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What Is Hot Potting A Detailed Beginner s Guide Benefits Safety What to Expect and More
By Jessica MigalaMedically Reviewed by Justin Laube, MDReviewed: June 24, 2022Medically ReviewedHot potting may not be a term you’ve heard before, but it’s nothing new. It refers to sitting in a heated, mineral-rich body of water, and it’s also known as taking a hot springs soak.
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“Soaking in hot springs has been part of human culture for thousands of years,” says Marcus Coplin, ND, a primary care naturopathic physician and the director of hydrothermal medicine for the Balneology Association of North America. Though springs are warm to hot, there is no set temperature — many can be controlled depending on the facility you’re visiting, but some are simply regulated by Mother Nature.The ancient Greeks bathed in sulfur springs to treat skin diseases and to ease muscle and joint pain. Hippocrates and Plato were apparently fans.
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These springs became important cultural touch points from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance era and the belle epoque and beyond, though their central role in wellness ebbed and flowed throughout time. Today, given the peak in interest in health and wellness, as well as the rise of spa tourism, hot spring soaking has once again become a popular way to support one’s health. Hot spring soaking is known by many names.
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“The classical terminology is the ‘taking of the waters.’ Going to a spa and taking the waters is something you would do over a social season if you were an aristocrat,” Coplin explains. Hot potting is a newer term that refers more to the practice as an experience in and of itself, though he believes that it takes away from the health focus.Additional terminology for the practice includes hydrothermal therapy or immersion therapy. "Balneology" refers to the science and study of therapeutic bathing, Coplin adds.
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How Are Hot Springs Formed How did bathlike water end up in the middle of forested locations, among others, to create natural pools? “Over hundreds to thousands of years, water worked its way deep into the Earth’s crust, where it’s heated. The pressure resulting from that process drives the water up to the surface, where it becomes infused with different mineral profiles depending on the location,” says Coplin.
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Most of the natural hot springs in the United States are in the West or Southwest, says Krista Ingerick, a licensed massage therapist and spa operations manager at The Springs Spa, a wellness center that provides integrative therapies for Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic in New York. However, you will find hydrothermal therapy around the nation. In the eastern United States, Ingerick points out that “mineral spring locations, such as ours, are technically cold water springs.
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At locations where the waters are coming out of the ground cold, they are often heated manually to be brought up to comfortable temperatures.” These are just as valid ways to enjoy a soak, she adds.We tend to respond well to water therapy, in part because we’re mostly water, adds Coplin. (As much as 60 percent of the human body is water.)
Hydrotherapy often works because the water’s heat, pressure, buoyancy, and mineral makeup combine to deliver unique health benefits.
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"There’s this idea that water is a therapeutic entity because it has this amazing ability to hold heat and transfer heat energy in and out of other substances. We can transfer heat energy to or from the water into our body by immersing ourselves in a body of water,” he explains. It’s this heat immersion that may have effects like stimulating circulation and provide many of the perks of taking a dip.
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(More on that below.)
Types of Hot Potting
Each thermal spring has its own mineral makeup, and there are several types of places where you can practice hydrothermal therapy:Wellness spasHealth and wellness resortsGeothermal poolsRustic hot potting (for example, in the middle of a forest)Public state park hot springsIndoor thermal bathsPrivate baths
Possible Health Benefits of Hot Potting
The waters deliver benefits in several possible ways. 1 May Reduce PainJust say, Aah.
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The water’s heat relaxes muscles, helping relieve pain, says Ingerick. Research suggests that this can benefit people who have rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, however, you likely need to participate in hot spring soaking regularly for long-term relief. Immersion therapy should also be used as part of a complementary treatment plan in conjunction with your primary healthcare provider, not as the only method of treatment.
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2 May Ease Psoriasis and EczemaMinerals in these waters may have anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to help relieve certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, itching, acne, and seborrheic dermatitis. 3 May Help You Destress
Soaking in warm water is inherently soothing. Hot springs soaking can be one ritual that you practice that benefits both your body and mind since it can potentially reduce stress, says Ingerick.
