Mineral wisdom
Healing through knowledge: Your wellness resource
Healing through knowledge: Your wellness resource
Unlock the Secrets to Wellness
Health and Wellness Reads
Wade into articles on wellness, the benefits of a therapeutic soak, best practices for your visit, and more.
How to Keep Winter Blues Away at a Hot Springs Pool & Spa
on Jan 15, 2025 | 5 minutes
How to Keep Winter Blues Away at a Hot Springs Pool & Spa With the weather getting colder and the sun setting earlier each day, you might find yourself slipping into a melancholic mood more often. It’s common to feel sluggish, unmotivated, sad, or anxious during winter, but there are things you can do to boost your mental health. Devoting some time to self-care at a hot springs pool and spa can help you beat the winter blues and enjoy the season. What Are the Winter Blues? Everyone has days when they don’t feel like themselves and they lack the energy to do anything more than snuggle under a blanket and binge the latest Netflix series. When you feel like that more often between late fall and the return of spring, you may be dealing with a disorder known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Doctors define SAD as a type of depression that’s tied to specific seasons. It’s far more common to experience it during the winter, leading many experts to believe it’s triggered by reduced exposure to sunlight. Whatever the cause, people with winter depression often deal with physical and psychological symptoms that affect almost every aspect of their lives. Some of the most common symptoms include: A sad or down mood most days Low energy Lack of interest in their usual activities Sleeping more than normal Weight gain Cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods Lack of focus Feelings of worthlessness, despair, guilt, or hopelessness Although the symptoms of the winter blues can be extreme, most people feel better in the spring. However, doctors may recommend remedies that include psychotherapy, light therapy, and medication to help manage the symptoms. Self-care is another effective way to keep seasonal depression under control. How Visiting a Hot Springs Pool & Spa Can Help You Manage Seasonal Depression Implementing self-care strategies before your SAD symptoms disrupt your life can help you stay on track all winter. Some techniques that help include getting outdoors, exercising, spending time with loved ones, planning fun activities to look forward to, and taking care of yourself with relaxing mind-body techniques. Visiting a hot springs spa and pool can check all these boxes. These facilities offer more than just soaking tubs—you’ll find a variety of wellness options, including spa services, yoga, and saunas. What’s better than a place where you can take a restorative yoga class followed by a relaxing hot spring soak and a massage? Scheduling a visit is more than just a fun activity to look forward to, though. Spending time in the hot springs offers many valuable wellness benefits. Enjoy the Calming Effects of Hot Springs Soaks Soaking in a hot springs pool is a great way to relax. The hot water alone can help soothe your tense muscles, while the minerals offer a variety of benefits, from supporting healthy skin to improving circulation and reducing pain. Research shows that soaking in warm water helps increase endorphins, the so-called “happy hormones,” which can boost your mood and help you feel calmer and more focused. Spending time in a community hot springs pool with friends or even strangers can also help your mood by giving you a chance to build social connections. A stimulating discussion or a heart-to-heart with another person can often help you feel more optimistic. Improve Relaxation With Sauna Baths It’s a good idea to search for winter hot springs near me that offer additional amenities, like saunas. Spending some time sweating in a sauna can help you relax and increase endorphins, which can thwart depression and anxiety. The high heat can also boost your immune system and help keep your airways moist and clear, making you less likely to get sick. Boost Mental Wellness With Yoga Taking a yoga class with your hot springs soak is an excellent way to strengthen your mind and body. Whether you choose an active and invigorating class to give you an energy boost or a gentler flow that helps you relax, yoga can help improve your mood, support better sleep, and reduce your stress, all of which can help you beat the winter blues. Combat Winter Blues With LED Light Therapy Red light therapy can help ease the symptoms of the winter blues. Although typically used for treating skin conditions and related medical issues, LED light therapy can help increase blood flow and circulation, which helps reduce inflammation and pain. The treatments also help create a greater sense of wellness, which can improve energy levels and neural stimulation. Rejuvenate Your Body & Mind With Massage Therapy Few things are as relaxing as a massage; combining one with a hot springs soak can be the ultimate restorative self-care getaway. Not only do massages alleviate muscle tension and tightness—physical symptoms associated with anxiety—but different types also offer additional wellness benefits. A lymphatic detox massage, for example, helps enhance your overall well-being by reducing toxins and water retention. This can help you feel more energetic and boost your immune system. Visit WorldSprings, a Wellness Destination Globally inspired relaxation doesn’t have to involve passports and last-minute airfare. Visit WorldSprings to enjoy mineral hot springs pools where you can soak your troubles away, as well as stimulating cold plunge pools, soothing saunas, and a range of spa services. Make a reservation today.
