How to Take a Hot Springs Bath

Hot springs are beautiful and known for their great healing powers. They give people a place to socialize and relax. A hot springs bath can be part of a vacation or a soothing remedy for those seeking its health benefits.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to visit a wild spring or a developed spring at a resort. Developed springs are designed for bathing. Wild springs are at the earth's temperature and sometimes can be observed but not bathed in.

2. Find out the rules and regulations of the hot spring. Each has different rules and regulations such as whether they require swim wear or not.

3. Have a towel and flip flops or bath shoes handy.

4. Shower before entering the spring water.

5. Check the temperature of the water with a thermometer before easing in, especially if it's a wild hot spring.

6. Sit very still while in the springs. Movement makes you hotter.

7. Listen to your body. It will probably tell when your time is up. You may want to get out and re-enter after a cooling off period.

8. Gently pat dry without rinsing so that the skin soaks up the healing minerals.

Tips & Warnings

• Some wild springs also have great drinking water. Find out what the locals say about the water; you may want to grab a jug along with your swimming attire.

• Don't take cameras near the springs. The mineral water may damage the lens.

• Wild springs can be extremely hot. You could easily be burned or killed.

• Wild springs can carry bacteria and other organisms that cause illness.

• Look out for wildlife at wild springs. Find out what wild animals may be present and what precautionary measures should be taken.

• Don't take soap or any other agent into a spring. It will pollute and contaminate the water.