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4 May Play a Role in Short-Term Weight LossThe heat from hot potting may increase circulation in a similar way as exercise and has been shown to increase the metabolic rate and burn extra calories compared with sitting at rest. While hot potting could potentially be a component of a weight loss plan, you will still have to eat well, exercise, and work with your healthcare provider for long-term success.
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Some of the weight loss could also be from dehydration. 5 May Help Your Heart Function BetterHot water immersion may increase circulation and has been shown to improve the function of blood vessels and blood pressure to support cardiovascular health. Editor s Picks in Wellness
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Hot Potting SafetyTaking a soak in a hot spring is generally safe, unless you have a preexisting condition, such as blood pressure management issues.
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If your goal is to use thermal soaks as part of a treatment plan for a health condition, talk to your doctor and come up with a plan together about how to use this safely, says Coplin.If you are pregnant, you should limit your time soaking in hot water to less than 10 minutes and avoid submerging your entire body. And if you have any open wounds, you should wait until you are healed to go into the water, adds Coplin.
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Another precaution: People who have uncontrolled diabetes, seizure disorders, narcolepsy, or fainting disorders may be at an increased risk of injury, falling, or drowning, cautions Ingerick. Always check with your doctor before planning to go into a hot spring. Before going into the water, make sure that you can enter and exit the water safely, says Ingerick.
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“There is a higher risk for someone who can’t swim,” she says. Also, cleanliness is a consideration.
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Mineral water is not the same as water from a chlorinated pool due to its chemical makeup and the fact that it has a flow rate. “It’s almost like sitting in a stream rather than a stagnant tub,” says Coplin. “Any debris that would come off a person would flow out and away.” Because the waters are continually refreshed, they don’t need to be treated with chlorine.Still, the presence of bacteria
and parasites can be a concern.
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Commercial hot spring sources do adhere to county health codes. However, it’s always a good idea to ask the place you’re intending to visit about what they do to maintain their pools, as well as how they test the water for safety. They should be transparent about their practices.
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In addition, if you are soaking in a hot spring in the middle of nature, the water’s flow will help clean the body of water, but there’s always a risk of potential infection whenever you swim in any area. Last, it’s critical to mention the life-threatening dangers of hot potting where it’s not allowed, which is often in areas where the thermal waters reach boiling temperatures.
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There have been many thermal-related deaths over the decades in Yellowstone National Park from people of all ages accidentally falling into or purposely trying to swim in the area’s hot springs. Stay on the boardwalks in such areas and be safe. Who Might Want to Try and Avoid Hot Potting
If you are looking for relaxation, most people can safely soak in a hot spring.
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However, if you have a medical condition, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor first about your personal risks. Tips for Getting Started With Hot Potting
Before starting, you need to “know your source,” says Coplin. Meaning: Understand the temperature of the water, how the water flows to the surface, the water’s minerality, and the environment that the water is located in.
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The spring site is important because that will help you know if it’s right for you. For instance, you may really like soaking in a natural hot spring at a health resort where there are places to change and eat, and grounds to walk around.
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On the other hand, you may prefer a more rustic experience, soaking in a spring located in the middle of the woods. Coplin notes that some rustic sites may be clothing optional, so if you’re looking for a family-friendly destination or are not comfortable with that in general, then look for another option. One caveat to the clothing debate: Some facilities feature private bath tubs, Ingerick says, which are intended for one guest, and bathing suits are usually not worn.
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Likewise, minerality is important, too. Coplin says that some springs contain sulfur, which has an egglike smell.
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“For some people, this turns them off completely, and they hold their nose and say, ‘Never again,’” he explains. Coplin now associates that smell with the relaxation of a soak, so in his experience, it is possible to get used to it over time. Bottom line: Decide why you’re going.
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Is it for social interaction? A nature experience?
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A private soak? And research the available facilities in your area or at your vacation destination that fit.
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What to Expect Before During and After Hot PottingWhen you first step into the water, it will feel hot until your body acclimates to the temperature. Certain areas of the spring may be warmer than others, so move around to find one that you feel the most comfortable in.
