Soaking in a hot spring can be wonderful therapy, for a number of reasons. The heat and subsequent sweating have a deeply cleansing effect on our skin and entire bodymind system. The specific mineral content of the spring will offer its unique benefits. If the spring is in a relatively natural environment, chances are we’re receiving the qi (life-force energy) of all five elements: earth (the ground in which the spring is held); metal (the various minerals in the spring-water); water (the water itself); wood (the surrounding trees, and/or the wooden benches etc. surrounding the spring); and fire (the heat of the water, and the sun overhead). As such, hotsprings have the capacity to balance and harmonize our bodymind, quite naturally.

The overall effect of soaking in a hotspring tends to be a relaxing one, so unnecessary stress and tension can be dissolved, allowing our qi to flow more smoothly through all of the meridians. When qi flows smoothly through the meridians, all of our internal organs are benefited, and begin to smile and we connect with our fully-awakened body and mind, at a subtle level at least.