Water therapies, particularly those involving warm water, have proven effective throughout the centuries. Greeks enjoyed mineral and thermal water baths as early as 500 B.C. The ancient Romans were so convinced of the therapeutic value of thermal water that for 600 years their medical treatments were almost exclusively centered on the Baths. Spas and bathhouses have long been popular in Egypt, Finland, Germany, Spain and Turkey; Japanese teak wood tubs are usually cited as the first at-home hot tubs.

    Massage works to relax muscles and relieve pressure on nerves. It also boosts circulation and accelerates the body's natural healing process. Techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage (like Shiatsu), and myofascial massage have been used throughout the centuries to promote relaxation, release accumulated stress, and gently stretch connective tissues. Hydro-therapeutic massage is delivered in a hot tub through an intricate and powerful system of jets and jet formations.

    Hot tubs today are used to alleviate stress and aid sleep. The jet-driven force of water enhances circulation, digestion and skin tone. Medical Studies indicate that hot tub therapy may be helpful in treating heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, lower back pain, and sleep disorders.

    Spa and hot tub water therapies are highly valued for their relaxing, rejuvenating, and naturally rehabilitative qualities, and hot tubs remain a favorite social setting. All over the world, people are tapping into the healing benefits of water in more ways than ever before.

Stress Relief

    Everyday stress can create muscle tension and restrict blood flow, causing headaches, sleeplessness, fatigue, and soreness. How we feel physically can affect our thoughts, our moods, and our ability to enjoy life to the fullest.

    In a hot tub, three key elements combine to create a hydro-therapeutic, stress-relieving environment: heat, buoyancy, and massage.

• Heat dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow to sore or damaged tissue.
• Buoyancy reduces body weight by 90%, relieving pressure on joints and muscles.
• Massage works to relax muscles and relieve pressure on nerves.

    Hydro-therapeutic massage simulates several stress-relieving massage techniques. Swedish massage uses different intensities and direction of movement to increase circulation and promote relaxation. The oscillating flow from hot tub jets, and the different combinations of jet sizes and pressure simulate this Swedish massage technique. Deep tissue massage, like Shiatsu, can also be provided by strong hot tub jets applying pressure to the muscle to release accumulated stress.

 

Therapy for Arthritis and Diabetes

    Most of us are familiar with warm water therapy to treat muscle and joint ailments. The flow of warm water eases muscle tension, and relieves pressure on surrounding nerves, joints, and blood vessels. Movement becomes easier, which is especially important for those who suffer from Arthritis.

    Italian physicians Simona Bellometti and Lauro Calzigna have intensively studied aqua-thermal therapy in patients with osteoarthritis, the common form of degenerative arthritis. The researchers recorded in the Journal of Investigative Medicine in 1998 that the level of inflammatory agents which cause arthritis pain and joint destruction fell after three weeks of hot tub therapy.

    Dr. Phillip Hooper, an endocrinologist from Loveland, CO, has been studying the effect of hot tub therapy on diabetic patients. His research results "suggest that hot tub therapy should be further evaluated as a therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It may be especially helpful for patients who are unable to exercise. The benefits could result from increased blood flow to skeletal muscles."

    According to Dr. Hooper's study, participants who soaked in a hot tub regularly experienced better blood sugar control - some after just a few days of soaking. In addition, patients' weight decreased, sleep improved, and the general feeling of well-being increased.

Sleep Enhancement

    Surveys conducted by the National Sleep Foundation reveal that 60 percent of adults report having problems with sleep. They suggest a bathing ritual as a natural aid for sleep. A warm soak in a hot tub provides just the right combination of warmth and water motion. Hot tubs are more convenient too. No guessing waiting for the water to fill the tub or guessing about the water temperature. Just slide in and relax.

    Sitting in a hot tub raises the body's temperature for an extended period of time, producing cleansing and relaxing effects. The buoyancy of the water creates a sense of weightlessness, inviting restful