This weekend, I spent time at a natural hot springs in Napa. Besides being incredibly relaxing, hot springs are actually really good for your body- everything from soothing tired muscles to increasing the function of your organs

See the smoke from the hot spring/geyser in the background? Neat.

We just went for fun and a mini- vacation, but I found the science behind it as a natural holistic healing power really interesting so thought I’d tell you more about it. If anything, hope it will give you an excuse to plan a hot springs vacation (besides Calistoga, I hear Saratoga Springs is great)!

The pics are from the rest of my day up there btw

Spending time in a hot spring:

- How it works– at the hot spring i was at, a fractured plate deep deep in the ground left an opening. Magma oozes up, heats the underground water, pushes it through the earth, forcing it to escape in the geysers.

- the temp is HOT so they cool it slightly for the baths. Generally 92-102 degrees.

- Bathing in it gradually increases the body’s temperature, killing off internal harmful germs and viruses.

- They increase your hydrostatic pressure, increasing blood circulation (which helps push toxins out).

- It increases the flow of oxygen in the blood, bringing nourishment to organs and stimulating the intentional tract.

- There are trace amounts of minerals in the water – including sodium, magnesium and chloride. All of these mineral are absorbed and are good good for the organs and glands, stimulating the immune system.

- the sulfur in the water (which smells a bit, to be honest) can help your skin (Esp if you have skin diseases like psoriasis or funguses).

-And for all the runners, triathletes, etc- the temp of the water and everything in it helps to soothe sore muscles. The warmth relaxes the muscles, which reduces stress on joints and increases joint mobility (also excellent for arthritis).

- Plus there’s the physical and mental relaxation from spending time in the hot springs, which produces endorphins and just plain makes you feel better!

So… If you get a chance, go visit a hot spring! So relaxing. Plus, my skin feels so soft and great.

Jared and I are already planning another trip up there this summer after one of his tough races.

- Have you been to a hot springs?