A beginner's guide to: Hot bathing

thermal bathing, hot tub soaking, onsen

Hot bathing involves immersing your body in warm to hot water, offering a range of physical, mental and emotional benefits. This practice, enjoyed worldwide, is a powerful tool for relaxation, improved circulation and overall wellbeing.

In a hurry and don't have any questions?

  1. Check out our safety recommendations.

  2. Choose your hot water option: at home in your bath or find a venue.

  3. If you're heading out to hot thermal springs or a recovery centre, pack your essentials and get ready to relax!

  4. When you are ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.

Looking for detailed practice guides? Hang tight, they are coming soon!

What is hot bathing?

Hot bathing is a time-honoured practice that has been embraced across various cultures for its profound wellness benefits. Whether it’s soaking in a Japanese onsen, relaxing in a Turkish hammam or enjoying a hot tub at home, the act of immersing oneself in warm water is more than just a cleaning chore – it’s a tried and tested practice to enhance physical and mental care. The warmth of the water helps to relax muscles, ease tension and improve circulation, offering a sanctuary for rejuvenation. Beyond its physical benefits, hot bathing can also be a deeply calming experience, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day, soothe sore muscles or simply find a moment of quietness, hot bathing offers a versatile and accessible way to enhance your health.

Why hot bathing is good for you

Hot bathing is more than just a relaxing activity; it’s a beneficial way to support both your physical and mental wellbeing. Regularly incorporating hot baths into your routine can have significant positive effects on your body and mind, making it a valuable practice for overall health. Check out all these benefits.

Relaxation and stress relief

Emotional well-being, Physical well-being

Improved circulation

Physical well-being

Detoxification

Physical well-being

Pain relief

Physical well-being

Better Sleep

Emotional well-being, Physical well-being

People who love hot bathing

Princess Diana

Person

Keanu Reeves

Actor

Andy Murray

Sports

Sherlock Holmes (BBC’s Sherlock)

TV Show

Real people's experiences

Starting hotbathing? Read this first

Ready for a warm, soothing soak? Before you settle in, there are some important considerations to explore. Take a look through the different styles and other essential information on hot bathing so that you can fully enjoy this relaxing activity.

Common styles

Thermal hot springs

Spas and recovery centres

Private bath at home

Public pools and aquatic centres

Safety

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Listen to your body, start gradually and practise with care to minimise risks. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.

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Ensure the water temperature is not too hot to avoid burns or overheating.

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Limit your time in the hot bath to the minimum recommended duration.

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Stay hydrated.

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Use caution when entering and exiting the bath.

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Do not bathe under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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Exit immediately if you feel lightheaded, dizzy or unwell.

What you might experience

🤔

"Is this really going to be as relaxing as they say?"

😊

"This warmth feels amazing!"

😬

"Am I staying in too long?"

😌

"This is more peaceful than I expected."

😊

"I feel completely relaxed!"

Getting started guides coming soon...

Are you ready to try hot bathing?

We are busy working on detailed getting started guides and individual practice guides to follow.

What you need to know about hot bathing

Let's compare the different ways to start hot bathing for the first time: self-led (using online guided sources) or in a group (IRL).

Compare

Recommendation for first-timer

Availability

Average cost per session

Special equipment required

Potential for socialisation & community

Safety & skill building

Space or privacy required

Ease of scheduling

Setup time

Active practice time

Unexpected advantages

Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia

In the 16th century, hot bathing became less common in Europe due to concerns about spreading disease.

Hot springs in Japan, called "onsen," are known for their mineral-rich waters and relaxing qualities.

Some cultures, like in Russia, use steam baths (banya) followed by a cold plunge to refresh the body.

The natural hot springs of Iceland have been a bathing spot for over 1,000 years.

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1 facts

Popular memes

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5 memes

Academic research we rate

The Thermal Effects of Water Immersion on Health Outcomes: An Integrative Review

An, J., Lee, I., & Yi, Y. (2019). The Thermal Effects of Water Immersion on Health Outcomes: An Integrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(7), 1280. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16071280

Effects of balneotherapy and spa therapy on levels of cortisol as a stress biomarker: a systematic review

Antonelli, M., & Donelli, D. (2018). Effects of balneotherapy and spa therapy on levels of cortisol as a stress biomarker: a systematic review. International Journal of Biometeorology, 62(6), 913–924. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-018-1504-8

Acute and chronic effects of hot water immersion on inflammation and metabolism in sedentary, overweight adults

Hoekstra, S. P., Bishop, N. C., Faulkner, S. H., Bailey, S. J., & Leicht, C. A. (2018). Acute and chronic effects of hot water immersion on inflammation and metabolism in sedentary, overweight adults. Journal of Applied Physiology, 125(6), 2008–2018. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00407.2018

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7 research pieces

Introduction guides from around the web

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