Read More
What is a Lymphatic Massage? | Lymphatic Drainage Massage
on Jul 6, 2025 | 3 minutes
What Is a Lymphatic Massage? Massage is a therapeutic practice that dates to 3,000 B.C.E. There are numerous reasons people choose massage therapy, from relieving muscle tension and aiding post-workout recovery to easing stress and curbing anxiety. If you’re dealing with inflammation, lymphatic drainage massage is one modality worth exploring. If this technique is new to you, you might have questions about its benefits and what you should know before booking a session at the WorldSprings Spa. This guide outlines how lymphatic drainage massage works, how you can prepare for a session, and how to take care of yourself afterwards to see the best results. How Does Lymphatic Massage Work? Lymphatic System 101 Knowing more about the lymphatic system is essential to understanding lymphatic massage. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and includes lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. Think of these vessels, organs, and tissues as open corridors through which the watery substance lymph flows. Lymph acts as a delivery system, transporting protein and nutrients to cells and tissue. The lymphatic system filters waste and abnormal cells out of the lymph fluid before they flow back into the bloodstream. Purpose of Lymphatic Drainage Massage The lymphatic system works like a fine-tuned machine, but it can still experience performance issues. Infection, genetic defects, scar tissue, tumors, cancer, and related treatments are issues that could disrupt lymph flow. Instead of reaching the intended destination, the fluid settles in the extremities, neck, genitals, or abdomen. The pooling fluid causes swelling in the affected areas. Lymphatic drainage massage redirects the fluid back to its intended course. Massage practitioners use gentle pressure to massage non-swollen areas, creating open channels for lymph to drain through. Lymphatic Drainage Massage Benefits Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation. The associated swelling and pain can affect quality of life. Lymphatic drainage massage helps lymph drain away from joints to ease swelling and discomfort. Aids in Post-Surgery Care An operation can remove lymph nodes or damage them as a side effect of treatment. Lymph collects in other areas as a result. Lymphatic drainage massage decongests these areas to minimize post-procedure swelling. Promotes Calmness Lymphatic drainage massage can help you de-stress when paired with mindfulness techniques and a healthy sleep routine. Beyond moving lymph, the massage also gets blood flowing. Improved circulation can combat stress, and the gentle pressure of the massage can ease tense muscles to encourage relaxation. Boosts Immune System Function Eating a nutrient-rich diet and practicing good hygiene are two effective ways to fight off common infections. Add lymphatic drainage massage to the list. It is an excellent preemptive measure to avoid feeling under the weather. The massage stimulates toxin removal and lymph flow. The fluid carries immune cells to different areas to ward off infection. How to Prepare for a Session Remain Hydrated Drinking plenty of water in the day leading up to the session will encourage lymph flow and urination to help rid your body of toxins. Remember to head to the restroom to empty your bladder before the session begins. Skip Your Skincare Routine We all have our daily rituals, but you should make a few adjustments before a lymphatic drainage massage. To start, skip putting on your go-to lotions. The products cause skin to become slippery, so your massage therapist won’t be able to manipulate the skin effectively. This could limit the impact of the massage. Avoid Heavy Meals While it’s important to be well-hydrated during a lymphatic drainage massage, you don’t want to be full from a large meal. Eating something heavy beforehand can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable during the treatment, which can limit its effectiveness. Aftercare Tips Continue drinking water after your lymphatic drainage massage to help keep fluids circulating properly. Avoid beverages that make you dehydrated quickly, like coffee and alcohol. Short, gentle exercise sessions, like a 15-minute yoga flow or walk around the block, can also facilitate the movement of lymph after a massage. Resting after a treatment is also essential for helping the body adjust and recover. Lymphatic Drainage Massage & More at WorldSprings Visit WorldSprings to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of massage and soaking in mineral hot springs in one location. The Spa offers lymphatic massage for detoxification and reduction of water retention while boosting energy levels. Additional spa services include LED light therapy and facials. After pampering in The Spa, experience the mineral hot springs and enjoy the tranquil waters containing bicarbonate, magnesium, chloride, potassium, and other minerals that boost your sense of well-being. Plan your visit today, and prepare to feel like your best self.
