Soaking in hot springs has its benefits, but also some drawbacks—though not major ones, just a few things to watch out for. Here are twelve key precautions to keep in mind when enjoying a hot spring soak:
1. Don’t soak in hot springs on an empty stomach, as it can easily lead to dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
2. If you’ve been traveling for a long time or walking great distances and are very tired, avoid soaking immediately—it may only make you feel more exhausted.
3. Insufficient sleep or staying up late, then suddenly entering a very hot spring, may cause shock or cerebral ischemia.
4. When feeling overly excited or angry, or if your heart rate is elevated, it’s not suitable to soak in a hot spring.
5. Right after a meal or drinking alcohol, don’t soak immediately, as it may cause indigestion or cerebral hemorrhage.
6. If you’re malnourished or have just recovered from illness and are in poor physical condition, do not soak in a hot spring.
7. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or arteriosclerosis should first gently wipe their bodies with hot spring water before soaking, and not jump straight in, to avoid affecting blood vessel constriction.
8. Those with cancer or leukemia should avoid hot springs, as the heat can stimulate metabolism and weaken the body quickly.
9. If you have acute colds, acute illnesses, or contagious diseases, it’s best not to soak in hot springs.
10. Women should avoid hot springs during menstruation or around that time, as well as in the early and late stages of pregnancy.
11. The duration of a hot spring soak should be based on the water temperature—avoid soaking too long in extremely hot water.
12. If you feel unwell while soaking, leave the hot spring immediately—do not continue.
From the above precautions, we understand that soaking in hot springs isn’t something you can do just anytime. Sometimes, news reports show people dying from hot spring soaks. It might seem unbelievable at the time, but now you know it can happen. So before entering a hot spring, assess your physical condition to avoid turning joy into misfortune. Also, although hot springs are healthy, those with contagious diseases, extreme physical weakness, or acute illnesses...such as acute pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, or acute fevers from colds...Pregnant women in early or late stages, women during menstruation, or those with open wounds should avoid hot springs.If you must soak, pay close attention to your physical state to prevent discomfort. Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or vascular conditions should follow a doctor’s advice or be accompanied by someone. Cancer and leukemia patients should avoid hot springs, as the heat stimulates metabolism and accelerates bodily decline. Avoid soaking if you’re malnourished or in a severely weakened state after illness.
Eight "Don’ts" for Soaking in Hot Springs
During travel season, many choose to soak in hot springs, but do you know there are many precautions to consider?
1. Don’t soak too abruptly—don’t start with the hottest pool; begin with one of moderately warm water.
2. Don’t soak too hot or for too long—avoid staying in overly hot water for more than 10 minutes at a time; make sure to let your upper chest surface or briefly exit the water to rest.
3. Don’t soak too deeply—avoid being submerged above the chest for over 10 minutes at a time; alternate with milder pools or let your body surface and rest before re-soaking.
4. Due to the high temperature, you may experience sweating, dry mouth, or chest tightness after soaking—this is a normal reaction to accelerated blood circulation. Switch to cooler water, rest out of the bath, and drink more water to relieve symptoms.
5. People with heart disease or high blood pressure should soak with a companion; if you feel unwell, get out and rest immediately.
6. Don’t soak when hungry, as an empty stomach can cause fatigue; wait until after a meal or a short rest.
7. Don’t soak right after drinking alcohol—rest and sleep first to recover your strength, or risk exhaustion and accidents due to increased blood circulation.
8. After long, tiring travel, don’t rush into a hot spring—rest a bit and regain your energy before soaking.
Cold Season: Hot Spring Tips for Women
In the cold winter months, soaking in hot springs has become a popular leisure activity for many people. After soaking, having a sauna session feels both comfortable and relaxing. However, this practice isn't actually very scientific. According to relevant information, after soaking in a hot spring, the minerals and negative ions in the water have just been absorbed by the body. If you immediately go into a sauna, these beneficial substances can easily be sweated out, and there may even be dangerous situations such as fainting. What should you pay attention to when soaking in hot springs?
◆ Before soaking – choose the right temperature and check acidity or alkalinity. Before entering the hot spring, ask the staff about the spring’s properties and pH level. Springs that are too acidic or alkaline are best diluted with tap water.
◆ People suffering from insomnia, neurasthenia, high blood pressure, heart disease, or after-effects of cerebral hemorrhage should opt for lukewarm hot springs at 37°C–38°C; those with rheumatism, gastrointestinal issues, or neuralgia should choose high-temperature hot springs at 43°C–45°C. If you have skin wounds or fungal infections, it's best not to soak in hot springs. When cleaning your body before soaking, avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent stripping away the skin’s natural oil barrier, which could leave your skin irritated by the spring water.
◆ While soaking – don’t overdo it, and use a face mask. The typical soaking time is around 20 minutes per session, and it’s best not to exceed 30 minutes. In the steamy hot spring pool, pores on your face produce a large amount of free radicals, which can damage your skin. It’s advisable to apply a face mask while soaking or use a cold towel to wipe your face.
◆ After soaking – don’t drive and keep warm. Soaking in hot springs is a moderate-intensity exercise. While it helps you fully relax physically and mentally, it also slightly reduces your alertness and concentration. Therefore, drivers should rest for at least two hours after soaking before getting behind the wheel.
◆ Getting a massage immediately after soaking is like putting your blood through two rounds of acceleration at once, increasing the heart’s blood intake and possibly leading to insufficient blood supply or temporary shock. After soaking, it’s also important to stay warm—dry your entire body thoroughly, especially in areas like the armpits, groin, around the navel, and skin folds on the limbs. Then apply lotion to your face and body to lock in moisture and retain skin hydration.