Well, another year is upon us, and what better way to ring in the second decade of the 21st century than to make a firm commitment to live healthier, happier and wiser (once the confetti has settled and the bubbly champagne has fizzed out, that is).
Next on the agenda: take a bath. A recent study by the Washington State University National Aquatics and Sports Medicine Institute lists five reasons why hydrotherapy is essential for mind, body and spirit.
Get Down…
Get your blood pressure down, that is. The WSU study concluded that soaking in water of any temperature is helpful for reducing blood pressure, although test participants who soaked in hot water demonstrated the lowest blood pressure of all.
Get Pumped…
Heart disease patients and diabetics should consider hydrotherapy for cardiovascular health and circulation. Water immersion gets your blood pumping and your heart thumping to a steady beat.
Now Twist…
Athletes, listen up: soaking your muscles after a workout is more than just a treat to reward work well done – your body needs it in order to repair and soothe torn muscles.
Loosen up…
Ever notice that wonderful light, anti-gravity feeling you get when you’re sitting in a body of water? Well, your joints notice it, too. Floating in a tub of water relieves the joints and increases flexibility.
And Just Chill
Studies have proven that taking a hot bath lowers stress by balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.