Read More
Sounds Baths Overview: What is a Sound Bath?
on Jan 1, 2025 | 3 minutes
A Guide to Sound Baths Slipping into a warm bath is a relaxing and restorative experience. You can let your stress and worries float away and feel the tension escape from your muscles. Embrace this calming ritual to relax both your body and mind. What Is a Sound Bath? For thousands of years, cultures worldwide have engaged in sound bathing as part of their meditative practices. The experience involves allowing sound waves from various instruments to wash over you, creating soothing vibrations to help listeners relax and feel less stressed or anxious. Sound baths include the use of traditional instruments to create the waves, including chimes, singing bowls, rattles, drums, and even voices. However, the experience isn’t music, per se, as it has no defined melody or rhythm. Instead, the practitioner creates a wash of sounds meant to encourage you to let go and release your tension without the need for your brain to connect with a specific pattern. Traditionally, sound baths create specific tones and frequencies that align with the energy centers of your body, also known as the qi (chi) or chakras. When these points become imbalanced, you can have issues throughout your body; for example, digestive issues may stem from an imbalance in that particular energy center. A sound bath with frequencies tuned to that area is believed to help restore balance and support healing by effectively resetting that center and getting energy moving correctly. Many people experience sound baths as part of another healing practice, like a yoga class. It’s common for practitioners to end their sessions with a short sound bath. However, a sound bath can also be a complete experience on its own, with participants lying in a reclined position while the soothing sounds wash over them. As you focus on your breathing and the effects of the sound, you can reach a deeper state of relaxation and contemplation and calm your anxiety. At the end of the session, the practitioner will lead you back to awareness. The Benefits of Sound Baths Sound baths are a respite from the demands of everyday life and stress, but devotees report that the effects last much longer than the one-hour “chill out” session. Although much of the evidence regarding the effects of sound baths is anecdotal, with limited scientific proof, participants often report feeling calmer and less stressed after a session. Other reported benefits of sound bathing include: Improved sleep Looser, less tense muscles Reduced pain Improved mood, including feeling happier and less stressed, angry, or anxious Feeling more connected to your body Lower blood pressure and heart rate It’s important to remember that sound baths are not a replacement for a physician’s care or any treatments you’re currently receiving. They are a supplementary or complementary option that can help you feel your best. Getting the Most From a Sound Bath At its foundation, sound bathing is a meditative practice, and to have the best, most beneficial session, you need to approach it with an open mind and spirit. Prepare yourself for an experience that may sometimes be emotional or even uncomfortable, in addition to relaxing and even euphoric. The sound vibrations may create different sensations throughout your body, or you might reach such a deep state of relaxation that you fall asleep or “zone out” completely. Any of these responses is acceptable. Your sound bath experience is yours alone, and you won’t have the same feelings and outcomes as anyone else. Other tips for getting the most from your sound bath include: Creating a sacred transition: Give yourself plenty of time to get to your session and settle in. Get yourself into the right headspace as you travel to the session by switching off your devices, listening to soothing music, and detaching yourself from your to-do list. Set an intention: Ask yourself what you need before the session to have a point of focus. It doesn’t have to be lofty or complicated, just an honest statement that captures your priority for health and healing. Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water or herbal tea throughout the day helps your body cleanse and repair itself during the session. A light snack can help you avoid distracting hunger, but stick with healthy, nourishing foods. A heavy meal right before the session can make you uncomfortable or sleepy. Sound baths are safe for almost everyone; only those with contraindications like a recent concussion or certain psychological disorders that can be exacerbated by meditation should avoid them. Are you looking for a sound bath near me? Check out WorldSprings’ event calendar for scheduled sound bath and floating sound bath experiences included complimentary in your soak visit
Read More
