Water is the source of life, and we always rely on water in our daily lives. Drinking hot water has the benefits of health and beauty. It can also be used for bathing. In addition to keeping warm, taking a hot bath can promote blood circulation and eliminate toxins from the body, keeping us healthy.
Benefits of using hot water
1. Relieving brain fatigue
When the body accumulates a certain amount of "deposits", people feel fatigued. Taking a hot bath and drinking hot water can speed up blood circulation, reduce substances in the blood that cause fatigue, improve blood supply to the brain, and also inhibit the excitability of the central nervous system in the brain, allowing the brain to rest.
2. Alleviating localized pain
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "warmness promotes circulation, and circulation relieves pain." Heat compress and other methods can increase blood supply to damaged tissues and relieve localized pain. For example, hot towel compress can help promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and relieve menstrual pain.
3. Reducing the occurrence of diseases
Soaking feet has health benefits for all organs of the body. The three yin meridians on the feet are related to the liver, spleen, and kidneys, while the three yang meridians are related to the gallbladder, bladder, and stomach. Using the warm effect to enhance the circulation of qi and blood in the feet is beneficial for invigorating the body, preventing diseases.
4. Burning body calories
Taking a hot bath can relax the body and mind, restore muscle elasticity, and also burn a large amount of calories. The latest research from Loughborough University in the UK found that soaking in a bath for one hour burns as many calories as a half-hour walk. Regular hot baths can also help prevent diabetes.
5. Enhancing respiratory function
Drinking hot water can relieve tension in the respiratory mucosa, promote the expectoration of phlegm, and be very effective for cough caused by a cold. In addition, inhaling water vapor helps to keep the oral and nasal mucosa moist, which can not only prevent the invasion of cold viruses but also help clear mucus from the lungs.
Optimal timing for hot water therapy
1. Foot soaking at 9 PM benefits the kidneys the most.
At 9 PM, the kidney meridians are relatively weak. Soaking feet at this time can nourish the kidneys and brighten the liver. Experts suggest that the water temperature should be around 40℃-45℃, warm and comfortable. The water level should cover the ankles, and soak for 10-15 minutes until the body feels slightly warm and starts to sweat. During foot soaking, you can also put 15-20 grams of peppercorns in the water with a gauze bag and massage your feet slowly. After soaking, dry your feet immediately with a towel and keep your feet warm to avoid catching a chill. Patients with heart failure, severe lower limb vascular disease, unstable blood pressure, or foot inflammation should be cautious about foot soaking in hot water or use it under the guidance of a doctor.
2. Avoid bathing immediately after waking up
Many people like to take a shower immediately after waking up to stimulate their brains, but avoid doing so without having breakfast. This can easily lead to dizziness and even shock. If the water temperature is too hot at this time, it can also cause excessive dilation of blood vessels and temporary insufficient blood supply to the brain. Therefore, it is best to schedule a shower 30 minutes after breakfast.
3. Avoid bathing immediately after exercise
Taking a shower immediately after exercise will cause blood to quickly flow to the limbs and skin, resulting in insufficient blood supply to other organs. At the same time, breathing has not yet returned to a stable state after exercise. If you enter a closed bathroom immediately, the brain is prone to hypoxia, leading to dizziness, weakness, and other symptoms. In severe cases, it can cause a drop in blood pressure and shock.
Traditional Chinese health preservation emphasizes moderation. Drinking hot water, soaking feet, and other practices have certain health benefits, but it is also important to use scientific methods.
