water – Created Curated by Sara Brown

How Do You Take Your Water

When it comes to bottled water, there are numerous types on the market: mineral, spring, artesian, purified, flavoured and alkaline water, to name a few. Stroll through any supermarket and you’ll be taken aback by the sheer diversity of choice. It’s a struggle to know which water is the best because there are just too many options. Each brand claiming to have wildly impressive additional health benefits. Some swear by glacial meltwater or whatever designer water is currently trending. It’s difficult not to make sweeping judgements about bottled water, there has to be more that just hype. But which is better for your health and do they all just do the same thing, keep you hydrated.

Is water well, just water?

Tap water in the UK is among the safest in the world, according to Dr Jim Marshall, the senior policy adviser at Water UK. It passes more than 99.9 per cent of quality tests. There are more standards regulating tap water than those applied to the bottled water industry. But despite this, whether it stems from concern about tap water, clever marketing or a fondness for a crisper, cleaner flavour, bottled water is hugely popular and is going from strength to strength.

So, what exactly are these different waters? Some of the larger water companies have admitted that their bottled water is nothing more than filtered tap water, so what you are actually paying for are large advertising campaigns and wonderfully designed packaging.

The UK bottled water market is worth £2.4 billion and has grown year-on-year since 2012. The total bottled water production stood at over 2,700 million litres last year. It’s no different in America, where consumers shell out $16 billion annually. Clearly the advertising men are doing a great job of selling something that we all need to stay alive.

Spring water comes from an underground source and must be collected at the spring or through a borehole tapping the spring’s source, according to the International Bottled Water Association.

Mineral water is natural water that has a constant level and relative proportions of mineral and trace elements, containing no less than 250 parts per million totals of dissolved solids, according to the water association. No extra minerals can be added to it.

Purified water the Bottled Water association defines as water that has been highly treated through distillation, deionization or other suitable processes in order to meet certain standards before being sold. Most bottled waters use this method.

Artesian water is derived from a well that taps a specific layer of rock or sand.

Filtered water is the home- made version of purified water, by using a water filter jug like Brita or water filter taps also referred to as 3-way kitchen tap, which filters the water automatically.

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than tap water. Natural alkaline water can occur when water picks up minerals from areas such as springs, when it passes over rocks in the environment or can be produced by water filter systems called ionizers.

Ionized water has antioxidant properties. Therefore, what you get is an abundance of hydrated minerals. It is said to taste better than regular water, Its filtered and purified by machine.

Flavoured and enhanced water Some varieties boast beneficial antioxidants from plant extracts, tea and fruit juices. It’s best to look for brands that are free of calories, sweeteners and artificial ingredients.

Sparkling waters are acidic. Carbonation introduces carbon dioxide, which lowers the pH level and increases the acidity. These can replace fizzy drinks like lemonade and soda water.

Coconut water forms naturally in the fruit and contains 94% water. It’s a good source of fibre, vitamin C and several other minerals. Evidence shows that coconut water may be no more effective than drinking plain water. But the potassium it contains can be a benefit to you, particularly after sports.

Artesian water is from underground wells, whilst spring water comes from surface water and mineral water (which accounts for the lion’s share 45% of the UK market) comes from natural springs rich in minerals like salt and sulphur compounds. Some of these like Buxton and Harrogate Spa have been famous for their healthy water for hundreds of years. I did drink water from a natural spring during a stay in Spain and the taste was more pleasant that tap water, which isn’t drunk very often my the locals.

A cheap way of purifying tap water for some time has been the Brita water filter system, I have used these myself in the past. There have been some recent health concerns raised. One of the downsides of filters is keeping them maintained, and if you don’t, they can become a hazard in themselves because of the potential hygiene risk. The filter can grow mould and break down and impart material in to the water and old filter’s are less effective. So, you’re could be drinking tap water with contaminants and whatever else has grown in the old filter. (As water attracts bacteria) Experts stress that there are no specific health benefits to water filters and its a matter of personal preference, but that filters should always be changed regularly.

