Why are hot baths so relaxing, physically and mentally? I get that the water takes your weight, but thats only some of it. When I get into a hot bath I find the warmth incredibly soothing, but I dont understand why, what is it about heat that relaxes muscles and mind?
2006-12-18 20:26:04 · 17 answers · asked by pinkyandbunty 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
The heat helps to increase blood flow which lowers blood pressure and your heart rate and breathing should slow down also which helps to relax.
It may also be a subconcious memory of being in the womb from the warm wet feeling.
2006-12-18 20:30:38 · answer #1 · answered by Andrew R 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well if you've ever heard that cold contracts and heat expands, I would assume that has something to do with it. If you notice when you're colder than normal, your body tightens up and warmer than normal, everything loosens. My assumption is that when you get cold, your muscles contract, and under heat, expand.
As for mental relaxation, when your body feels better than normal by a lot, it's only natural that your mind will follow suit. I mean, lying down and getting a backrub is mentally relaxing as well, but not for any reason beyond physical pleasure.
I think anything beyond that is simply psychological. If a person can forget all about stress and responsibility in any environment, it's bound to be mentally relaxing.
2006-12-18 20:30:37 · answer #2 · answered by starofiniquity 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A hot bath relaxes the muscles, and helps you to unwind after a stress full day. The hot water also opens the pours in the skin and can help to cleanse your skin, but mainly they are just very relaxing.
2006-12-18 20:28:42 · answer #3 · answered by The Dude 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heat. It causes the muscles to relax and that sensation brings about a sense of calm within the mind and body. One reason men are more uptight than women is that they do not take baths but showers.
2006-12-18 20:27:50 · answer #4 · answered by Isis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess I only have time for the bathtub on weekends when I actually have time to relax.For me there is nothing more soothing,relaxing,stress relieving or sexier than a little bubble bath,some Himilayan salt crystals,lots of candles reflecting off of the mirrors surrounding my tub,my razor,a bottle of wine,music & hopefully kids asleep in their bedrooms!If you have kids you'd understand LOL!On a perfect night the bathtub is like my little playground,I usually end up in their a good hour after falling asleep.I have absolutely no problems falling asleep after this once I make it to my bed LOL!
2006-12-18 21:13:41 · answer #5 · answered by Linda_M. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The hot water relaxes all of your muscles and make you feel good all over. Happy bathing, and Happy Holidays.
2006-12-18 21:56:37 · answer #6 · answered by Janice 10 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't like taking baths because I find the water cools off too quickly.
Plus I usually nearly drown because I fall asleep and slip into the water.
So, unfortunately, they are not very relaxing for me.
2006-12-18 20:29:32 · answer #7 · answered by tfto_geekboy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have my own idea on this and it may go into detail. One of the jobs that not many people know about your liver is that it works to heat your body as well as being a chemical factory.
So, if you have an outside heat source heating your body, your liver does not have to work as hard to produce heat.
Therefore your body comes to a constant state.
Also enzymes in your body (as with everytbodies)work best around 37oc. So if everything is right with regards to body heat,your body is just ticking over fine! and loving it.
2006-12-19 01:37:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
mmmmmm.....buuuble baaaathsssss mmmmmmmmmmm!!!!
god i love em! funny my housemates and i were only discussing the merits of a nice hot bubbly inviting bath on a cold winter night (we unfortunately only have a shower in our house and were longingly thinking of how lovely it would be to have had one at at that very moment)
i don't think i know quite what the special ingredient of a bath is that makes it so special (especially if you haven't had one for ages) but i think it definitely has that relax factor the one that gives you that warm, fuzzy glowing feeling when you get out...all those lovely hot bubbles hugging your body.... aaah.... yes please! xxx
2006-12-18 20:44:16 · answer #9 · answered by sunshine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thinks its to do with pors in the skin being opened. i just love a relaxing bath
maybe its a return to the womb thing!
HAPPY DAYS
2006-12-18 20:37:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