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If you are in a private bath where faucets are used, you can likely control the temperature of the tub, notes Ingerick. During the soak, Coplin recommends monitoring yourself closely. “Check in and make sure you’re not pushing yourself too hard,” he says.
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If you feel out of breath or dizzy, it’s time to get out of the water. When you get out of the water, your skin will feel different. Depending on the minerality, you may feel as if your skin has a dry film on top.
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“This might feel the same as when you come out of the ocean,” says Coplin. You can leave these minerals on your skin, but wash them off if you’d prefer.
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In addition, remove your suit and give it a thorough rinse with regular water to preserve the fabric. Depending on why you’re visiting (relaxation or a specific health benefit) and where you are (a spa or health resort), you may decide to add on another treatment to extend the benefits. “For pain relief, at our center, we often have guests who schedule a massage or acupuncture immediately after their soak,” Ingerick says.
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Also, it’s very likely that you will emerge from the waters very relaxed. You can use that relaxation to help you fully wind down as you go to sleep that night. Resources We Love on Hot Potting
Hot Springs Association
Find a hot spring with the association's Find a Hot Spring tool, which contains more than 200 hot springs in the United States.
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Use the amenities drop-down tab to specify what features you’re after, whether that is lodging, spa services, food and beverages, adults only, private tubs, and more. Balneology Association North America (BANA)
This is a great place to learn about the history of balneology, expand your knowledge about the health and wellness benefits, and find hot spring locations abroad. Hot Springs of America
Endorsed by the Hot Springs Association and BANA, this blog posts short articles on hot spring destinations around the United States and how to enjoy them.
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It hasn’t been updated since 2020, so you’ll want to independently verify all of the information, but it’s a great place to start researching if you’re planning a hot springs trip. World Bathing Day
Celebrated on June 22, this day pays homage to water, its rituals and traditions, and how it connects people together all over the world.
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People are encouraged to post bathing images on their social media with #worldbathingday. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Gianfaldoni S, Tchernev G, Wollina W, et al.
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History of the Baths and Thermal Medicine. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. July 2017.The Water in You: Water and the Human Body.
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U.S. Department of the Interior. May 22, 2019.Gebretsadik A, Taddesse F, Melaku N, Haji Y.
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Balneotherapy for Musculoskeletal Pain Management of Hot Spring Water in Southern Ethiopia: Perceived Improvements. Inquiry. January–December 2021.Cacciapuoti S, Luciano MA, Megna M, et al.
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The Role of Thermal Water in Chronic Skin Diseases Management: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Clinical Medicine. September 2020.Faulkner SH, Jackson S, Fatania G, Leicht CA.
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The Effect of Passive Heating on Heat Shock Protein 70 and Interleukin-6: A Possible Treatment for Metabolic Diseases? Temperature.
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March 2017.Brunt VE, Howard MJ, Francisco MA, et al. Passive Heat Therapy Improves Endothelial Function, Arterial Stiffness, and Blood Pressure in Sedentary Humans. The Journal of Physiology.
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September 2016.Is It Safe to Use a Hot Tub During Pregnancy? Mayo Clinic. November 21, 2020.Ghilamicael AM, Boga HI, Anami SE, et al.
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Potential Human Pathogenic Bacteria in Five Hot Springs in Eritrea Revealed by Next Generation Sequencing. PLoS One. March 2018.Warm Freshwater Can Harbor Dangerous Parasite.
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Reuters. September 20, 2019.Frequently Asked Questions. Balneology Association of North America.Has Anyone Died From Falling in a Geyser?
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Outside. April 7, 2021.Gálvez I, Torres-Piles S, Ortega-Rincón E. Balneotherapy, Immune System, and Stress Response: A Hormetic Strategy?.
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International Journal of Molecular Sciences. June 2018.Connor J, Shelley A, Egan B. Comparison of Hot Water Immersion at 37.8°C With or Without Salt for Rapid Weight Loss in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes.
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Journal of Sports Sciences. March 2020.Show LessNEWSLETTERS
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