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.
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.
Check out our safety recommendations.
Choose your hot water option: at home in your bath or find a venue.
If you're heading out to hot thermal springs or a recovery centre, pack your essentials and get ready to relax!
When you are ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.
Looking for detailed practice guides? Hang tight, they are coming soon!
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.
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
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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.
Thermal hot springs
Spas and recovery centres
Private bath at home
Public pools and aquatic centres
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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.
🤔
"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!"
Are you ready to try hot bathing?
We are busy working on detailed getting started guides and individual practice guides to follow.
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
2nd pick
Not picked
Availability
Widely
Moderately
-
Average cost per session
Free or low cost
Moderate costs
-
Special equipment required
None or minimal
None or minimal
-
Potential for socialisation & community
Mostly solo
Social potential
-
Safety & skill building
Mixed results
Safe & fast
-
Space or privacy required
Minimal
Some required
-
Ease of scheduling
Very flexible
Need to plan
-
Setup time
Little to none
Over 30 mins
-
Active practice time
Under 20 mins
Up to an hour
-
Unexpected advantages
Actually useful
Wholesome
-
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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5 memes
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
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