The Top Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing
on Jan 3, 2025 | 3 minutes
The Top Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing Many people incorporate a hot shower into their daily or evening routine. The cascading water and steam can unwind your mind and relax your body. The next time you are at a wellness destination or gym, don't wait to bathe until you get home—take advantage of the onsite sauna benefits. Sauna bathing is one of WorldSprings’ amenities, and it’s a ritual worth exploring. Here’s what you should know about this wellness experience. How Do Saunas Work? Except for built-in benches, a sauna is an almost empty room typically made of wood. The interior is kept at a sizzling 170 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. Although hot showers and saunas both produce steam, saunas are typically much drier. The Finnish saunas at WorldSprings disperse dry heat. Hot stones, electric heaters, infrared lights, and wood-burning stoves are common sources of dry heat in saunas. Water poured over hot stones creates a steamy environment, but otherwise, the humidity is kept low, specifically between 10% and 20%. The lack of moisture in a Finnish sauna can make the heat feel even more intense. These temperatures are considered extreme for the body, so people with certain medical conditions, such as heart issues or diabetes, should consult a doctor first. They might be advised to limit their time in the heat and follow a cooling-down process afterward. Individuals who have difficulty regulating body temperature might also be advised to limit or avoid sauna bathing. Sitting in a sauna will make you sweat, which can cause dehydration. To remain hydrated, drink at least one glass of water beforehand and avoid consuming alcohol, which contributes to dehydration and could make you feel overheated. Don't eat a large meal before bathing in the sauna to avoid feeling nauseated. What Health Benefits Do Saunas Offer? Improves Cardiovascular Health Sauna bathing will make your heart happier in various ways. The heat causes the body to sweat profusely. Your body tries to regulate its temperature for relief from the heat. In doing so, the heart beats faster. The quickened pace dilates blood vessels, which helps increase circulation and lower blood pressure. Research shows that downtime in a sauna can lower the levels of LDL ("bad cholesterol") while giving HDL ("good cholesterol") levels a boost. High HDL levels do a better job of filtering out the bad cholesterol, lowering the risk of cardiovascular issues. Cardiovascular respiratory fitness levels are another factor that influences whether an individual may develop heart disease. Sauna bathing can help raise these levels, which is why you shouldn’t forgo post-workout heat therapy. Reduces Stress Sauna bathing helps keep stress hormones in check to help you feel more at ease. For instance, having less of the stress hormone cortisol in the bloodstream aids immune system function. Feeling less stressed reduces inflammation and helps maintain white blood cell count to minimize the risk of infections. Alleviates Common Respiratory Issues Sauna bathing can provide relief to individuals who have chronic lung issues. Just like heat causes blood vessels to dilate, the intense temperatures can also open tight airways to make it easier for individuals with asthma and other respiratory issues to breathe. Regular sauna-bathing sessions may even keep the common cold at bay. As mentioned, sauna bathing strengthens your immune system. Sweating helps flush toxins out of the body. Sitting in a sauna also helps break up mucus to prevent congestion that affects your lungs and nasal passages. Reduces Joint Pain Sauna bathing can help alleviate the joint pain associated with arthritis. Inflammation triggers this discomfort, as the immune system sees the tissue around the joints as a foreign invader. In response, the immune system prompts the painful swelling. A respite in a sauna can provide an immune boost and lower the risk of inflammation. Sauna bathing is a great element to add to your workout routine (or after you've mowed the lawn or participated in other strenuous chores around the house) to ease muscle tension. The heat opens blood vessels to deliver oxygenated blood straight to stressed muscles. The blood helps the tears heal faster. Experience Sauna Bathing at WorldSprings When you search online for "a sauna near me" or "spa with sauna near me," you are only a few clicks away from experiencing all that WorldSprings offers. Indulge in Finnish sauna bathing in one of the birch-lined barrels or rectangular-style enclosures. The wellness destination also boasts mineral hot springs for a relaxing soak and cold plunge pools for an invigorating, icy pick-me-up. Book your visit to WorldSprings to start your wellness journey.