You might have seen alkaline water in recent years, become popular due to a belief that it may benefit health. There’s not really a lot of evidence either supporting the health claims that are made about alkaline water or refuting the claims. A pH level is a measure of how acidic or alkaline something is. Tap water has a PH level of 7 containing one acidic hydrogen ion (H+) and one basic hydroxide ion (OH-), balancing each other out to make water neutral. Most alkaline waters lie in the PH range of 8 or 9, due to addition of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It been thought to provide better hydration, especially for athletes.

Water filter systems called ionizers are home appliance’s that claims to raise the pH level of drinking water by using electrolysis to separate the incoming water stream into acidic and alkaline components. These are often combined with Reverse Osmosis systems. To give the water a healthier mineral content it often has to be put through an ioniser as purified water (RO) tends to be acidic.

Reverse Osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane system to remove ions, impurities, minerals and molecules to create pure water. Some systems have a remineralization filter which adds calcium and magnesium and other healthy mineral’s back into the water. During the purification process quite a lot of water is wasted and the costs involved can be high.

Plain drinking water can be a bit uninspiring and adding a wedge of lime or lemon to the water can help to improve the taste. Many prefer flavoured waters instead and it’s easy and healthier to make flavoured water at home. Simply add your favourite sliced fruits to cold water and the longer you let it sit, the stronger the flavour. To add a little bit of excitement you can try mixing fruits and herbs: grapefruit, strawberries, berries, lemon, lime, cucumber, ginger, celery, basil, mint and lavender. Pinterest has a lot of wonderful ideas. Invest in a carafe or Kilner jar, so it not only tastes great it looks lovely too. I have a reusable water bottle which has a lift-out section for adding extras in the centre. Re-usable water bottles are the best to use and a huge range of bottles and designs are on sale, for every taste. Some even show how much you have drunk during the day.

Who knew that water could vary so much? But as long as you are drinking it in some form or other, that’s fine!

Water is for Life

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We all know we need to drink water to remain at our optimum health and fitness. But what actually happens to the human body if you don’t drink water? The answer is that every human body is comprised of about 60% water, which is needed for a number of human bodily processes including blood circulation, regulation of body temperature, waste removal and detoxification. During everyday functioning, water is lost by the body, and this needs to be replaced. We notice that we lose water through activities such as sweating and urination, but water is lost even when breathing. It is essential to maintain a balanced water level, by drinking enough throughout the day. How much water you need to drink a day, depends on factors such as your age, body fat and gender and where you live. Men roughly need between 2-3 litres of water a day, while women need a bit less around 2 to 2.5 litres. If you don’t drink enough water, the outcome is usually very bad.

When you stop drinking water, you experience the signs of dehydration: feelings of thirst, hunger and irritability. As you continue to not drink, you stop urinating, have trouble swallowing, suffer from muscle spasms and experience nausea. Your blood stops flowing to the skin and your core body temperature increases. The lack of blood flow in your skin may cause you to turn a greyish- blue colour. After three to five days of not drinking water, your organs begin to shut down, especially the brain, which could have lethal consequences including fainting, strokes and in extreme cases, even death.

Scary stuff indeed, and this really does stress the sheer importance of the simple act of drinking water. Something which many off us struggle to do. According to the NHS website, drinking water, whether from the tap or a bottle, is the best source of fluid for the body. Fluid can be gained from other beverages and obtained through foods with a high- water content, such as soups, tomatoes and oranges but water is the best choice as it’s calorie-free. So much is talked about water and there are so many contractionary facts and very little science behind many of the specific rules. So just where do we start?

Universally agreed, on is that to function properly, all the cells and organs of the body need water, it lubricates the joints, it delivers oxygen throughout the body and forms saliva and mucus. (Helping us to digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist) Water is needed in the processes of sweating and removal of urine and faeces. it makes minerals and nutrients accessible, as these dissolve in water, which makes it possible for them to reach different parts of the body. It boosts skin health and beauty, with dehydration, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling. Some evidence also suggests that increasing water intake can promote weight loss by slightly increasing your metabolism, which can increase the number of calories you burn on a daily basis.

