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STRESS / STRESS-RELATED CONDITIONS
Perfect antidote - a soothing and relaxing soak!
- Brings on a more restful, peaceful, healing state.
- Counteracts stress and its effects (heart works harder, breathing becomes more rapid and
shallow, digestion slows on the human body 1).
- Warm water and soothing massage relieves anxiety and relaxes tense muscles.
- Helps relieve high blood pressure, headaches and chronic pain due to stress 1.
SLEEP BETTER
The National Sleep Foundation says over 130 million Americans suffer from mild to chronic
insomnia. Some of the side effects of not getting enough sleep can be depression, mood
swings, memory lapses, headaches, severe tension, and a compromised level of attention
span during the day. A study done by Scientific Journal Sleep, states that soaking
in a hot tub prior to bedtime will not only help someone fall to sleep but it will also
provide a deeper more relaxing sleep than usual.
- Hot water therapy induces sleep.
- Causes the body's internal thermostat to pull your temperature down, enabling you to
drift into a deeper, more relaxing sleep 2.
- Alleviates body tension.
- A natural remedy, unlike prescription & over-the-counter drugs and alcohol, all of
which make you feel groggy and have other adverse side effects.
HEALING
Accelerates the natural healing process.
- Eases pain, fatigue and soreness due to exercising.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Relaxes muscles and stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain
killers.
- Causes blood vessels to dilate thereby increasing blood flow and circulation.
- Speeds the elimination of toxins, which are replaced by oxygen and the body's natural
nutrients.
ARTHRITIS / CHRONIC PAIN
The Arthritis Foundation recommends the use of a hot tub as an excellent way to apply heat
to arthritic joints. Additionally, the Arthritis Foundation found that many arthritis
sufferers benefited from 10-15 minutes in a hot tub in the mornings, when joint stiffness
is at its worst. Benefits of hot water therapy to arthritis sufferers include: ease of
discomfort by warmth, massage and buoyancy, muscle relaxation, decreased pain and
stiffness, better nights sleep, and greater ease at performing everyday activities. A hot
tub is like having your own personal masseuse!
- Raises the body's temperature and causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in increased
circulation.
- Buoyancy of the water reduces body weight by approximately 90%, relieving pressure on
joints and muscles and making it easier to perform exercises.
- Helps to keep joints moving. It restores and preserves strength & flexibility and
also protects your joints from further damage 3.
- Heat warms up joints and decreases swelling. It makes collagen tissue more stretchable,
so you'll move more freely with less pain.
- Provides just enough resistance without aggravating arthritic joints and weakened
muscles.
- May help build muscle strength.
- Helps restore range of motion 3.
DIABETES
Possible benefits for people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 4.
According to the American Diabetes Association and a study published in The New England
Journal of Medicine, soaking in a hot water helped improve blood sugar readings, sleep,
general well being and stimulates the beneficial effects of exercise. A patient with Type
2 diabetes who soaked in a hot tub for 30 minutes each day for 3 weeks had a reduced blood
sugar level by an average of 13 percent. This could be very beneficial to diabetes
patients who need exercise but are not able due to physical or time restraints.
- Reduces blood sugar levels 4.
- Provides improved sleep.
- Gives a boost in general sense of well-being.
- Especially helpful to patients who are unable to exercise on land 4.
BLOOD PRESSURE
A report from the Mayo Clinic found that relaxing in a spa can be good for
heart-disease patients. This study showed that soaking in a spa is less stressful on the
heart and more beneficial than working out on an exercise bicycle. Soaking in a spa may
have benefits over working out because exercise raises your blood pressure significantly.
Additionally, the research demonstrated that soaking in a hot tub for 15 minutes will
lower the patient's blood pressure, instead of raising it.
WEIGHT LOSS
A study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that people who soak in a hot tub for
30 minutes a day, 6 days a week for 3 weeks can lose an average of 3 ½ pounds. This is a
result of the hot water stimulating the effects of exercise on the muscles. In this study
there was no new diet or exercise program introduced, the weight loss was a result of the
hot tub alone.
FAMILY TIME AND ENTERTAINMENT
The perfect everyday family vacation.
- Provides quality time and place to communicate and get reacquainted/bond with your
family.
- Perfect complement when entertaining friends.
- Neutral environment magically stimulates conversations.
- Romantic thoughts are more easily shared with those you love when relaxing close
together in warm water.
SPA ROMANCE
Sharon Wolf, a spokesperson for the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, stated
that, "What people find is that the hot tub quickly quiets nerves and helps one
refocus almost immediately after a long and hectic day, making for quiet
conversation." The hot tub is a bridge that helps couples float back to the things
that really matter, like family, friends, fun and relaxation. The longevity of
relationships has been increasingly threatened by the stresses of modern life. This is the
most valuable aspect of a hot tub for couples: providing a romantic date night without the
stress of getting ready to go out, and designing a place to create shared memories.
1 Article Mayo Clinic OK's Spas for Heart Patients
2 Study in scientific journal - Sleep
3 Arthritis publication Spas, Pools and Arthritis
4 New England Journal of Medicine September 16, 1999
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