or eczematous skin may result from this.
Our Final Thoughts
The advantages of taking a bath have been demonstrated, and they can contribute to the mind and body enjoying their best possible state of health. This is true regardless of the water's temperature. The soothing effects of a hot bath can help us wind down and get a good night's sleep.
A hot shower has the added benefit of easing muscle stiffness and increasing our range of motion. When a cold person gets into hot water, their body temperature rises, and they get a sense of calm and relief. Contact Mesa Plumbing to get your water heaters ready!