Staying hydrated is vital. Studies show that even mild dehydration, such as the loss of 2% of body weight, can impair many aspects of brain function. Drinking a glass of water when you feel tired will help to power up your brain. Since your brain consists of 75% water, drinking a glass or two when you’re feeling sleepy will help to replenish your brain’s fluid levels, and increase cognitive functioning. If you don’t your physical performance can also suffer particularly during intense exercise or high heat. it isn’t uncommon for athletes to lose as much as 10% of their water weight via sweat. This can lead to altered body temperature control, reduced motivation, and increased fatigue. It can also make exercise feel much more difficult, both physically and mentally.

In a study, researchers found that fluid loss of 1.4% after exercise impaired both mood and concentration and increased the frequency of headaches. A headache is one of the most common symptoms of dehydration. Some studies have shown too that drinking water can help relieve headaches in those who experience frequent headaches.

Asthma and allergies are worse, when dehydrated, as airways are restricted by the body in an effort to minimize water loss. So, drinking water can help alleviate symptoms.

The science claims that drinking water at the correct times of day can help to prevent common problems such as stomach pain, IBS, bloating, fatigue, overeating, high blood pressure, constipation, and even heart attacks and strokes. But when are the correct times?

Ayurveda suggests that is a healthy habit to drink water first thing in the morning, which is known as Ushapan. It helps get rid of many diseases in the body. Drinking water in the morning helps in flushing all the toxins in the body and cleanses your intestines. A glass or two first thing, can also help to jumpstart your brain and body out of sleep mode.

The correct way to drink water is to sit down with a glass of water and sip slowly and steadily. Unnecessary gulping of huge amounts of water may lead to lack of oxygen in the wind and food pipe, which could potentially give rise to heart problems. Drinking room temperature water is preferred over very cold water. By drinking one glass of water 30 minutes before and after a meal it aids digestion and allows the body to absorb the nutrients. Not only does the water prepare your intestines, it also prevents you from over-eating, since the water lines your stomach and makes you feel fuller faster. If you’re hungry between meals, pour yourself a glass of water to see if you’re actually dehydrated. Sometimes people think they’re hungry when they’re really just thirsty. Remember not to drink too soon after a meal as the water can dilute the digestive juices and we absorb water best when our stomachs are not full of food. Also drinking too much water during a heavy meal can lead to discomfort and feeling even more bloated. Drinking water before taking a bath can help lower blood pressure. An hour before bedtime drinking one glass of water replenishes any fluid loss that can occur during the night.

Avoid drinking water while standing as it can have an adverse effect on your kidneys, and can even lead to arthritis. Sitting while drinking allows your body to better filter the nutrients and direct the water to specific areas that need nourishing.

When drinking Alcohol (which is a diuretic, so it makes you lose more water than you take in can leading to dehydration) increasing water intake is often recommended. Drink a glass of water between drinks and have at least one glass of water before going to bed can prevent unpleasant symptoms experienced after drinking alcohol like hangovers.

Keep yourself hydrated while exercising is important, but avoid drinking too much. it’s incredibly rare, but it’s possible to drink so much water you put your health at risk. Excess water consumption during your workout will dilute your body’s natural balance of salt and you can become too low in sodium, a condition known as hyponatremia which leads to cell swelling that can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures and death.

Many people struggle to know which type of water is the best for them, because the market is so full, each brand claiming to have additional health benefits. Concerns about tap water and uncertainty about the health benefits to water filters just add to the confusion. It’s too vast a subject to talk about in a few lines, so I will post an additional blog post.

However, I would say that the health specialists, I have listened to, generally felt that for most people in developed countries tap water is just fine. If you prefer bottled spring water for its crisper flavour, that’s perfectly acceptable. Flavoured shop- bought waters can contain additives, so are best avoided. It may turn out that a lot comes down to personal preference.

Water Power-Hydrotherapy, Balneotherapy and Thalassothreapy

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Water is the most receptive element and the greatest receiver of energy. In my last blog post, I talked about the history of the practice of the Water Cure, which is a combination of Hydrotherapy, Balneotherapy and Thalassotherapy. Whilst in the main these water therapies are best practised in a spa or with trained practitioners, some aspects like Balneotherapy can be done at home.

