Hot springs have long been popular destinations for health enthusiasts from all over the world. The spring itself is usually a pool of self-heated water that is warmed naturally by the geothermic activity beneath the surface of the earth.
What Exactly Are Hot Springs?
Hot springs come in many shapes and forms. Some are geothermal, while others are simply defined as having water at a temperature above the area surrounding it. Others claim to have waters that are above the average human body temperature, and even more are defined by their ability to keep their waters over 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
The further into the core of the earth one travels, the warmer it becomes. Geothermal hot springs are simply drawing water from deeper levels of the earth, where it has been heated by hot rock formations before being sent back to the surface. Other hot springs draw their heat from volcanic activity. Magma running beneath the earth heats the water. This heated water can heat a hot spring, but overheating can also result in the formation of a geyser, jet of steam, or even a simple mud pot.
Regardless of how they are formed, there are dozens of theories surrounding the benefit of the waters from hot springs for therapeutic purposes. It is believed that the waters found in hot springs have very high mineral levels, which have been found to be beneficial to the body. Because of these ideas, hot springs have become popular destinations no only for tourists, but as sites for health clinics as well.
The opportunity to visit a hot spring should be taken advantage of if it should happen to arise. These incredible pools of water can be found all over the world. We recommend these as great places to get started:
Spa, Belgium
The town of Spa, in Belgium, is the town where the concept of health and beauty spas originated. The hot springs found in Spa have been hot destinations for those looking to bathe in healing waters since the 14th century. The waters in these hot springs boast temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Taiwan
Taiwan is one of the most popular places in the world for those looking to visit a hot spring. The country features a wide variety of therapeutic springs, many of which you won’t find elsewhere in the world. Visit Taiwan to experience the relaxing effects of not only hot springs, but of mud springs, seabed hot springs, and cold springs as well.
Icaria, Greece
In Icaria, Greece you’ll find a hot spring of an unusual nature. The hot spring here has been in existence since at least the fourth century BCE, if not longer. This hot spring, however, is believed to be heated by radioactive activity.
Argentina
In Argentina you’ll come across the hot springs at Termas de Rio Hondo. These hot springs are amongst the most popular in the world, partly due to research completed in the early 1900’s that claimed the mineral waters were also electrolytic, providing additional healing benefits. In Argentina, the use of hot springs is a common remedy for high blood pressure and to relieve the pain of arthritis.
Tibet
Just north of Lhasa in Tibet you’ll find the field known as the Yangbajing hot springs. Found over 14,100 feet above sea level, these hot springs are quite possibly the only ones on earth located at such a high altitude.
Aachen, Germany
The hot springs in Aachen, Germany are amongst the hottest in Europe. The waters here can run up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and contain a very high concentration of salts and other minerals. Visitors to Carolus Thermen can relax in the spa waters which are cooled to a reasonable temperature by a cascading fountain.
Use Caution When Visiting Hot Springs
Great care and caution should be used when visiting hot springs, regardless of where on earth they are located. The warm temperatures have been known to harbor bacteria growth and some have been the cause of major infections to those who have visited.
Perhaps you’ve heard of a rare form of meningitis caused by an amoeba that enters the brain through the nose. This type of amoeba lives in warm waters similar to those found in hot springs. Other forms of amoeba and bacteria have been found in hot springs as well. In Japan, there was once a case of a bather who later reported coming down with the herpes simplex virus.
In order to ensure your safety, it is not recommended that you jump right into any of the hot springs you may find during your travels. Try to visit well-known hot springs with a staff who constantly monitors the activity within the waters. Follow all of the posted warning and safety signs at all times, and your hot spring experience will be as relaxing and delightful as you’ve always imagined.
Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
You do run some great photos. That first one looks like something on alien planet. That next to last paragraph was an eye opener. Maybe I’ll stick to my well-brominated hot tub!
There’s one in Japan, (I can’t remember where specifically), that just like any other hot springs, it has a relaxing and good effect in one’s health.. The only difference is, you have to share the spring together with monkeys
IT SOO BERAUTIFL;