That wonderful feeling you get whenever you sit back in a hot tub is because of the way your body reacts to the heat and jets of water. Our bodies are infinitely complex, and many types of therapies and drugs can work. Hydrotherapy, or the therapy of water, in a home hot tub is one way to improve on our health.
Hot tubs are great for those with high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), commonly defined as being greater than 140/90. For those with this condition, time in a hot tub or spa is an exceptionally beneficial therapy as it can assist medications.
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Blood pressure is necessary for us to survive, and it is produced in three different ways: heart rate (how rapidly the heart is beating); how much pressure the heart is pumping against (the more relaxed blood vessels are, the easier it is to pump blood into them, the tighter they are, the more difficult it is); and the volume of blood in the veins and arteries.
Hydrotherapy in a hot tub provides relief for high blood pressure because it dilates or opens up blood vessels so the heart doesn't have to pump as hard. This lowers blood pressure and it lowers the amount the heart has to work by up to 20%. Your body opens up the blood vessels because it thinks you are getting too warm and the ones near the surface of the skin relax in an effort to release heat.
This vasodilation (opening up of the vessels) allows oxygen to travel more easily to places where it normally does not go in great quantities. Because of the fact that oxygen is a necessary part of healing, hot tub hydrotherapy hastens healing.
Vasodilation serves a second purpose because the blood clears away wastes from different parts of the body in the same way that it circulates nutrients. Whenever it's been a hard day and your muscles are aching, it is often because there is a build up of lactic acid. The faster blood gets to the muscles to remove the lactic acid, the faster they will feel better. This also permits your muscles to relax.
A hot tub is a significant purchase that can pay dividends on your health for years to come. Make sure you check with a doctor before treating yourself for any disease or condition.
Hot Tub Therapy - How Hot Tubs Lower Blood Pressure
Rebecca Naylor is a nurse who has an interest in how the body works. She is always looking for ways to improve quality of life for her patients. She offers more health improving information on the health benefits page of her hot tubs and saunas [http://www.hot-tubs-n-saunas.com] site. Check out her other sites with helpful info: skin care and cosmetics [http://www.skin-care-n-cosmetics.com] and plus size clothing.