Read More
How Soaking in a Hot Springs Pool Boosts Body Immunity
on Jan 6, 2025 | 5 minutes
How Soaking in a Hot Springs Pool Boosts Body Immunity Soaking in mineral hot springs is a soothing, restorative experience. But while relaxation is a major reason why springs enthusiasts keep returning for routine soaks, there are some less obvious benefits that make mineral springs ideal for whole-body wellness. Here, we explore how mineral pools can boost your body’s immunity through several key mechanisms. The importance of immunity for your health What is body immunity? The immune system is the body’s defense against pathogens, bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other potentially harmful invaders. This complex network is made up of many different components, including your organs, tissues, cells, and microbes, all of which work together to target and neutralize threats. You also have several subsets of body immunity, including: Physical barriers, such as your skin and mucosa lining The rapid-acting innate immune system The adaptive immune system, which targets specific pathogens precisely and retains memory of past infections for the future The innate immune system is your body’s way of attacking invaders indiscriminately. It’s made up of natural killer cells that act as a first line of defense. This system also triggers inflammation, an important response to injuries and infections. On the other hand, the adaptive immune system is more specialized and involves white blood cells called lymphocytes. There are several types of lymphocytes, including T-cells—which target infected cells and regulate immune response—and B-cells, which create antibodies to fight specific pathogens. Why is it important to maintain strong body immunity? Coordination between well-functioning innate and adaptive immunity ensures a robust defense against viruses, bacteria, and other illness-causing agents. At the same time, a properly functioning immune system prevents your body from going after healthy tissue through mechanisms like immune tolerance. This dynamic, multifaceted system not only protects you against illness, but also maintains your overall health. How winter affects the body’s immune system If it seems like you get sick more often or severely during the winter months, it’s not your imagination. There are multiple factors that affect immunity this time of year, including cooler weather itself. When temperatures drop, blood vessels in your skin constrict to conserve heat. This, in turn, reduces blood flow and immune cell circulation to critical areas, like your respiratory tract. Colder weather also comes with reduced humidity, which can leave your mucus membranes drier and impact their ability to trap pathogens. It then becomes easier for infections to take hold, leading to the common cold and flu. Additionally, most people tend to spend more time indoors when winter arrives. This can significantly increase your exposure to airborne viruses and bacteria, particularly in crowded areas with poor ventilation. Seasonal variations in sunlight exposure can also play a role in reduced wintertime immunity. Lower levels of sunlight may lead to a drop in the production of vitamin D, a key nutrient for immune function. This combination of environmental conditions creates the perfect storm for increased viral activity. Add seasonal stressors to the mix, and your body may become even less efficient at maintaining optimal immunity. How soaking in a hot springs pool boosts body immunity While it may not be the first reason you’re searching for “hot springs near me,” visiting WorldSprings could give your immune system an added boost. Nutrient-Rich Water Our mineral pools are loaded with immune-boosting nutrients, including: Magnesium Calcium Potassium Bicarbonate While you can certainly get some of these minerals through diet, soaking in our hot springs allows you to deliver them to your immune system through skin absorption. Soothing Heat Our mineral pools also deliver a distinct warming effect to your entire body. Heat can help strengthen your body’s immune response in a number of ways. Heat improves circulation by causing the walls of your blood vessels to relax, creating an effect known as vasodilation. When this happens, blood flow increases, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to key areas, while also supporting the removal of waste products. Increased heat also has therapeutic effects that could boost your immunity indirectly. For example, soaking in mineral hot springs reduces stiffness and discomfort in sore muscles by enhancing the delivery of oxygen-rich blood and eliminating inflammatory substances. Heat from mineral pools can promote overall body relaxation, encourage better sleep, and reduce stress, all of which support your immune system. Globally Inspired Mineral Baths & Holistic Wellness Amenities WorldSprings is home to mineral baths inspired by locations around the world, allowing guests to enjoy mind and body benefits in a serene setting. While our mineral pools are certainly a great place to start for immune support, our facilities have much more to offer. Our saunas can deliver therapeutic effects, by stimulating your body’s production of heat shock proteins, which aid in cellular repair and enhance cells’ resistance to stress. Saunas also promote vasodilation, which improves circulation and reduces inflammation. Visit WorldSprings for a true relaxation experience. Whether you prefer soaking in hot springs or the soothing heat of a sauna, you'll enjoy immune-boosting benefits and a comfortable, luxurious experience.
