Why Is Warm Water so Good for You?
Beyond hot water, it is important to understand that heat has a profound effect on the human body. Heat causes the blood vessels to dilate, which increases blood flow and oxygenation. This increased blood flow can help to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and relieve pain and stiffness. Additionally, heat exposure increases the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which can help to reduce stress and improve mood.
When it comes to fertility and reproductive health, heat exposure has been shown to have several positive effects. For example, heat exposure has been shown to increase sperm count, improve sperm motility, and improve the overall health of the sperm. In addition, heat exposure has been shown to improve the health of the uterus and the cervical mucus, which are important factors in fertility and pregnancy.
So, what exactly is it about spas and hot tubs that makes them so beneficial for reproductive health? Let’s discuss the main benefits now:
Increased Blood Flow
One of the primary benefits of hot water therapy is increased blood flow. Water is an effective and efficient transferer of heat, the warmth from the water dilates your blood vessels, which allows for more oxygen and nutrients to reach your reproductive organs. The improved blood flow is one of the main mechanisms by which warm water helps to boost reproductive health. Plus, unlike some treatments, which are only beneficial to either male or female reproductive health, hot water therapy has been shown to promote reproductive and fertility benefits in both men and women and assist in increasing the chances of conception.
Relaxation
Excessive stress has been shown to have negative health impacts across almost all aspects of life. Physical, mental and reproductive health can all suffer if you do not have an effective strategy to manage and reduce your stress levels. Studies have linked high-stress levels to reduced fertility in both men and women. This is primarily due to the fact that increased stress levels negatively impact the body’s natural hormone balance, including reducing the production of hormones that are important for fertility and reproduction.
This is where hot water therapy comes in, as reducing stress is a key strategy for improving your chances of conception. Relaxing in a spa can help to relieve stress, reduce tension, and promote relaxation allowing your body’s hormones to return to their natural and healthy balance.
Pain Relief
Another benefit of warm water therapy is pain management. It can be (and often is) used to provide pain relief for women during their menstrual cycle, but it can be used on all types of muscle pain and cramps in both men and women. This works because warm water relaxes the muscles, reduces pain and discomfort, and promotes healing. While pain itself is not directly linked to reproductive health, reducing pain is an important part of increasing quality of life and general well-being which in turn can increase fertility and chances for conception. In addition, pain from other conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids, and adhesions, can also be effectively treated with hot water therapy to gain similar overall health benefits.
Regulated Menstrual Cycle
Another core aspect of reproductive health that hot water therapy can help with is regulating and maintaining the menstrual cycle. The heat from the water triggers the hypothalamus to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which regulate the menstrual cycle. This is in addition to the potential pain-management benefits that hot water therapy can provide. Combining both of these effects makes hot water therapy an effective strategy for improving reproductive health and fertility.
Improved Sleep
Finally, hot water therapy can also help improve sleep. A healthy sleep cycle is critical to overall health and well-being and can have a significant impact on your reproductive health. Studies have shown that poor sleep disrupts the production of many hormones, including hormones that are essential for fertility, while simultaneously increasing stress hormones. Relaxing in a spa before bedtime can help to reduce your stress levels, clear your mind and improve your sleep quality, which can provide positive reproductive health benefits.