Muscle relaxation is absolutely critical for relieving pain, as pain is usually caused by muscle tension (including tension headaches). Sometimes joint pain is mainly because of the muscles clamping much too tightly over joints, making them rub together more than is healthy for them. The solution? Spas and hydrotherapy can relieve stress on muscles and bones by making you feel weightless - and this can lead to relief of the symptoms of fibromyalgia and arthritis, and other aggravating conditions.
The body has many ways of eliminating wastes. One way is through sweating. Since the water in a hot tub or spa is so warm, it forces sweating, which helps clear away some of the build up of toxins throughout the body.
Other advantages to soaking in a hot tub include the release of endorphins through the whole body by the heat and pressure supplied by the many pulsating jets. Endorphins are a natural product that is produced by your body and it is considered a "happy drug". It makes you feel much better and reduces the amount of pain you are able to feel. A soothing massage from the jets also aids in the relaxation of your complete body.
There are a few warnings that should be considered. First of all, the vasodilatation, or opening up of the blood vessels, that occurs heats up your body and can raise your full body temperature up to as high as 102 degrees. This is not safe for very long, so it is recommended that you remain in the hottub or spa for up to fifteen minutes. Listening to your body is a key way to keep yourself safe and out of trouble.
Even though hottub hydrotherapy will lower blood pressure, it initially increases it due to the heart wanting to get rid of the extra heat out of your body. That means that people who have high blood pressure (especially if you have been prescribed multiple medications) should speak with their physician before trying hottub water therapy. Some other medical conditions may prevent hot tubs from being an optimal method of relaxation. Ask your doctor!
Learning about how our bodies work and finding other, possible ways to improve our quality of life can be a healthy goal. Find out about more health benefiting information and live well.
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