How to take a hot bath properly

Soaking in a hot bath is a great way to improve blood circulation and eliminate toxins from the body through sweat.

"Hot baths have different benefits, depending on the water temperature," Dr. Kim Koh-woon at Kyunghee University Hospital (South Korea) toldKorea"Warm water around 38 degrees Celsius stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and has a sedative effect, water higher than 42 degrees Celsius will stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and energize the body."

Moderate water pressure on the body also has the effect of massaging the body, reducing swelling, and dispelling fatigue. However, soaking the whole body in the bathtub can put unnecessary pressure on the heart and lungs. Therefore, it is better to only soak the lower half of the body in the bathtub.

The body needs to be gradually adapted to warm water in the order of ankles, knees, waist, arms, shoulders, chest. Do not bathe for so long that you sweat a lot and feel nauseous. A little sweat from the forehead or nose is enough. Drinking a cup of honey mixed with warm water after bathing can protect the body from sudden temperature changes when exposed to cold air and maintain electrolyte balance.

Many people take hot baths to relieve cold symptoms, but this is a mistake. If you are exposed to cold air immediately after leaving the bath, energy will be burned to maintain body temperature, causing immune cells to weaken, leading to a decline in health.

Pregnant women should be careful when taking hot baths. In the early stages of pregnancy, the baby's nervous system is developing, and too high amniotic fluid temperature can affect the pregnancy.

People with high blood pressure, diabetes, arteriosclerosis or cardiovascular disease should also avoid hot baths because hot water can increase blood pressure and cause dizziness. Instead, a quick warm bath of about 5 minutes is better for the body.

People with chronic diseases, please follow your doctor's advice.

Finally, do not bathe immediately after eating, drinking alcohol or exercising vigorously because it can easily increase blood pressure, cause indigestion, and put pressure on the heart.