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The Benefits of Varying Bath Water Temperatures.
Most people feel the temperature of their bath is a personal choice, and for the most part it is. However, the temperature of bath or shower can create physiological changes.
A Hot bath or shower consists of a water temperature ranging between 96 F to 105 F. Hot baths or hot water showers can stimulate the immune system and increase circulation. By soothing nerves, hot water calms and relaxes the body. Hot water baths lasting two to fifteen minutes are employed in the treatment of chronic rheumatic manifestations in joints, fibrous tissue, and muscles; for the relief of muscle spasms, and of colic in the gastric, intestinal, gall bladder, or urinary tracts. Hot water can also cleanse the skin, and moisturize it too; pores are opened and take in water. Hot baths with temperatures above 101 F put a strain on the heart as it works to dilate blood vessels in order to cool the body. People suffering from heart disease or conditions that effect the arteries or the central nervous system need to avoid these water temperatures.
The Cold bath or showers, which consists of temperatures varying from 50 F to 70 F may be used to, stimulate the metabolism. The feeling of exhilaration is achieved with cold water temperatures because the circulation becomes rapid in the body. A study performed at the University of Hull found the regime of cold showers taken by athletes could reduce stress levels and create mental toughness. Cold baths and showers can wake both you and your muscles up during morning hours, revitalize the body after work; help cool down a sunburn and prevent it from penetrating to deeper layers of the skin, and it can temporarily alleviate skin irritations such as insect bites and minor skin allergies. But a word of caution, be sure that your heart, arteries and blood pressure can stand the shock. Because of the sudden drop in body temperature, the increase in pulse and respiration, as well as the dilation of blood vessels, this temperature should only be used for short periods of time, not over 3 minutes, more as a dip than an actual immersion. After the cold water experience, always towel dry completely and quickly. The use of cold water temperatures should only be used by the healthiest of individuals, consult your doctor if you have concerns.
The Neutral bath or shower, usually consists of temperatures at the body’s normal surface area, that of 93 F. Usually water at this temperature produces little physiological change. However, they can often calm nervousness and emotional upsets, reduce some joint swelling, and cleanse the body. Another use for neutral temperatures of water, it’s the best temperature for water aerobics and exercise.
The study of Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic use of water, steam, and ice and has been used for centuries to treat injuries and ailments. Many cultures, such as the Chinese, Japanese, Native Americans, as well as ancient Romans used water therapy for healing purposes. The ancient Greeks took therapeutic baths. Midwives have used warm water baths to assist in relaxing laboring mothers, making deliveries easier for the mother and gentler for the baby.
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A perfect bath