I have covered a little about each method below:

Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic whole-body treatment that involves moving and exercising in water, it can also be called Aqua therapy. Hydrotherapy pools are usually different from ordinary pools – the temperature, pressure and movement of water is controlled and changed according to the requirements of the person having the treatment. However, you could have hydrotherapy treatments in any water or pool. Being immersed, buoyant or massaged in water can relieve our bodies in a variety of different ways, and hydrotherapy can help with many physical and emotional complaints; including rheumatic pain and arthritis, poor muscle and skin tone, back pain, muscle or ligament injuries; broken limbs, neurological conditions such as strokes or brain injuries. Doctors often prescribe a course of hydrotherapy as part of a treatment program. It is also used by athletes to improve and maintain their general health and fitness, and by others as part of a healthy whole-body. Hydrotherapy is often prescribed by a GP or therapist as part of a course of treatment: a program of movements and exercises is tailored to your needs.

NB- If you’re having hydrotherapy at a spa, you may well be having a more general treatment, in which case just be aware of the power of the water.

There are different versions of Hydrotherapy, I have listed several below:

The Watsu Method– Also called water Shiatsu, is a combination of Aqua therapy and Shiatsu. Watsu is based on stretching the body in the supportive, relaxing medium of warm water. Besides the physical benefits this also has benefits mentally. The Watsu method has a general relaxation and calming effect that soothes the muscle tension and stimulates all of the body systems and organs by nourishing the energy flow.

The Feldenkrais Method- This method promotes teaching individuals about the quality of their movements and how to move effortlessly with ease and efficiency. This is called Awareness Through Movement, many of the aspects of this can be successfully adapted to water. The properties of water can affect movement; for example, the relationship of yourself to gravity combined with the unique attributes of the Feldenkrais method.

The Burdenko Method– Is a method of Aqua therapy which is designed to address the 6 precepts of fitness: strength; flexibility; balance; co-ordination, endurance and speed. It is promoted as a great way to recover from injury or surgery.

Balneotherapy, is hydrotherapy without the exercise and is also called Spa therapy. Thermal water treatments are century-old practices, used all over the world and part of traditional therapies of ancient and modern cultures There are three basic ways of taking the waters, these are: externally, through immersion, either total or partial; into the lungs and respiratory tract, through the inhalation of aerosols; and internally, through drinking. The various kinds of mineral waters have differing effects through each of these. Balneotherapy. is frequently used in alternative medicine as a disease cure and is very popular for treatment of all types of arthritis. Scientific studies have proven that balneotherapy could help in the reduction of pain in conditions such as low back pain, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. It could also help manage stress also in a better way.

Water has different properties at different temperatures: Hot is stimulating and will relax muscles. Warm is gently reviving and will stimulate the appetite, cool, is soothing for heated skin and inflammation. Cold water can only be used for short intervals of time. This can be used after hot water for exhilaration and stimulating circulation. Alternating between hot and cold water can be a powerful technique. Balneologists have three major vectors for analysing and classifying the natural mineral waters that occur at various spa resorts. The thermal waters, as they come out of the earth, are naturally one of three temperatures:

Hypothermal: from cool to tepid, well below body temperature.

Mesothermal: warm, or around body temperature.

Hyperthermal: hot, or well above body temperature.

During immersion, the skin absorption of the minerals in the water can be considerable, especially in total body immersion and if the water is at a high temperature. The skin and the peripheral lymphatic and capillary circulation are the most directly affected. With aerosol inhalation, lung and respiratory conditions are targeted. And with the internal imbibing of the waters, the digestive organs and the Natural Faculty are most directly affected, and through them, every organ and tissue in the body. In addition, techniques like massage are used with salts, peats, clays and muds. In countries like Hungary and Poland, it has been in use for centuries for the treatment of common ailments.

Balneotherapy can be done at home. The following is a suggestion of ways to ensure it works for you:

Prepare the water in a bath, making sure the temperature is between 98.6 degrees and 107 degrees. If you want to stimulate your body or to treat mild fatigue, a bath at a temperature of 98.6 degrees is ideal. If you would like to soothe your muscles and joints after an intense workout, the preferred temperature would be higher at 107 degrees. The minerals that can be easily used at home for Balneotherapy are Epsom salt and Dead Sea salt. The recommended amount is 1-2 cups in a standard-sized bath. Soak for about 15 to 20 minutes to reap the benefits of this therapy. Making sure that you are soaked all the way up to the neck. After taking your bath, relax for 10-20 minutes, lie down or meditate for a while.