Read More
HSA/FSA Eligibility at WorldSprings
on Dec 16, 2024 | 5
Book at WorldSprings with HSA/FSA Funds At WorldSprings, we believe that soaking in mineral hot springs and using saunas may help you sleep better, de-stress, and contribute to your overall health. Through our collaboration with Truemed, eligible customers can now use Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds on soak reservations, memberships, massages, and performance therapies. This means you may be eligible to soak with pre-tax dollars, resulting in average net savings of 30%. Getting reimbursed for WorldSprings purchases from your HSA/FSA is easy, follow these steps! Take a 2-minute evaluation survey from Truemed that will be reviewed by a licensed practitioner. If eligible, Truemed's licensed practitioners will issue you a Letter of Medical Necessity (similar to a doctor writing a prescription). The letter will cover 12 months of reimbursements at WorldSprings! (soak admission, memberships, massages, and performance therapies) Truemed will send you instructions to obtain reimbursement from your HSA/FSA administrators. Make your purchase at WorldSprings with your debit or credit card, and save your receipt for reimbursement from your HSA/FSA Find out if you qualify by filling out the evaluation survey If you have difficulty submitting a claim for reimbursement, reach out to [email protected] and Truemed will provide the information that your HSA/FSA administrator is requesting
Read More
How Soaking in a Hot Spring Pool Can Help Prevent Cold & Flu
on Oct 2, 2024 | 5 minutes
How Soaking in a Hot Spring Pool Can Help Prevent Colds and Flu Fall might bring cooler days, brightly colored leaves, and ubiquitous pumpkin spice, but it also means the arrival of cold and flu season. As we start spending more time indoors, germs have more opportunities to spread, and it won’t be long before it seems like everyone is coughing, sniffling, and sneezing. We’ve all learned some cold and flu prevention tips over the last few years, from masking up in public to washing our hands more often. But even when you take precautions, there’s a chance you’ll get sick. When you do, visiting a hot springs facility like WorldSprings can help alleviate your symptoms and help you feel better faster. Navigating the Cold and Flu Season COVID-19 might have been the star of the show for the last few years, but that doesn’t mean the viruses that cause colds and the flu have disappeared. In fact, there are more than 200 different respiratory viruses that can cause cold symptoms, as well as dozens of influenza viruses. The viruses that cause the common cold are highly contagious. They can spread through the air, close personal contact with an infected person, or by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching a surface with the virus on it. Millions of people get colds every year. Symptoms range from mild nasal congestion and a runny nose to coughing, sneezing, a headache, sore throat, and body aches. In most cases, a cold doesn’t cause a fever; a fever is typically a sign that you have the flu or a more severe illness. Most people would rather avoid getting a cold since the virus can make them miserable, and symptoms last up to two weeks. Regular handwashing, not touching your face, and wearing a mask can help stop the spread of the nasty germs, but you can do even more to boost your immune system and get through the winter without a cold, leaving you down for the count. How a Hot Springs Pool Can Help Reduce Cold & Flu Symptoms Relaxing in a hot spring pool can do wonders for your mood and overall well-being. Soaking in warm water can help you sleep better since warm water can trigger a relaxation response. While you soak, your body temperature increases; when you leave the pool, your body temperature drops, which signals your body that it’s time to sleep. When you don’t feel well, a relaxing soak in warm water can help ease your aches and pains and provide a few additional benefits that can prevent and soothe your symptoms. Immune System Boost Slipping into a hot springs pool for a relaxing soak can give your immune system a much-needed boost to fight off infectious germs. But do hot soaks boost the immune system? They do! For starters, hot water can create a “false fever” by elevating your body temperature, which can stop cold viruses from reproducing and making you sick. If you already have a cold, warming your body can help shorten its duration. Soaking in hot water can also increase circulation, which also helps strengthen your immune system and make you feel better. Increasing your body temperature causes blood vessels to dilate, which supports better blood flow and delivers more oxygen to your organs. This can help increase production of the white blood cells that can fight off an infection. Just the simple act of relaxing in the pool can also help support your immune system. When you’re stressed, your immune system doesn’t respond as well to the stress hormone cortisol. Not only does this make you more susceptible to colds, but it can also worsen your symptoms. Adding frequent hot springs soaks to your self-care routine can help you stay healthy even when surrounded by germs. Finally, soaking in mineral springs can deliver a powerful boost of beneficial minerals that help support a healthy immune system. Your skin can absorb the minerals in the water, including immune-boosting magnesium, sulfur, potassium, iron, and zinc, which can help you fight off colds and the flu. Respiratory Benefits Research shows that dry air contributes to the spread of cold and flu germs, in some part because it dries out your nasal passages and makes them more vulnerable to viruses. Spending time in a hot springs pool with steam can add much-needed moisture, which can help you avoid getting sick and relieve congestion if you feel like you’re coming down with something. Extra moisture in the air opens your nasal passages so you can breathe easier and loosens mucus to clear out the congestion more easily. Hydration It might seem counterintuitive, but spending time in hot springs can contribute to dehydration, making you feel worse when you’re sick and leaving you more vulnerable to illness. Staying hydrated during cold and flu season is essential to prevent infection and help alleviate your symptoms. Visit WorldSprings As Part of Your Winter Wellness Plan With cold and flu season right around the corner, it’s time to start taking precautions to avoid getting sick this winter. Schedule a visit to WorldSprings to relax and give yourself the gift of a stronger immune system.
