(Health benefits of water) Cold bath vs. hot bath vs. foot bath: where should I soak my body?

When you're feeling tired, you might soak in hot water. Conversely, some people find a refreshing dip in cool water when feeling lethargic. What health benefits does this type of soaking have?

 

◇Cold bath First, cold baths are effective in improving depression.

 

Dr. Heather Massey of the University of Portsmouth in the UK said, "Cold baths stimulate the vagus nerve and reduce inflammation in the body, which calms the heart rate and body." Soaking your face in cold water, in particular, can help relieve anxiety. Judy Ho, a clinical neuropsychologist at Pepperdine University in the US, said, "The face is densely packed with nerves, and cold water activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation."

A cold bath is recommended, where the body is immersed in water between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius for approximately five minutes. However, the cold experienced at the beginning of the bath can trigger a shock response, rapidly increasing blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate in the first 30 seconds. Therefore, those with cardiovascular conditions such as arrhythmia should consult a medical professional.

 

◇Hot bath Hot baths help improve blood circulation and strengthen the cardiovascular system in a similar way to exercise. Dr. Tom Cullen of Coventry University in the UK, who has studied heat therapy, said, "Hot baths increase blood flow, which helps cardiovascular health by sending more blood to the arms and legs." When taking a hot bath, soak your body in water at 39 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes.

 

◇Foot bath Just soaking your feet in warm water can improve your mood, help you sleep, and manage pain.

 

This is because foot temperature affects the body's thermoregulatory system. A study by the University of Turkiye and Thrace found that warm foot baths improved sleep quality in patients who had recently undergone back surgery.

 

A study conducted by the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran found that elderly men who soaked their feet for 20 minutes every night experienced improved sleep quality. A Taiwanese study found that foot baths were effective in alleviating menstrual pain in menopausal women.

 

===========

Cold bath, hot bath, and foot bath

Everything is good

Depression and blood circulation

Foot baths are the easiest,

It's good for improving sleep and relieving pain.