NB-If you have respiratory or heart problems, make sure to consult a doctor before opting for Balneotherapy.

Thalassotherapy– It was Frenchman Jacques de la Bonnardière, in 1865, who invented the concept of thalassotherapy, combining two Greek words, thalassa (sea) and therapies (therapia). The Greeks, have always been a seafaring people and they have always placed great faith in the healing powers of the sea and the marine environment. Due to the supernatural power attributed to the warm waters and their vapours, it’s not surprising how the first Thermal baths arose in Ancient times near the temples and natural hot springs. Some claims are made that Thalassotherapy was developed in France during the 19th century. I think that many of the techniques were used for centuries before this but were actually fine- honed in France at a later time.

The word spa comes from the Latin sanitus per aqua which translates as health through water and the curative qualities of seawater and the seaside climate have been used for therapeutic purposes since Roman times. Today, it’s a big business and there are countless seaside towns where visitors flock to be sprayed, floated, pummelled and hosed using a variety of water-based techniques. The marine air is filled with healing, refreshing negative ions. Modern science tells us that all life evolved out of the oceans, so the desire to take a healing, refreshing dip in the ocean can be seen as the desire to return to our Source. The writings of Rene Quinton formed the foundation for the modern science of Thalassotherapy. French physicians started formulating treatment plans and therapeutic protocols in Thalassotherapy and constructing seaside Balneotherapy resorts where seawater was pumped in to large thermal treatment pools. The first rheumatism and depression treatment centre opened in Boulogne-Sur-Mer in 1800 but enthusiasm for Thalassotherapy only really took hold in 1822 with the opening of the first warm water spa in Dieppe, which would launch its fashionable beach resort. Which encouraged people to take a spa holiday.

Some of the health problems that can be treated include eczema and psoriasis, joint problems, arthritis, poor circulation, immobility and post-operative conditions, which are treated with seawater baths and sea algae packs. Thalassotherapy is also very beneficial against stress, fatigue and aging and other minor health complaints we all suffer from which can slowly sap our vitality and immunity. The secret to seawater’s effectiveness lies in its trace minerals, which act as catalysts to activate the cellular enzymes. Without these vital trace minerals, cellular activity gets sluggish, which adversely impacts all the major bodily functions. The nutrients from food ingested by a de-mineralized body can’t be properly absorbed, digested and metabolized. So, our bodies can’t properly expel metabolic wastes and toxins. Cellular sluggishness can produce a whole plethora of nasty symptoms including fatigue, insomnia, a slow metabolism, circulation problems and poor immunity, all of which can lead to more serious health ailments and diseases. All of these conditions can be remedied by the healing effects of seawater and Thalassotherapy. Some of the standard procedures and treatments are algae poultices, algae hand and foot baths, hot seawater baths, ( Seaweed has incredible qualities and I will tell you more about these in my next blog post) underwater massage and jet Thermal Medicine.

The health benefits of the seaside and ocean can be experienced by simply spending a day near the coastline, it is certainly one of my favourite things to do, I always feel wonderful afterwards!

The Ancient Origins of Hydrotherapy

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The beneficial properties of water have been well-known since ancient times for its healing and disease-protecting effects. When men discovered the importance of water as an essential element for human life, they built the first civilisations close by to the sea and rivers. Due to its importance, water was seen as magical and considered a gift of the divinity. Egyptians and Israelites used to plunge themselves in the sacral water of Niles and Jordan. Hindus, enter the waters of the Ganges river for healing their soul and body.

Ancient Greeks knew the beneficial properties of sulphurous springs, especially for healing skin diseases and for relieving muscular and joint pain. The element of Water was thought to have an Expulsive Virtue which washed impurities and waste products from the body. The cleansing action of the water is enhanced by its surface tension, which further enables the water to be able to penetrate and draw out the impurities and toxins. In the Homeric poems and Hesiod, many references are made to the use of restorative baths. Plato said, “The sea cures all ailments of man.” Euripides said, “The sea washes away all men’s illnesses.” Plato, Hippocrates and Aristotle all recommended hot seawater baths. Cato the Elder served his slaves a mixture of wine and seawater to restore their energy.

