Health and rejuvenation for mind and body
— Originally published in the Source weekly, from Dr Phillips’ monthly column, The Medicine Cabinet Within.
The experience of soaking in mineral-rich hot springs is one that not only inspires deep relaxation and a sense of internal unwinding, but in many ways also supports greater health and vitality. For millennia, Native Americans and other Indigenous and ancient peoples, including the early Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, have soaked in hot springs that emerge naturally from the depths of the earth. Ever since, humans have had a long history of gathering at these sacred sites, sometimes creating resorts and spas but thankfully also preserving the primitive and natural condition of many of these special places.
What is it about hot springs that has for so long drawn us in? And why are there so many claims of the healing powers of these waters at locales all over the world? Balneology is the study of the art and science of therapeutic mineral water use and is championed by the Balneology Association of North America (BANA). In centuries past, both physicians and clergy would recommend hot spring soaks and other uses of the water for specific ailments. From the famous Lourdes waters in France, steeped in Catholic religious tradition, to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland or the famed Thermae Bath Spa in England — and of course the geothermic pools of Oregon and the western U.S. — one doesn’t have to travel far for a healing hot spring experience.
Many believe the explanation is as simple as the relaxing effect of soaking in hot water, particularly in a natural setting that is inherently calming and soothing to mind and body. Relaxing in a hot spring pool induces a state that, without question, creates an internal physiologic and psychic landscape that is consistent with rejuvenation and well-being. Cortisol and other stress hormones fall away, while our complex and ever-changing neurochemistry leans toward a balance that’s supportive of feelings of joy, peace and calm. The hot spring soaking experience is one of the finest examples of mind-body medicine at work.
Hot spring waters travel to the surface through deep cracks and fissures in the earth, drawing with it mineral content unique to that region. This mineral content in hot springs is a big contributor to the healing properties of a soaking experience. This variable blend of minerals carried in geothermic water creates a healing potential or signature that is unique from spring to spring. Commonly, calcium, magnesium, manganese, lithium, chloride, silica, boron, potassium, iron, sulfur and other trace minerals are found in naturally occurring hot springs.
While the effects of minerals in hot springs are undoubtedly more complex than we understand, they certainly have many contributions to health. Sulfur can act as an antimicrobial and antifungal on the skin, while silica is inherently cleansing and detoxifying. Lithium absorption can offer positive mood effects — any who have soaked in springs high in lithium content can attest to the extreme relaxation this mineral offers. Calcium and magnesium in the water are wonderful for relaxing muscles and joints while also soothing the nervous system. Many people with issues of chronic pain will report great relief during and after a hot spring visit.
Raising body temperature alone increases blood circulation, which in turn stimulates detoxification and increases lymphatic movement, benefitting all of the body’s internal organs. For this reason, drinking plenty of water during and after a hot spring visit is very important.
Adding in the element of the cold plunge can dramatically increase the therapeutic value of hot springs soaking. Contrast hydrotherapy is the alternation of hot and cold submersion and is a very powerful experience. Starting hot and ending on cold is a rule of thumb and should be repeated for the fullest effect. This has huge cardiovascular, immune and endocrine benefits, and believe it or not, most feel that they retain the heat of the hot spring experience by ending on cold. A 2014 study cataloged in the NIH Library of Medicine further outlines the physiological effects of hot and cold water on the body.
While we go to great lengths to improve our health and vitality, often some of the simplest and elemental are forgotten. Connecting to some of the most primary elements of life — minerals and water — could be just the thing the doctor forgot to order.