Key Takeaways -
- Whirlpool bathing is a great way to relax and reduce stress after a long day of work or physical activity.
- The therapeutic power of whirlpool bathing comes from the combined effects of the warm water, the massage action of the jets and buoyancy.
- The pressure of the water helps increase circulation and improve skin tone while also helping to reduce inflammation.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing way to unwind after a long day or want to give your body some much-needed TLC, taking regular baths in a whirlpool is an excellent choice.
From improved circulation and detoxification to better sleep and reduced stress levels, there are plenty of reasons why enjoying a nice soak in your own personal spa can be great for both body and mind.
In this article, we'll explore some of the amazing health benefits of regular whirlpool bathing. So grab your favorite bath salts, light up some candles and let's jump right in.
How Does A Whirlpool Bath Work?
Whirlpool bathing is a type of hydrotherapy that involves immersing oneself in WARM water while jets massage the body.
The jets create a swirling motion that helps relax muscles and INCREASE blood flow throughout the body. This type of therapy has been used for centuries to help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
According to a recent study, even just a few minutes of whirlpool bathing can REDUCE stress hormones, boost mood, and improve sleep quality [1].
From taking advantage of improved circulation and lymphatic drainage to deep CLEANSING, which can help with skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and acne, regular use of a whirlpool bath is quickly becoming the preferred choice of relaxation in many homes across the country.
Whirlpool Bath Benefits
Using a whirlpool tub can provide numerous health benefits and help keep your body FUNCTIONING at its best. Here are some of the amazing benefits of a whirlpool:
Improved Circulation
Soaking in a whirlpool bath can be beneficial for improving CIRCULATION. The warm water helps to dilate the blood vessels, while the jets massage the skin and muscles, increasing blood flow throughout the body.
Studies have shown that hydrotherapy can help reduce symptoms of poor circulation, such as pain and stiffness in the legs. Additionally, baths may temporarily ALLEVIATE poor circulation symptoms by stimulating veins and arteries.
Stress Relief
Whirlpool baths can be a great way to de-stress after a long day of work or physical activity. The combination of warm water and massage action from the jets helps to RELAX your body and reduce tension.
In addition, research has shown that hydrotherapy can help reduce cortisol levels - the hormone released during stress and ANXIETY [2].
As a result, regular whirlpool baths can help to LOWER stress levels, including blood pressure and reduce feelings of depression, leaving you feeling relaxed and revitalized.
Reduced Inflammation
The hot water in a whirlpool bath helps to increase the body's TEMPERATURE, which can lead to the release of anti-inflammatory agents.
Studies have found that hydrotherapy can help to reduce inflammation and DECREASE pain [3]. In fact, many people who suffer from chronic joint pain or arthritis find relief by soaking in a whirlpool bath.
Improved Sleep Quality
Taking a whirlpool bath before bed can also help improve sleep QUALITY due to increased blood flow which helps relax your body, making it easier to drift off into a restful sleep.
A warm bath before bed can also help reduce STRESS, which can further improve the quality of your sleep.
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and Epsom salt to your whirlpool bath for extra relaxation.
Detoxification
Whirlpool baths are a great way to detoxify the body and reduce harmful TOXINS. When soaking in the tub, the heat helps to loosen muscles, which releases stored toxins so they can be carried away by the jets when they massage the skin and muscles.
Additionally, warm water can help to open capillary beds near the skin's surface, allowing for INCREASED detoxification through sweat glands. The jets also flush out any toxins released from the body, giving you an even deeper cleanse and detoxification experience.
Improved Mobility
Soaking in a whirlpool bath can help to increase joint FLEXIBILITY and reduce muscle stiffness. The heat helps to relax muscles, while the jets provide a massage action that can help alleviate any pain or soreness.
This makes it easier to move around and increases mobility, making it EASIER to perform daily activities.
Pro Tip: It's important to remember that using a whirlpool bath is not a substitute for medical care; it should be used to complement and enhance your overall well-being.
Tissue Debridement Following Burn Injuries
Whirlpool baths can also help to improve wound HEALING and tissue debridement following burn injuries. By providing a gentle massage action, the jets can help to remove any dead skin or debris from the wound, allowing for increased blood flow to the area and promoting faster healing.
Studies have found that hydrotherapy can reduce pain associated with burn injuries and minimize the need for scar revision surgery [4]. Additionally, hydrotherapy can help to reduce infection risk by flushing out any bacteria from the wound.
Pain Relief
Whirlpool shower baths can also relieve pain for those suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia and other CHRONIC conditions. The heat of the water and the massage action helps to relax tight muscles, providing a much-needed break from physical discomfort.
In addition, regular whirlpool baths can reduce inflammation and ease joint STIFFNESS, making it easier to move around and reducing the need for pain medication.
Conclusion
Whirlpool baths are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous health benefits, both physically and psychologically.
From improved circulation and muscle relaxation to reduced stress levels and improved sleep quality - there are many reasons why people are turning to whirlpool baths for their overall health needs.
Whether you're looking to relax, detoxify or rehabilitate from an injury - a whirlpool bath could be the perfect solution for your needs.
So why not take the plunge and make a splash with a whirlpool bath today? It's sure to be an experience that will leave you feeling relaxed, reenergized and refreshed.
Sources -
- Mooventhan A, Nivethitha L. Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body. North American Journal of Medical Sciences. 2014;6(5):199. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.132935
- Benfield RD, Hortobágyi T, Tanner CJ, Swanson M, Heitkemper MM, Newton ER. The Effects of Hydrotherapy on Anxiety, Pain, Neuroendocrine Responses, and Contraction Dynamics During Labor. Biological Research For Nursing. 2010;12(1):28-36. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1099800410361535
- Johnson J. Hydrotherapy: Types of treatments. Medicalnewstoday.com. Published September 30, 2020. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hydrotherapy
- Browning JA, Renford Cindass. Burn Debridement, Grafting, and Reconstruction. Nih.gov. Published June 5, 2022. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551717/
Content editor, marketer and product tester. A regular contributor for the ‘Home And Garden’ and Modern Homes Magazines, now part of a close-knit team, I oversee all the content on Posh. All roads have led to this job which I love. I get to focus on my love of interior design and health and work with a fabulous team. The role brings me a good level of freedom to my family and me and keeps me productive