Hippocrates, the famous philosopher, was the father of Hydrotherapy. He was very interested in the therapeutic properties of various waters, which he saw were either rain- fed, as in lakes or marshes, or from subterranean aquifers, as in mineral springs that come bubbling out of the rocks. He theorized that their differing curative properties came from their differing contents of various minerals like; iron, copper, silver, gold and sulfur. In his work “De is, a quiz at loci” he describes the chemical and organoleptic water features, and the effects of hot and cold baths on the human body. Hippocrates, proposed the hypothesis that all the human diseases started in an imbalance of the bodily fluids. To restore balance; changes of habits and environment were advised, including bathing, perspiration, walking, and massages.

Thermalism became the social form of Hydrotherapy. Following on from the Greeks, Romans considered bathing as a regular regimen for good health. Many Roman and Byzantine physicians like Herophilus, Erasistratus, Asclepiades and Orebasius studied the curative properties of mineral springs. Roman thermal baths became a social experience for everyone. Numerous baths, which they called Balnea, were constructed in Rome and conquered lands all over Europe, for both private and public use. Baths, were also built in private houses, often with special areas dedicated to sauna and massage. Not only was this a good regimen for human health, thermalism became important for socialising, relaxation and working. The Roman Thermae also had a medicinal emphasis, and were largely used as recuperation centres for the wounded military soldiers, fatigued by wars, to treat their sore wounds and tired muscles through the natural spring waters.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, spas in Austria and Germany, became popular. The Water Cure, which was also called Taking the Waters, was a 19th century health reform movement that employed the therapeutic use of water to revitalize health and treat disease. In the 19th century, detailed chemical analyses of the mineral contents of various hot springs waters began. (Today, in many European countries the scientific study of therapeutic spa bathing, is a recognized subspecialty of medicine) The Water Cure was a combination of Hydrotherapy, which is therapeutic bathing, Balneothrepy, which is bathing in thermal springs and Thalassothreapy, which is ocean bathing.

In 1849, Father Sebastian Kneipp who became known as the Water Doctor, invented a system of naturopathy of natural therapeutics. When taken seriously ill with pulmonary tuberculosis, he discovers a book by the physician Johann Sigmund Hahn, On the Healing Virtues of Cold Water, Inwardly and Outwardly Applied, which explained about the healing power of cold water. Fascinated by this information, Kneipp performed an experiment on himself in the cold Danube river. A bath that lasted only a few seconds and a brief run afterwards lead to a surprising positive result. He is invigorated afterwards and repeats the brief baths over the following days and supplements them with half-baths and affusions, the pouring on of water on the head, as in the rite of baptism. As a result, his state of health continually improves and his illness is gone. He began using Hydrotherapy to help some of his poorer parishioners. Kneipp, broadened his approach to include; medicinal herbs, exercise, a diet of low-protein and high fibre and adhering to the body’s natural biorhythms. He wrote My Water Cure in 1886 which was translated into several languages. Kneipp’s effective philosophy is grounded on the five basic principles of Water, Plants, Exercise, Nutrition and Balance. His five pillars remain so relevant today that his methods of aromatherapy and plant healing play an immense role in contributing to modern holistic healthcare and have influenced many other health programs and experts. The German UNESCO Committee have acknowledged his work as part of Germany’s cultural heritage. Today, the company of Kneipp continues its 125 years old heritage by providing natural body, bathing and skin products inspired by the lifelong naturopathic studies of the health pioneer Father Sebastian Kneipp.

The Belle Epoque period, late Victorian era to the Edwardian era, saw the emergence of Elitist Thermalism, throughout Europe and the Americas, Spas were on the rise. The new thermal centres were an integral part of gentile life, it was the beginning of Medical and Health Tourism. Health was not solely linked to the treatment of disease and ailments but also for well-being, luxury and social status.

To able to travel for their health like the nobility, was very much seen as a major aspiration for the wealthy classes, to be seen taking the waters whether afflicted by illness or not. The elite flocked in their masses to the European spas to socialize, fall in love, find creative inspiration, show- off the latest fashions, attend cultural events and meet famous people. I do hope that their health also benefited from the wonderful natural resources.

In my next blog post, I will go into more detail about the actual treatments. This is such a large subject it was becoming a bit too long like War and Peace!

