What do the medical balneologists have to say about the temperature of mineral water therapy?
It is believed among some scientific circles that warm spring soaking is more beneficial (99 – 101° F) than thermal therapy. This is not necessarily supported by independent research and medical scientific analysis.
European medical doctors have conducted research into thermal therapy, and have found that Hydrostatic pressure in the body is increased. This results in increased blood circulation and cell oxygenation. The elimination systems of the body are thus stimulated, improving the body’s capacity to detoxify. The body’s metabolism is stimulated, resulting in improved digestion.
3 to 4 weeks of regular thermal bathing can assist in the normalization of endocrine glands and assist the automatic nervous system. Many of the stimulating benefits of hot spring water are temperature dependent. Balneologists have found that soaking temporarily in hot springs relieves chronic pain directly associated with inflammation, even in cases where inflammation has not been reduced.
In Japan, at the famous Kusatsu hot spring, a 3-minute 125° F bath is utilized for an extraordinary therapeutic experience. Each visitor is pre-screened by the “bath master” to determine if such a bath would be safe and beneficial for each individual.
The founder of Delight’s Hot Springs Resort kept a private and personal use therapy tub set at a consistent 116° F. Not everyone should utilize high-temperature hot springs for therapeutic use. The state of one’s metabolism and the presence of medical conditions are the determining factors when considering the most safe and healthy water temperature to bath in.