A new research field — passive heating for human health — proves that hot baths even at home are a medicinal benefit to all ages, including elders with a number of health conditions.

By Beth Lueders

The ancient Greeks and Romans regularly practised something many people are avid about today. Centuries ago, emperors to everyday citizens valued the healing remedy of steam baths and hot water pools featured in elaborate private and public baths. Today, Iceland, Japan, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom boast some of the most restorative thermal pools and natural hot springs on the planet.1 A new research field — passive heating for human health — proves that hot baths even at home are a medicinal benefit to all ages, including elders with a number of health conditions.

5 Benefits of Hot Baths

Soaking in a bubble bath is a luxurious routine for many folks looking for stress relief and their own quiet, personal time. But beyond this tranquillity, researchers are finding that an extended sit in a hot bath, technically called hot water immersion, delivers up a tub full of health advantages.

1. Reduces inflammation. With exercise and physical stress, inflammation naturally increases in the body, which is followed by an extended-release of anti-inflammatory chemicals to combat the sore muscles, redness and swelling. In recent years, studies have pinpointed that raising body temperature can improve the body’s anti-inflammatory response, as well. A British study in the Journal of Applied Physiology concluded that sitting in an immersion bath set at 39°C (102°F) for one hour could combat chronic low-grade inflammation in individuals without the physical capacity to do so during exercise.

2. Lowers blood sugar. Scientists at England’s Loughborough University analyzed blood sugar levels of men after they soaked in a hot bath for an hour. The result? Peak blood sugar after eating was lower when participants took a hot bath than when they exercised. Plus, bathing burned calories almost as effectively as taking a half-hour walk.

3. Lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. The British study on baths for reducing inflammation and a 2016 study by University of Oregon physiology researchers found that a hot soak elevates nitric oxide in the blood, allowing blood vessels to relax. Flexible blood vessels decrease blood pressure and promote better circulation and vascular function throughout the body.

4. Soothes aching muscles and joints. Drawing a hot bath or luxuriating in a sauna or natural hot spring is easy on tense muscles and aching joints. As the British and U.S. studies show, passive heat therapy diminishes inflammation and sends blood flowing through the body more readily — which acts as a natural healing balm to stiff, painful muscles and joints.

5. Improves skin health. Dermatologists have long touted the healing effects of bathtub mini-spas. Adding colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath can cleanse, soothe and protect dry, irritated skin. Eczema, a skin condition, can be treated with a bleach bath. Adding lavender essential oil to a warm bath can help heal skin and reduce anxiety and rose essential oil in a warm bath can aid in reducing pain and stress. Remember to always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut, before adding to water.

Hot baths and Epsom salt baths are also credited with reducing headaches, lifting mood and promoting better sleep. Balneotherapy, the practice of bathing to treat diseases with thermal mineral water, is another common healing hydrotherapy typically for chronic inflammation.2 Overly hot soaks can irritate the skin and break down the skin’s protective barrier against bacteria, viruses and allergens, so bathwater temperature should stay comfortable, but not scalding.

Bath Safety Tips for Elders

Because they are at higher risk for falling, older adults benefit from reminders of how to stay comfortable and safe at bath time. The World Health Organization reports that every year roughly one-third of adults age 65 and older fall, and slippery floors, looser rugs and insufficient lighting in the bathroom increase the likelihood of falling.3

When family members cannot supervise bath times for older loved ones and those with disabilities, in-home caregivers such as those that we at Right at Home can provide, provide assistance so that loved ones can enjoy a hot bath safely. The Fall Prevention Guide created by Right at Home offers the following bathroom safety tips:

• Add grab bars with colour contrast inside the bathtub and near the toilet.
• Use nonslip mats, decals and strips in the bathtub and on the shower floor.
• Replace slippery rugs with nonslip rugs or add double-sided tape to keep rugs secure.
• Keep towels and other trip hazards off the bathroom floor.
• Be sure the bathroom and surrounding hallways have bright lighting.

While hot baths are beneficial overall, it is important to note that soaking in a hot water bath raises a person’s heart rate. For those individuals with cardiovascular concerns, it is best to check with one’s doctor first about using a hot soak for lowering blood pressure and alleviating other ailments.

1 Matador Network. 10 Countries Where You Can Enjoy Hot Springs. Retrieved from https://matadornetwork.com/trips/10-countries-where-you-can-enjoy-hot-springs/.

2 Ouspan.com, Balneology and Balneotherapy — Soaking for Health. Retrieved from https://ouspan.com/balneology

3 World Health Organization. WHO Global Report on Falls Prevention in Older Age. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/ageing/publications/Falls_prevention7March.pdf?ua=1.

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors and adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones, and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.