Bathing for Good Health

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I started to research this blog on bathing (one of my favorite pastimes) and I found so much great information about this topic, I will be writing about different types of bathing for weeks to come, so in advance, I am very sorry about that!

At one in time in England a bath was a rare occurrence even for the upper classes, and now its seen as something so ordinary its almost taken for granted and its wide range of benefits are under-valued. We know about the relaxing benefits of unwinding with a hot bath, but did you know it can also help to improve your health?

Baths and bathing have been such a huge part of human life that there’s a bathing tradition on every continent. Most ancient cultures have long believed in the healing effects of water. Hippocrates in the 5^th century understood the connection between health and the practise of daily bathing and he was the father of Hydrotherapy. The Roman love for bathing gave birth to huge bathing complexes with under-floor heating and a range of temperatures (for Hydrotherapy) some of which are still standing and used today. The Japanese practice of engaging in public baths is known as Sento and lone-bathing at home is Furo. This is similar to mindfulness rather than a cleansing bath. (I will write a blog post about this)

Your skin releases endorphins in response to the soothing warm water the same way that endorphins are released when you feel the sun on your skin, says Dr Bobby Buka, a dermatologist based in New York. He explains that submerging ourselves in hot water can be both therapeutic and reinvigorating. So, soaking in a bath for 20 minutes, can help to stabilize blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, aid the flow of oxygen throughout your respiratory system and contribute to overall better heart health by increasing and improving blood flow to and from the heart. Taking a bath also helps to strengthen and synchronise your circadian rhythms, the daily fluctuations in behaviour and biochemistry that affect every one of our organs, including the brain.

After a bath your limbs and muscles will feel less sore after strenuous exercise or a demanding day at work and it can also help you experience less mental fatigue. It is said that our bodies associate horizontal conditions with relaxation and vulnerability, particularly in the bath, which possibly mimics the warm, liquid conditions of the womb. When struggling with a bad cold or flu, actually elevating your body temperature with a hot bath can actually boost your body’s ability to fight infections and viruses, combining this with essential oils, like lavender, eucalyptus or chamomile, and Dead Sea or Epsom salts can help reduce stress and aching muscles, allowing for even greater healing and relaxation. Simply making a daily routine out of unwinding in your bath at the end of a day and thinking, (or meditating) that the water is washing off your day and removing your worries will help to improve your well-being and sleep quality. Adding a gently, fragranced bath product, made from natural ingredients would add an extra touch of pampering, important to self-care.

Researchers have also found that soaking in an hour-long hot bath burned as many calories (around 140) as a 30-minute walk. This is because the warm water makes your heart beat faster, giving you a gentle workout session. As this may help reduce inflammation and in much the same way as exercise does, this is especially helpful for people who are unable to exercise through illness as well as a helping them to manage any pain. Many people who have chronic illnesses report feelings of depression, taking a hot bath can provide physical comfort and ease the blues that are associated with chronic pain conditions, literally washing your pain away.

I would just add one note of caution, if the temperature of the water is too hot it can put your body under what’s called heat stress, where your body’s internal temperature regulation is thrown and doesn’t have enough opportunity to recalibrate. Heat stress, can cause a strain on the heart, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. So keep check of the temperture.

There is some disagreement on whether it’s better to have a bath in the morning or evening, but some doctors advocate the benefits of a morning bath. Cortisol levels peak at 8am, so lowering the level first thing, would give a calmer start to the day, as we do on occasions wake up actually feeling stressed. Personally, I enjoy having a long soak in the bath, on the mornings I don’t work, as it’s a real chance to relax, get a bit of time to myself and spark my creative juices. I add some of my favourite oils, like bergamot and ginger. It is best to mix the essential oils in to a tablespoon of carrier oil like grapeseed or olive oil and use around 5-6 drops only. If you swirl your hands in the water to disperse the oil it doesn’t then sit on the surface of the water.

I hope this has made you re-think the humble act of bathing and I will add more in-depth details about some of the methods mentioned. I always think a long blog post is a bit like a speech that is far too long….

The poet and novelist Sylvia Plath wrote, “I am sure there are things that can’t be cured by a good bath, but I can’t think of one.”

I couldn’t agree more!