Water has an amazing effect on the body. It is very good for our skin and muscles. Heat tends to quiet and sooth the body, while cold will stimulate and invigorate. The calming effect of soaking can relax and work to reduce the effects of stress on the body. If you have a hectic and stressful lifestyle, soaking maybe the perfect solution to a better life.

A recent Mayo Clinic study found that soaking in a hot bath/tub gives many of the health benefits of exercise with less strain on the heart! The hot soak increases the heart rate while it lowers blood pressure rather than raising it as does other forms of exercise. Immersion in hot water first speeds up the heart to send blood to the surface and disperse extra body heat into the air. But after a few minutes, the warm blood causes the blood vessels to dilate, which lessens resistance to blood flow and lowers the blood pressure.

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) believes that many cases of insomnia can be traced to hectic, stressful lifestyles. Studies suggest soaking in water of approximately 103 degrees Fahrenheit about two hours before bedtime can ease the transition into a deeper, more restful sleep, reducing insomnia.

The combination of warmth and buoyancy is extremely beneficial to arthritis sufferers. The buoyancy of the water relaxes the muscles and supports and reduces stress on the joints which encourages freer movement. Relaxing the muscles helps to increase their range of motion.

A hot bath is used for relaxation, lowering the body’s energy. It stimulates sweating and increases the elimination of toxins.

Cold water applied to any part of the body causes an initial chilling effect, followed by dilation of the small blood vessels in the skin. The increased blood flow suffuses the whole area with a warm, reddish, healthy glow. Cold showers or baths can also aid in lowering inflammation as well as anxiety and stress levels.

The Hot/Cold Plunge is another form of hydrotherapy. This method calls for the immersion in a hot tub for 10-15 minutes, then immediately transferring it into a cold plunge tub for 1-5 minutes, repeating the process for 5-10 transfers. This “contrast therapy” boosts the benefits of Hot and Cold-Water therapies.

Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any form of hydrotherapy.