Page 12 - Healthy Living and Hot Water

Hot Water & Relaxation

It is widely accepted that soaking in hot water is relaxing. Each of us

normally feels refreshed when we emerge from a shower or bath. The
effects of warm water are enhanced by water pressure when we are

immersed in deeper water. The available scientific research explains the

impact hot water immersion has on the body. The body’s nervous
system is designed to respond to physical or emotional threats or

“stresses” as part of our survival instinct. The nervous system helps us

relax after the threat has passed. Long-term stress is unhealthy and has
been linked to many causes of disease and death. When we are

threatened or “stressed,” our body creates hormones that trigger an
increased blood flow:

• Our hearts beat faster

• Our heart stroke volume increases

• We breathe faster to oxygenate the higher blood volume

• Other coping responses occur

This increase in blood flow prepares our body for a fight so that we can

protect ourselves from the threat. Similarly, the body has to be prepared

to flee if needed. These natural responses prepare us for “fight or flight.”
The part of our nervous system that prepares us to deal with stress is

called the sympathetic branch. The sympathetic branch is important in
the human’s survival instincts. However, if we are stressed too much

and too often, our long-term health suffers. Fortunately, the body has a

system (the parasympathetic branch) to create hormones that cause the
body to relax after the stress has passed. Physicians agree that managing

stress will increase our chances for healthier and happier lives.

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