10 Scientifically Proven

Health Benefits of Taking a

Bath

Diane Koopman
Writer

Bathing has a long and detailed history. Submerging ourselves in water,

whether in a bathing receptacle or in a natural body of water is
something we do for both personal hygiene, leisure and health. There is
nothing more enjoyable than going for a swim in the ocean on a warm
day or having a hot fragrant bath in the cooler months.

Hydrotherapy has been practiced for centuries. Both the use of hot and
cold water can have beneficial effects on the body. Boiling water can be
sourced naturally from a hot spring and many places like New
Zealand and Iceland have naturally occurring hot pools that people can
utilize to take advantage of the mineral rich waters.
Similarly, cryotherapy or taking ice baths, can help to alleviate muscle
strain and many athletes including runners will submerge themselves in
freezing waters to counteract the damage or strain induced by exercise.
Regardless of the temperature, the benefits of taking a bath have been
scientifically proven and can ensure optimal health of the mind and
body.

Here are 10 scientifically proven health benefits of taking a bath:

Bathing can improve heart health

Although bathing in high temperatures can put unnecessary strain on
your heart, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition, taking a
warm bath will make your heart beat faster and can give it a healthy
work out. This can improve circulation around the body and to the
extremities as it makes the blood less viscous and the vessels function
better. In people without prior heart disease and who are otherwise
healthy, a warm bath can lower your blood pressure and improve cardiac
function.

Taking a bath may help you to breathe

easier
Being immersed in water past your chest with your head out, can have a
good influence on your lung capacity and oxygen intake. There are two
factors that contribute to this; the temperature of the water and the
pressure the water places on your chest and lungs. When the water is
warmer and your heart is beating faster, your oxygen intake can be
improved and the steam created can clear your sinuses and chest.
Immersion in colder water such as taking a swim in a natural body of
water or an unheated pool, can help to reduce the risk of infection in
people who suffer from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease). Studies on prepubescent girls have shown that swimming can
improve lung growth and capacity due to the resistance it provides and
the breathing techniques that are required for stamina. You are required
to take longer and deeper rhythmic breaths, which improve the strength
and capacity of your lungs.

Your brain and nervous system can

benefit from bathing
Submergence in water can reduce pain and inflammation and also calm
the nervous system, reducing the levels of stress and anxiety in the body
and improving your mood. Hydrotherapy can help people who suffer
from multiple sclerosis as the temperature and pressure of the water
gently relieves the spine of pain and discomfort. By providing postural
stability, water can alleviate symptoms associated with such conditions
as Parkinson’s Disease, providing the patient with some relief and a
better quality of life.

Bathing can benefit your muscles, joints

and bones
Stretching and moving in water has been shown to be low impact on the
joints, muscles and bones, but very effective in providing an adequate
workout through resistance. There is also less chance of injury for people
who are at risk of falls, which makes aquatic exercise ideal for the elderly.
Taking a spa can alleviate some of the discomfort of conditions such as
osteoarthritis, without any adverse effects or exacerbation of symptoms.

Improve your gastrointestinal health

through bathing
The heat of a warm bath can alleviate pain associated with hemorrhoids
or anal fissures. The temperature can cause the sphincter to relax and
help to heal wounds following surgery. Although warm baths aren’t
advised immediately after eating, taking baths will improve your blood
circulation, which can aid digestion generally. In fact, a
recent independent study has shown that bathing may reduce sugar
levels in the blood, which could help people who suffer from diabetes to
manage their weight better.

Bathing can progress the natural

birthing process and improve health of
the urinary system
It is well documented that women in the first stages of labor can
maximize relaxation and minimize pain when immersed in a warm bath.
This can then allow them to focus on birthing their babies and
progressing their labor. There are no adverse effects to both mother and
baby from being immersed in water during labor and after the baby is
born. In some cultures, post natal bathing in herbs and essential oils
have also contributed to the healing process of both the body and the
mind. While regular bathing can present an increased risk of urinary
tract infections, particularly for repeat sufferers, warm baths can aid
internal urethral sphincter relaxation, which alleviates pain following
surgery and can accelerate the healing process from episiotomy or birth
related tearing.

Take care of your blood and immunity

with a bath
Not only does a warm bath make the 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 or spa can kill
bacteria and improve immunity. It can relieve the symptoms of cold and
flu. Research has shown that cold water submergence can improve cell
damage and decrease the risk of necrosis, reducing the risk and survival
rate of some cancers.

Balance your hormones by bathing

Conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and some fertility issues
can be assisted by bathing in colder temperatures. Hormones released by
the pituitary gland such as adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH and
other hormones such as beta endorphin and cortisol can become more
balanced. Alternatively, warm water bathing can increase levels
of serotonin, which is the chemical produced by the brain associated with
happiness and well being.
Bathing cleanses and moisturizes your
skin, hair and eyes
Exposure to fluid through bathing and steaming is a great way to ensure
hydration of the body in all aspects. The human body is made mostly of
water and that is why we are encouraged to drink plenty of it. But
soaking in it is also extremely beneficial. We can enhance this by adding
certain oils or salts to a bath or bathing in a natural body of water or
pool, rich in naturally occurring minerals. Hot water opens our pores
and causes us to sweat, which is the body’s natural way of cleansing
itself. Similarly, cold water can tighten our skin and reduce sweating and
open pores, whilst still providing optimal hydration.

Your core body temperature will be

optimal through bathing
There is no quicker and more pleasant way to regulate your body
temperature than through bathing. On a cold day, taking a hot bath or
spa is sure to warm you up. Going for a cold ocean swim in the height of
summer is undeniably the best way to cool off.

Evidence has shown that bathing, whether in cold or hot water; at home
in a vessel or out in a natural body of water can have many health
benefits without adverse effects. However, 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.
SOURCE: http://www.lifehack.org/381960/10-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-taking-bath