Baths hold a myriad of health benefits for both body and mind. Here, we discuss 9 of them.
1. Skincare
The heat and steam in a bath increase penetration of any skincare products you have applied. This happens for two reasons:
- Because your pores get opened
- Because heat helps dilate blood vessels, making the skin better able to absorb ingredients in serums and masks due to increased blood supply
2. Haircare
Hair treatments work better in this environment, too.
Hair is made up of shafts of keratinized cells that are slightly expanded and disrupted by heat, allowing products like glosses and conditioners to penetrate the cuticle.
3. Brain and nervous system
A bath relaxes the mind as much the muscles and can help to prepare you for sleep.
Submerging in water can reduce pain and inflammation as well as calming the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood.
Stress can affect your immune system and the body’s ability to heal. That is why a relaxing ritual such as a bath can help with acne, hair loss and skin issues such as eczema, inflammation, and hives.
4. Heart health
A recent study, published in the journal Heart, found that taking a hot bath daily is associated with a 28% lower risk of heart disease and a 26% lower risk of stroke.
This is likely because taking a bath is also associated with lowering your blood pressure.
5. Breathing
Being immersed in water past your chest with your head out can have a positive effect on both your lung capacity and oxygen intake. The two factors that contribute to this are;
- The temperature of the water
- The pressure the water places on your chest and lungs
When the water is warmer and your heart is beating faster, your oxygen intake is improved and the steam created can clear your sinuses and chest.
6. Blood and immunity
Not only does a warm bath make blood flow easier, it also makes it more oxygenated by allowing you to breathe deeper and slower, particularly when taking in steam.
Taking a hot bath can kill bacteria and improve immunity and can help to relieve symptoms of cold and flu.
7. Hormones
In an article published on PsychologyToday.com, Peter Bongiorno, ND, LAc explains that bathing can even lead to chemical changes in the brain.
Decreases in stress hormones (like cortisol) have been reported with water bathing. It has also been shown that bathing may help to balance serotonin levels, which is the chemical produced by the brain associated with happiness and well-being.
8. Cleansing and moisturising
Exposure to fluid through bathing and steaming is a great way to ensure hydration of the body in all aspects.
The body is made mostly of water which is why we are encouraged to drink plenty of it. However, soaking in it is also extremely beneficial.
9. Body temperature
There is no quicker and more enjoyable way to regulate your body temperature than through bathing. On a cold day, taking a hot bath is sure to warm you up, the same way going for a cold swim in the height of summer is a great way to cool off.
Increased body temperature at night also helps synchronise our natural circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep patterns, along with improved quality of sleep and overall wellbeing.
Please note: It is advised that a health professional is consulted if pre-existing health conditions or diseases are present before embarking on any form of hydrotherapy
Information source Google (2020)
