Mineral baths have been used throughout time for their therapeutic healing benefits. Whole cities have developed around natural springs that bubble up from the ground at warm temperatures from the heat of the earth’s core. There are many components to the healing benefits of a natural hot spring including the warm temperature, the mineral rich water and muds, and the relaxing settings of many of these springs. If you can’t visit a natural spring for a soak in a mineral bath, try creating one at home. Set time aside for an undisturbed soak. Use warm water to soothe aches and pains in your body, to help with detoxification, or for just general overall well-being. Add in mineral rich bath salts such as Himalayan salt, Epsom salt, or sea salt. If using a pre-packaged bath soak, make sure it is free of additives such as fragrance and dyes. This will prevent unnecessary chemicals from entering your bloodstream during your soak. You can also add calming herbs such as chamomile and lavender in a tea infuser, cheese cloth, or tea bag. To set the relaxing atmosphere, light some candles and play some relaxing music in the background. Also, have a cup of water nearby to keep yourself hydrated from any sweating that may occur.
Take a weekend trip to Berkeley Springs and soak in the Roman mineral baths there and enjoy the rejuvenating effects. Start with a 20 minute soak if you are not used to high temperatures, it’s over 100 degrees, and eventually work your way up to an hour. The mineral spring water at the Roman baths is the only water there not treated with chlorine like their drinking water.
If you can’t get away, check out the Magnetic Clay Bath formulas that range from environmental detox clay baths to radiation and smoker’s clay baths.
References
Routh HB, Bhowmik KR, Parish LC, Witkowski JA. Balneology, mineral water, and spas in historical perspective. Clin Dermatol. 1996 Nov-Dec;14(6):551-4. Review. PubMed PMID: 8960791.
Van Tubergen A, Landewe R, van der Heijde D, Hidding A, Wolter N, Asscher M, Falkenbach A, Genth E, ThË HG, van der Linden S. Combined spa-exercise therapy is effective in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Oct;45(5):430-8. PubMed PMID: 11642642.
M Nguyen, M Revel, and M Dougados. Prolonged effects of 3 week therapy in a spa resort on lumbar spine, knee and hip osteoarthritis: follow-up after 6 months. A randomized controlled trial. Rheumatology (1997) 36(1): 77-81 doi:10.1093/rheumatology/36.1.77
