Geothermal waters originate deep within the earth. While underground, the powerful geological forces of heat and pressure raise the temperature of the subterranean water and dissolve the minerals in the surrounding rock. As the superheated water travels to the surface, those minerals come along for the ride.
The therapeutic qualities associated with hot springs soaking are due in large part to the health-boosting minerals contained in the water. Each hot spring boasts its own naturally occurring hybrid mix of minerals, which vary from place to place depending on the geology of the area.
Many people attribute robust health to regular soaking in geothermal spring water. Because the skin is porous and is the largest of the body’s organs, it absorbs dissolved minerals while soaking. The body also self-regulates, taking in only as much as needed.
COMMON MINERALS & HEALING BENEFITS
- Boron encourages healthy bone development and building muscle mass. It helps manage arthritis and osteoporosis, and boosts brain activity.
- Calcium promotes healthy bone growth. Maintaining proper levels of calcium reduces chances of colon and breast cancer.
- Chloride is essential for the proper balance of body fluids. An electrolyte, it helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH.
- Fluoride promotes hardness and stability of bones and teeth.
- Iron increases resistance to stress and disease, as well as preventing fatigue. It also promotes healthy skin, hair and nails.
- Lithium has a calming and mood-stabilizing effect. It promotes brain health and alleviates depression.
- Magnesium is important for the breakdown of fatty acids and cholesterol. It helps 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.
- Nitrogen is needed to make proteins in muscles, skin, hair and nails.
- Phosphate is critical for energy storage and metabolism. It assists in kidney, muscle and nerve function.
- Potassium reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol. It is also vital for heart and kidney health.
- Silica is not considered an essential nutrient, but studies have shown that it can prevent the thinning of hair and plays a vital role in assisting calcium in bone growth.
- Sodium is another electrolyte that is necessary to maintain the body’s fluids system. It also plays a pivotal role in enzyme operations, plus nerve and muscle functions.
- Sulfate is a compound 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.
- Zinc helps with proper functioning of the immune and digestive systems. It plays a key role in thyroid function and healthy vision.