The Health Benefits of a Bath

For centuries humans have used water as a form of therapy - hydrotherapy. 

We all know getting in the bath not only washes off the deeds of the day but also brings on a sense of relaxation and good feeling to the body and mind.  You can tell how popular something is when there is a tradition linked to it on every continent of the world, and bathing is no exception.

Being in water, hot or cold, indoors or outdoors has many health benefits and very few to no adverse effects.

Where kids are concerned - “Just add water”.  Whatever is happening with your children, happy, sad, angry, excited; the addition of water in one form or other nearly always makes the situation better!

Improve heart health – a hot bath relaxes your muscles allowing you to breathe deeper, slower and easier and makes the heart beat faster.  This is equal to a healthy workout and will burn calories, lower sugar and glucose levels and help lower blood pressure (although I wouldn’t solely rely on your bath to hit your fitness goals!).

Moving in water is a very low impact activity on the muscles, joints and bones.  There is less chance of injury, especially to those at risk of falls and gives an effective workout through resistance.  Muscles are also relaxed and are able to perform more effectively.

If you immerse yourself in water past the chest (make sure to keep your head out) lung capacity is improved where muscles are relaxed.  Adding to this the increased heart rate and steam to clear the chest and sinuses, oxygen intake is improved.  This also helps when suffering from any kind of respiratory infection.

Treat menstrual cramps and alleviate labour and post birth pain. Bathing is also believed to speed up the healing of tears linked with giving birth.  Give your bath a healing boost by adding salts.

Regulate body temperature – warm baths in winter, cold baths or a swim in the sea in summer.  This causes the blood to either travel to or away from the skin, either preserving or shedding heat and allowing the body to regulate itself.

Bathing has Cancer fighting abilities – studies show that cold water can improve cell damage and cut chances of some types of cancer.

Balance hormones – warm water can increase levels of serotonin, the drug we release that is responsible for feelings of happiness and wellbeing.  Colder water can also help balance some hormones released by the pituitary gland.

Relieve headache and migraine – blood vessels relax which eases pressure and allows more oxygen to flow.  There is also an amount of rehydration occurring whilst being immersed in water.

Cleanse & moisturise skin – bathing and steam are great for overall hydration.  Add some oils or salts to the water to enhance the benefits.

Boost immunity and blood health – As previously discussed being in water improves oxygenation of the blood, allowing all cells to operate more effectively.  Baths can kill bacteria, especially when beneficial oils or salts are added which reduces the load on the immune system.

Sleep better – a bath within 2 hours of bedtime for at least 10 minutes can improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep enormously.

Soothe and treat skin – the complexion is clearer, more rosy, hydrated, less prone to damage and drying.  Warmer water relaxes the skin helping to flush out toxins, bacteria, dirt and grease, reducing acne, eczema and spots.  Cooler water soothes inflammation and redness, tightens and closes the pores reducing clogging.   Increase elasticity delaying the signs of aging and reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles.  I am going to say it again – to prevent irritation to the skin keep your water at a sensible temperature and limit your bath to 10-15 minutes.  If you are taking on cold or hot water therapy be sure to firstly protect your skin beforehand and secondly replenish the skin afterward.

Improve mental health - adding a bath into your self-care routine can also bring enormous benefits for the mind.  Everything discussed so far will benefit the mind.  Relaxing, the production of those happy hormones, calming the nerves and lightening the mood, deeper breathing etc., baths are a great way to grab those much needed selfish 10 minutes (especially when accompanied with a lock on the door).

Cryotherapy (or cold therapy) is a form of treatment that uses cold for therapeutic effect.  Where water is concerned, this includes taking cold water or ice baths to alleviate muscle pain, strain and damage to athletes after an event or workout or running a cold tap over your child’s latest graze or bump.  Always consult your medical professional before taking up any form of cryotherapy.

Extremes of temperature cause the body to produce heat shock or cold shock proteins which can protect your body from stress and help repair muscle damage.  The body constantly produces these proteins but when faced with hotter or colder situations more are produced which causes a spike bringing more benefits to the body.

A little note on temperature.  Heat stress or heat shock occurs when the body cannot get rid of excess heat. When this happens, the body's core temperature rises and the heart rate increases and can cause strain on the heart.  Similarly, cold shock can cause the blood vessels to constrict, causing the heart to work harder.  Always seek the guidance of a medical professional if you are looking to embark on water therapy, especially if you suffer with any form of heart complaint.  Always keep your time in extreme temperatures short and never shock the body, always take your time in introducing your body to a change in temperature.

So, all in all, male, female, adult, child etc. anybody will benefit in one way or another from taking a bath and everybody should take time to make this time for themselves.  And if, like me, you don’t like the thought of floating around in your own puddle of dirt, there’s nothing to stop you having a quick shower afterwards.

To compliment your bath or shower routine be sure to check out the range of hand made, natural, non toxic products available from Bubbles & Squeak Wellness, including Soap Bars and Bath Salts HERE.