The Healing Power of Hot Tubs

We all know that hot tubs can alleviate muscle aches, sprains and strains, and even stress. However, they can also ease other symptoms such as those found in adrenal fatigue and depression.

Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands become low functioning. The adrenal system produces and controls many of the body's hormones, including testosterone and cortisol. Without the regulation of the adrenal system, cortisol production can increase, causing myriad problems within the body. For instance, blood sugar is raised as is blood pressure, and the immune system is suppressed. The glands themselves can become incredibly painful, making it difficult to sleep or even rest comfortably sitting up. It is not until the adrenal system has completely stopped functioning and adrenal exhaustion occurs that traditional medicine is typically willing to step in and provide medical support.

Similarly, major depression can cause a variety of problems and symptoms within the body. One of the most common symptoms that few people know about is body aches. Many patients complain that the pain is one of the most difficult aspects of depression to deal with. It typically lasts through an entire depressive episode, which can last months or even years.

So how can a hot tub help? Exactly the same elements that help hot tubs relieve stress also help them ease symptoms for adrenal system problems and depression. The hot water coupled with the massaging jets helps relax muscles, releasing some of the tension and thus lessening the pain sufferers experience. Easing the pain then triggers more muscle relaxation which allows for deeper, more restful sleep. It can trigger a cycle that may help patients recover faster and more fully.

So why not simply take a hot bath? First, bathtubs aren't usually filled with water the same temperature as that of a hot tub, which is typically much higher, somewhere around 100 degrees. Unless they are whirlpool baths, they don't have jets. The pulsating water is what creates the massaging motion of the water, and that aids in the relaxation of the muscles.

Hot tubs also typically offer more variety in positions. While one can either lie down in a tub to get completely under water or sit up and not be immersed, many hot tubs have both options that allow the water to nearly completely cover the body. Adjustable jets are quite common these days, allowing the user to aim them at particular areas on the body, such as the adrenal glands. If depression is causing pain in one place more than another, moveable jets can be helpful.

It may hurt for a few minutes when first resting the adrenal area against the jets, but once the pain subsides, many people are rewarded with a pain-free period when other symptoms seem to be lessened, too.

Having suffered from both adrenal fatigue and depression for a number of years, I can attest that no other treatment, including any traditional or alternative medication, has had the profound effect on my mind and body as simple use of a hot tub. While I certainly haven't been cured of these ailments, the hot tub works better than any other treatment to help relieve the symptoms.