Read More
Why a Hot Springs Pool Makes the Perfect Holiday Getaway
on Oct 2, 2024 | 5 minutes
Why a Hot Springs Pool Makes the Perfect Holiday Getaway Holidays present the perfect opportunity to relax and get away from the bustle of daily life. Even so, that time off can be stressful — especially if you’re juggling travel plans, family visits, and a whole new list of to-do’s. So why not take a day to yourself to truly focus on your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing? Soaking in a hot spring pool has many benefits, especially during times of increased stress and fatigue. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, rejuvenating retreat or a tranquil place to soothe tired muscles, a hot springs getaway is an excellent way to make the holidays more enjoyable. 5 Ways a Hot Springs Soak Can Boost Your Holiday Enjoyment 1. Reduced Stress The holiday season, while exciting and joyful, can be taxing. Between shopping in crowded stores, rushing to finish last-minute work obligations, navigating family conflicts, and the stress of traveling, it’s not unusual for some to feel mentally and emotionally exhausted by the end of their break. Finding ways to unwind and alleviate stress can significantly improve your holiday experience, giving you the calm and serene feeling you deserve during your time off. Hot springs getaways may be the answer to your holiday stress. There’s a reason we associate warm baths with self-care — they allow us to clear our minds, turn off our stress response, and let our bodies truly relax. A hot springs pool provides the added benefit of a soothing, spa-like atmosphere and mineral-rich waters. Once you book your time at a hot spring, there’s no more need to rush. You can sit back, relax, and let the tension of the holidays melt away. 2. Pain Relief Traveling puts a lot of physical stress on the body, even when you aren’t moving much yourself. Sitting in a cramped car or plane for hours at a time keeps your blood from circulating properly, especially in your legs, feet, and ankles. This can lead to swelling and achy joints and muscles that follow you throughout the festivities. A mineral hot spring soak may ease some of that tension and bring much-needed relief. The warmth loosens stiff joints and muscles, while the buoyancy removes external pressures from your body and helps you relax. The minerals in hot spring water, such as the chloride, magnesium, and sodium of our Dead Sea pool, can also help relieve joint pain and inflammation. 3. Muscle Recovery Athletes enjoying their time off can benefit from rest and recovery over the holidays. For active individuals, rest days are an essential part of a healthy exercise routine. Taking some downtime gives your body the chance to heal and build muscle. Allowing your body to recover also reduces your risk of overuse injuries. Dedicating one of your rest days to a hot springs visit can substantially improve your recovery. Warm or hot water is known to dilate your blood vessels, a process called vasodilation. This improves blood flow, supplying oxygen and other necessary nutrients to tissues throughout the body. Better circulation contributes to reduced swelling and faster recovery. 4. Enhanced Sleep Quality Many people hope to use their time off to catch up on sleep, but in reality, you might be losing it. According to a 2022 survey, 43% of adults sleep less during the holiday season. This is generally due to holiday preparations, late night parties, travel fatigue, and stress. Studies have extensively shown that those who take warm baths are likely to have better quality sleep. Mineral hot springs can provide the same benefit, with the added advantages of having rejuvenating, pain-relieving, and stress-relieving qualities. If the holidays are stressing you out to the point of losing sleep, going for a hot springs soak could help you fall asleep and stay asleep easier at night. 5. Improved Mood During the rush and bustle of the holiday season, there’s little time to self-reflect and focus on your mental health. With so much added pressure, stress, and fatigue, it’s no wonder this time of year can be known for causing sour moods and flared tempers. If you need some time to yourself or to be alone with your partner, a hot springs holiday getaway might be the best way to reset your mental state. By soothing your body and mind, mineral hot springs can help improve your mood. You’ll leave calm, refreshed, and ready to face family festivities with a more relaxed and open mind. Visit WorldSprings: Your Path to Holiday Wellness Hot spring pools can have a profound impact on your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, no matter what the time of year. At WorldSprings, we welcome you to immerse yourself in our mineral-rich waters and enjoy the restorative effects of our regionally inspired pools. With varying temperatures and mineral balances, each soaking pool is designed to refresh and renew in different ways. If you want to bring the whole family, the little ones can enjoy the crystal-clear pools of the South Pacific region, where all ages are welcome. Book your visit to give yourself the gift of relaxation, or get a WorldSprings gift card for a loved one to promote wellness throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Read More
Why Are Hot Springs Beneficial for Marathon Runners?
