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This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful and thank you dear Universe: You continue to bless me with recovery and overall health.
Nature is the playground for enthusiasts to scout, restore and feel good however a lot of nature’s World is still to be explored by humans for its diversity across multiple disciplines of life for complete well-being. Whether it’s a simple stroll through growing green gardens or the mountains and the trees or taking a dip in a body of water, nature graciously offers tremendous benefits.
Unfortunately, at no other time in the evolution of human history have we been more disconnected from the natural world and more connected to scientific discoveries. I was no different and even for me, it was all about the feel-good factor or using a couple of day-to-day products that claim to have directly originated from nature until getting diagnosed with a rare disease, Isaacs’ Syndrome (a neuromuscular condition stemming from muscle hyperactivity), my life underwent a drastic change, and following that diagnosis, I also discovered I was suffering from Lyme disease (a bacterial illness transmitted by ticks), Glaucoma (which damages the optic nerve), and Membranous Glomerulonephritis (a progressive kidney disease).
Suddenly, I had increasing attention across genres to connect with nature when I discovered that it has answers to my health problems with its ability to address the root cause of diseases with minimum or no side effects. I started to explore, read, and discover. In the process I was allured by a friend’s exciting and rejuvenating experience of Natural Hot Water Springs post his visit to Vashist, Kalath, and Manikaran in Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It was exciting to know that these springs are located in the picture-perfect Beas and Sutlej valleys with views of rivers gushing, springs are spread across beautiful villages, and have amazing health properties. The water temperature is typically between 65 to 80 degrees centigrade. The mineral-rich hot water bubbles found between nature envelops tranquility, beauty, and a rejuvenating experience all in one place. It is believed that these warm waters have properties that could heal ailments and remove impurities.
Today, though a dip in a natural hot water spring might be considered more of a hippie pastime however it has medicinal powers that aren’t only mythological yet scientifically proved by Balneology (the study that promotes knowing about the medicinal properties of springs and the therapeutic effects of bathing in them).
Many minerals come together to give a healthy experience:
- Sulfur: essential to support life, it is found as a natural substance that has antibacterial properties and is known to relieve respiratory conditions. In countries like Europe, Sulfur rich hot springs are used to treat a variety of conditions like fungal infections, arthritis, dermatitis, and gynecological issues.
- Iron: essential for the production of hemoglobin.
- Calcium: has its role in solving issues related to nerves, muscles, blood vessels, hormones, and bones.
- Boron: an element that helps bone strengthening and increases brain activity.
- Bicarbonate: helps in blood circulation, balances the acid property of the body, and has benefits in hypertension.
- Sodium: is known to ease body pain and boost our lymphatic system.
- Selenium: is known as a power-packed antioxidant.
- Magnesium: has its importance with the functionality of nerves and muscles.
- Potassium: helps control blood pressure and cardiovascular functions of the body.
Apart from the above mineral benefits, it also creates a relaxing experience providing heat and massage to the body.
Health benefits:
- An improved Blood Circulation
- A reduction in Stress related symptoms
- Improves the Endocrine system.
- Tones up the Nervous System
- Release toxins through sweat
- Treats the musculoskeletal problems.
- Skin-related issues
- Helps normalize Blood Pressure
- Relief from stressed muscles and joints
- Increases metabolism.
- Helps increase absorption of essential minerals.
Warning: having spoken about the above-mentioned benefits, a dip with essential minerals also comes with a word of caution: A lot many things we use for health have their limitations and it’s equally important to understand how to use them to maximize benefits:
- If one suffers from some specific chronic ailment, it is advised to have pre-approvals from the doctor.
- Commercial springs may be polluted with metals and bacteria.
- Though there are rich minerals that help cardiovascular problems however it is better to consult a doctor if one suffers from heart-related issues and fluctuations in blood pressure
- Stay hydrated.
- Hot spring water should not be used for drinking purposes.
Who doesn’t like to be pampered?
Today, spas are replicating these ancient healing concepts in a more sophisticated manner using mineral-rich springs and sometimes seawater for medicinal baths. The computerized monitoring systems keep the waters regularly tested with temperature and flow relatively constant. However, an organic environment where the majority of our ecosystem has a presence gets an opportunity to explore, learn, create amazing discoveries, and make an ideal situation for a healthy life. Simply being surrounded by birds, plants, and fresh air has amazing effects on the mind & body by making us so much happier.
Are you getting enough of Nature?
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed above in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
