Hot springs have a history of over two thousand years in ancient times. In the "Hot Springs Ode" written by Zhang Heng during the Han Dynasty, it was mentioned that hot springs can be used for health preservation and healthcare when one is sick. Nowadays, soaking in hot springs has also been favored by many health enthusiasts. In fact, different hot springs have different therapeutic effects. Next, we will introduce the common types of hot springs and their effects.
Simple Springs
The water temperature is above 25℃ and the soluble solid content is below 1000mg/L. This type of spring mainly relies on heat to produce medical effects. Warm water baths can relieve pain, accelerate metabolism, promote blood circulation, and activate meridians.
Suitable for: patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic bronchitis, chronic pharyngitis, constipation, sequelae of cerebral thrombosis, and neurodermatitis.
Carbonated Springs
Carbonated springs generally refer to geothermal water that contains free carbon dioxide above 1000mg/L and soluble solid content below 1000mg/L. This water is colorless and transparent. After bathing, it can dilate capillaries and lower blood pressure, which has a good effect on enhancing heart function.
Suitable for: patients with myocardial weakness, emphysema, arteriosclerosis, sciatica, etc.
Sulfuric Acid Springs
Sulfuric acid springs contain a total soluble solid content above 1000mg/L, with the main anion being bicarbonate ions and the cations being calcium and magnesium. Calcium ions have anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to being effective against skin and mucosal inflammation, they also have the ability to excite nerves and reduce the permeability of endothelial cells in blood vessels.
Suitable for: treatment of valvular heart disease, myocardial weakness, emphysema, allergic rhinitis, etc.
Salt Springs
The salt content in geothermal water is above 1000mg/L, with the main components being chloride ions and sodium ions. Depending on the amount of salt, it can be classified as weak salt springs, strong salt springs, or salt springs. This type of spring has a strong warming sensation. The calcium and sodium chloride adhere to the skin to form a protective layer, which reduces heat dissipation and stimulates the expansion of skin blood vessels, thereby improving blood circulation on the body surface and accelerating sweat and sebaceous gland secretion.
Suitable for: neuralgia, rheumatism, obesity, and has certain weight loss effects.
Iron Springs
The geothermal water contains ferrous ions or ferric ions above 10mg/L. When this water comes into contact with air, it can produce iron oxide, resulting in red sediment, so the water appears red. It is effective for various skin diseases.
Suitable for: treatment of chronic rheumatism, back and leg pain, hemorrhoids, irregular menstruation.
Alum Springs
The spring water mainly contains aluminum sulfate and sulfate ions, with aluminum ions above 100ml/L. Warm baths have anti-inflammatory, astringent, blood circulation, and analgesic effects on the skin and mucous membranes, and can be used to treat chronic eczema, herpes, lower limb ulcers, etc.
Sulphur Springs
The spring water contains free hydrogen sulfide, with a total sulfur content above 1mg/L. When the sulfur component touches the skin, it transforms into sulfur alkali, which can dissolve keratin, soften the skin, and have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, promote blood circulation, activate meridians, and dispel cold and relieve pain effects.
Suitable for: diabetes, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, neurodermatitis, and chronic eczema.
People Unsuitable for Hot Springs
Although hot springs are a good method for preventing and treating diseases, they should not be regarded as a panacea. People with acute febrile diseases, acute infectious diseases, active tuberculosis, hemorrhagic diseases, severe heart and kidney diseases, as well as women during menstruation and pregnancy, should not soak in hot springs.