on Oct 2, 2024 | 5 minutes
Why Are Hot Springs Beneficial for Marathon Runners? Participating in a marathon is a goal for numerous individuals. Seeing their perseverance, dedication and discipline pay off is just as rewarding to marathon runners as crossing the finish line. The BMW Marathon in Dallas is right around the corner. Leading up to this early December event (and year-round runs), make soaks in WorldSprings hot springs pools part of your pre-and post-marathon recovery. 5 Benefits of Hot Springs Mineral Baths for Marathon Runners In addition to calves and hamstrings in the legs, running also gives glutes, hip flexors, quads and core muscles a workout. The BMW Dallas Marathon is a 26.2-mile stretch, which means these muscles will feel the burn as you navigate the far-reaching course through Dallas neighborhoods. Training for numerous hours weekly is expected to build endurance and strength while curbing potential discomfort during the race. Soaking in hot springs pools helps prepare and recover from intense training sessions. In nature, the hot water dissolves minerals from the surrounding rocks. The high mineral content contributes to the health benefits of hot springs. WorldSprings is home to over 40 mineral hot springs across an expansive open-air complex divided into adults-only and all-access regions. The waters in each region contain different mineral makeups that boast different whole-body health and wellness benefits. 1. Boosts Circulation Your muscles require oxygenated blood to prevent your body from buckling while training and during the marathon. Running helps achieve this goal. Pounding the pavement causes your heart to beat faster. The quickened pace improves blood circulation and ensures oxygen keeps your muscles in the game. For a less strenuous way to help muscles power through intense training and the marathon, soak in hot springs mineral baths. The heat opens blood vessels for better circulation. The baths in the South Pacific, Asiatic and Americas regions contain bicarbonate. Once absorbed into the body, the mineral boosts blood and oxygen flow while acting as a janitor. The mineral stops the burning sensation in muscles that otherwise could bring the run to a screeching halt. Carbonate pulls excess hydrogen from muscles, increasing muscle pH to curb the burning sensation so muscles can endure the strain. 2. Soothes Sore Leg Muscles & Prevents Future Discomfort Soaking in hot water helps alleviate soreness. The water temperature in WorldSprings’ mineral hot baths ranges from the mid-80s to low 100s degrees Fahrenheit. The heat is a lifesaver when leg muscles are sore because the high temperatures reduce muscle stiffness, restoring flexibility. The stiffness contributes to muscle tightness, soreness and an increased risk of injury. After the impact of running on hard surfaces, floating in the low-resistance water takes the strain off sore joints and muscles for relief, too. Wading in the hot springs mineral baths before training or the marathon also benefits muscles. The heat causes blood vessels to open, which ramps up blood flow to muscles as a preemptive strike against future soreness. 3. Reduces Post-Training and Post-Marathon Inflammation Any stress put on the body causes inflammation, so muscle inflammation while training for a marathon is par for the course. Inflammation is a good thing because the dilation of blood vessels and the porosity of surrounding tissue create an open door for immune cells to reach the achy areas. Unfortunately, this immune system response can leave the affected areas swollen, red and in pain. Muscle soreness and inflammation are not the same. Hot mineral baths help alleviate soreness, while cold water reduces inflammation. A dip in WorldSprings’ cold plunges (kept at 55 degrees Fahrenheit) in the European, Asiatic and Americas regions is recommended for immediate post-training recovery and right after the marathon. The cold water compresses blood vessels to reduce swelling and discomfort. Soaking in the mineral hot springs later can further reduce lingering achiness. Potassium, specifically, when absorbed into the body aids muscle and joint recovery by helping keep electrolytes in balance. Potassium flows through the waters in the South Pacific, European, Asiatic and Americas regions at WorldSprings. 4. Promotes Mental and Whole-Body Wellness Getting the pre-marathon jitters is normal, and soaking in mineral hot springs can help restore a sense of calm to help keep your mind focused on the marathon goal. The magnesium in WorldSprings’ South Pacific, Dead Sea, Asiatic and Americas regions can help alleviate anxiety and stress. Reducing stress can lead to a better night’s sleep—which is vital for marathon runners to remain alert and energized. 5. Alleviates Foot Discomfort While wearing comfortable running shoes, feet will still take most of the force during an intense, long-distance run. At WorldSprings, you can soak your feet in cold water to ease swelling caused by inflammation and warm water to combat soreness and achiness in your feet and ankles. The hot water also opens blood vessels to increase flow in the lower half of the body.
Read More