The most common benefits of soaking in the hot springs are reaching a deep state of relaxation and soothing aching muscles or joints. The water rejuvenates muscles that ache from certain medical conditions or the plethora of strenuous outdoor activities offered year round in Colorado. Besides treating aches and pains, soaking in hot highly concentrated mineral water has many other health and wellness benefits. Increasing body temperature helps naturally kill harmful germs and viruses, eliminate toxins, increase circulation and reduce blood pressure. Essential minerals have many health benefits and can be absorbed through your skin, giving your body a natural health boost.
Balneotherapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is the treatment of diseases, injuries and other physical ailments by soaking in natural hot mineral water. This ancient practice is still thriving at Glenwood Hot Springs! Every time you immerse yourself in the thermal mineral waters, whether you are aware of it or not, you are partaking in this therapy. That is, using the minerals in thermal springs to improve health and wellness primarily through soaking, steaming and inhalation. It is one of the oldest forms of medicine, cited as long ago as 500 B.C. by Hippocrates, the “father of modern medicine.”
Today, many doctors recommend balneotherapy for a variety of conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, asthma, skin disorders and depression. Soaking and breathing in the vapors of mineral springs helps to revitalize the skin, calm nerves, detoxify the body and refresh oxygen levels. Our mineral-rich hot spring water has many benefits for many different ailments, but is mainly a source of family fun and relaxation.
Minerals
There are 15 naturally occurring minerals in the Glenwood Hot Springs, all originating from the Yampah Spring, the name of the source spring, which happens to mean “Big Medicine” in the Ute language. The nomadic Ute Indians were the first known people to use the spring for its healing qualities.
Calcium promotes healthy bone growth and overall health. It also helps maintain heart rhythm and muscle function. Maintaining proper levels of calcium reduces chances colon and breast cancer.
Chloride is essential for the body to keep proper balance of body fluids. It is one the most important electrolytes in the blood and helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of body’s fluids system.
Sodium is also an extremely important electrolyte in the blood, and along with chloride, is necessary to maintain the body’s fluids system. It also plays a pivotal role in enzyme operations, nerve and muscle functions.
Sulfate is a compound of sulfur and oxygen and is found in every cell of the human body. It helps relieve nasal congestion and is essential for production of collagen and maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. It also helps flush toxins and purify the body.
Potassium reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol. Its primary functions include building muscle, synthesizing proteins, and controlling the electrical activity of the heart. It is vital for heart and kidney health.
Magnesium plays an important role in the breakdown of fatty acids and cholesterol. It helps convert blood sugar to energy and maintain hormone levels, along with regulating heartbeat and blood pressure.
Manganese also assists in the breakdown of fats and cholesterol. It contributes to healthy bone metabolism and growth. It helps control the level of sugar in the body, which can decrease the chance for adult onset diabetes.
Iron increases resistance to stress and disease, as well as preventing fatigue. It is an important component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout your entire body. It also promotes healthy skin, hair and nails.
Zinc helps with proper functioning of the immune and digestive systems. It also plays a key role in wound healing, bold clotting, and thyroid function. It is present in high concentrations in the eye, so is needed for healthy vision.
Boron encourages healthy bone development and building muscle mass. It improves the body’s ability to absorb calcium and magnesium, which helps manage arthritis and osteoporosis. It is also known to boost brain activity.
Lithium is known to have a calming and mood stabilizing effect in most people. It promotes normal brain health and increases serotonin synthesis and release. It helps with depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Phosphate is critical for energy storage and metabolism. It assists in kidney, muscle and nerve function, and it helps maintain proper calcium balance.
Silica is the main component of sand and quartz and not considered essential nutrient, but has some known benefits. Studies have shown that it can prevent the thinning of hair and plays a vital role in assisting calcium in bone growth.
Fluoride promotes hardness and stability of bones and teeth. It also can help prevent tooth decay.
Nitrogen is needed to make proteins in your muscles, skin, hair and nails.
Sources:
https://www.spavelous.com/EB/N080815/HotSpringSpas02.html
https://www.livestrong.com/article/146809-benefits-of-hot-springs-spas/
