When you’re hit by the unpleasant sensations of body aches and a blocked nose during cold and flu season, you might think of medications as your go-to remedy. However, don’t overlook the therapeutic benefits of a hot tub. Immersing yourself in the soothing embrace of warm water with effective jets could be just what you need to ease your symptoms.
Just remember to keep hydrated, maintain a clean tub, and limit your sessions to 20 minutes at a time. Let’s explore how the tranquil waters of a hot tub can offer you comfort and relief from cold and flu symptoms.
The Therapeutic Effects of Warm Vapor
Just as a bowl of steaming water can help relieve nasal congestion when you’re young, a hot tub can provide similar benefits with an added layer of relaxation. As you recline in the hot tub, the warm vapor gently helps in clearing your nasal passages and throat, making it easier for you to breathe. To keep things tidy, always have a towel or a handkerchief within reach for when you need to blow your nose.
Natural Pain Relief through Hydrotherapy
The discomforts of congestion, coughs, and fatigue are often accompanied by persistent headaches and body aches during a bout of the flu or cold. Before you opt for over-the-counter relief, consider the natural alleviation a hot tub can offer. Immersing in its heated waters, you benefit from buoyancy and massage, which ease your discomfort immediately.
Look into using systems like the ThermoSpas® Total Control Therapy System to focus on particularly sore spots with targeted hydrotherapy jets. This method helps relax tense muscles, enhances circulation, and expands blood vessels, soothing away pain effortlessly.
Enhancing Sleep Quality
Although falling ill can disrupt your sleeping patterns, rest is crucial for recovery. Soaking in a hot tub before bed can transition you into a deep state of relaxation that’s conducive to sleep. This type of relaxation prior to bedtime not only helps you fall asleep quicker but also enhances the overall quality of your sleep.
Reducing Stress During Illness
Stress can weaken your immune response, making you more susceptible to viruses. According to research highlighted by CNN, an immune system less responsive to cortisol—a stress hormone—is more likely to succumb to colds when exposed to viruses. Chronic stress also contributes to uncontrolled inflammation, which worsens cold symptoms.
Fortunately, the stress-reducing benefits of a hot tub are immense, thanks to the endorphin-releasing warm water massage it offers. The release of these natural painkillers and mood boosters, coupled with the reduction in stress hormones, are noted by institutions like University of Maryland Medical Center and supported by findings from The American Cancer Society.
We encourage anyone suffering from the flu or cold this winter to consider the natural relief that hot tub therapy offers. Remember to stay hydrated, clean your hot tub regularly, and limit your soak time to ensure optimal health and safety. Should you have further inquiries about the health benefits of hot tubs, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Note: This information is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
We hope this guide underlines the soothing benefits of using a hot tub during a cold or flu. Using the therapeutic properties of hydrotherapy can help you manage your symptoms and possibly reduce the duration and severity of your illness. Stay warm, stay relaxed, and get well soon!
