Mental health is now openly recognized and talked about as a key facet of human wellness. In fact, one in five American adults have a diagnosable mental health issue in any given year, according to Mental Health America, a national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being and illness prevention. As Mental Health Month approaches in May, a recognition established by Mental Health America in 1949, let’s look at how hot springs can help mental health and become part of a new or expanded health routine.
While there are various types of mental health issues and different approaches to care, recent studies verify how soaking in mineral hot springs can help. Hot springs have long been used for medical purposes throughout the world, such as when Glenwood Hot Springs Resort in Glenwood Springs was used to help heal wounded Navy sailors during World War II. However, the iconic Colorado attraction has also been a source of pure relaxation and enjoyment since it opened on July 4, 1888.
Research Confirms Benefits
In August 2023, the National Library of Medicine shared the results of “Hot spring bathing practices have a positive effect on mental health in Japan”, a study by Medori Takeda, Hiroki Nakamura, Hajime Otsu, Koshi Mimori, Toyoki Maeda and Shunsuke Managi. The authors wrote that while the positive effects of hot springs on circulatory diseases have been recently reported, there has been little research regarding the mental effects of hot springs. The purpose of the study was “to clarify the relationship between hot spa-bathing habits and mental health throughout Japan.”
Hot springs bathing has a history of more than 2,000 years in Japan, and there are over 27,000 sources of hot springs in more than 3,000 locations, primarily in the mountains. “Hot spring waters have traditionally and empirically been valued for their therapeutic properties based on their composition, mineral concentration and temperature,” the authors noted.
The study confirmed that hot spa-bathing behavior has a positive association with mental health and health conditions in Japan. “Regarding mental health, an increase in hot spa-bathing frequency showed a significantly positive correlation for all satisfaction levels and a negative correlation for all stress levels. In addition, life satisfaction was significantly affected by hot spa-bathing behavior,” concluded the researchers.
“Hot spa-bathing balneotherapy has been reported to alleviate mental stress, and we also clearly demonstrated that individuals with hot spa-bathing habits tended to have lower mental stress. Other possible reasons for the positive mental effects are the relaxing effect of the opportunity to go outside, exposure to nature and moderate exercise in nature,” according to the study’s conclusion.
In May 2021, the International Journal of Spa and Wellness published the results of Mental health outcomes of balneotherapy: a systematic review by James Clark-Kennedy, Gerard Kennedy, Marc Cohen and Russell Conduit. While research suggest that hot springs bathing/balneotherapy has a positive impact on chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions, the authors reported there had been no reviews of studies looking at balneotherapy and mental health issues. After reviewing available studies, researchers concluded that depression, sleep problems and stress were all seen to improve. A number of studies also noted that anxiety decreased.
The research team concluded, “This has implications for the use of balneotherapy as a valid complementary therapy for people with mental health conditions. However, future clinical research is required to determine the populations likely to receive the most benefit from balneotherapy and distinguish factors that contribute to positive effects.”
A November 2021 article about how spas benefit mental health in Spa Executive magazine examined research related to the direct impact of spa, sauna and thermal bathing on mental health and noted it is beneficial for reducing stress caused by working or living conditions. The article discusses how thermal bathing is associated with reduced levels of salivary stress markers, cortisol and chromogranin, which are more pronounced in people with higher levels of stress. Thermal bathing’s positive impact on chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions in turn has a positive impact on mood and stress levels. The mental health benefits of hot springs soaking also are linked to improvements in anxiety, depression and sleep quality.
Rich in History & Minerals
Native people in countries around the world were the first to use natural mineral waters and often referred to them as sacred healing waters, according to Balneology Association of North America (BANA). Many years before Glenwood Hot Springs Resort was established in 1888, the Ute people discovered the local therapeutic hot spring and named it Yampah, meaning “big medicine.” The 3.5 million gallons of water delivered daily to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort by the on-site Yampah Source Spring features 15 minerals that restore mind, body and spirit.
The ancient Greeks considered thermal bathing as a treatment against diseases. Influenced by the Greeks, the Romans were the first known to have developed thermaes, which BANA describes as vast bath houses throughout the empire where people could soak in pools and steam in saunas to recuperate, revitalize and converse as described by BANA.
One of the 15 minerals present in the water generated by Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s Yampah Source Spring is lithium, which promotes normal brain health and increases serotonin synthesis, producing a calming and mood stabilizing effect in most people. In addition, simply the act of getting outdoors, soaking with other people in Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s seven pools, and surrounding yourself with beautiful mountain vistas can be a big mental health boost.
Exercise also has a major impact on mental health so why not combine the two? Glenwood Hot Springs Resort’s Grand Pool is the world’s largest hot springs pool and is larger than a football field. It’s a pleasant place to water walk or swim laps in the natural hot springs. In addition, day passes can be purchased to the poolside Athletic Club to use the modern exercise equipment, take classes like yoga and H20 Fit, play racquetball and handball, and enjoy the wet room complete with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.
Also take a break from the hustle and bustle of life by staying overnight in the newly refreshed guest rooms and suites at the Lodge at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. The light-filled rooms have been updated with premium linens, artwork that evokes the historic heritage of the resort, and a clean and calming color scheme of gray, black, white and taupe. All Lodge stays come with unlimited access to the hot springs pools during business hours and complimentary hot breakfast at the poolside Grill. The goal is to take a respite from life’s usual responsibilities!
The theme of 2025 Mental Health Month is “Turn Awareness into Action.” As part of taking good care of yourself and those you love, consider how hot springs can offer mental health benefits and seize the chance to spend sweet time together at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Glenwood Springs.
