Hot springs have wonderful health benefits, but not everyone can enter them at any time or in any manner. While hot springs are a gift from nature, they can also be a powerful stimulus.

"Who should avoid hot springs?" "Is it safe during pregnancy?" "Can I enter with a heart condition?" "What about after drinking alcohol?"

This article provides a detailed medical explanation of the benefits and precautions of hot springs. It is a complete guide to enjoying hot springs safely.

People Who Should Avoid Hot Springs (Contraindications)

Absolute Contraindications: Absolutely Do Not Bathe

1. Acute Diseases (Especially with Fever)

• Fever (37.5°C or higher)
• Influenza
• Acute infections

Reason: Rising body temperature can worsen the condition.

2. Active Tuberculosis Reason: Risk of worsening the infection and spreading it to others.

3. Malignant Tumors Reason: Increased blood circulation may raise the risk of metastasis.

4. Severe Heart Disease

• Severe heart failure
• Unstable angina
• Recent myocardial infarction (within 3 months)

Reason: Puts a heavy burden on the heart, which is dangerous.

5. Respiratory Failure Reason: Steam and high temperatures can worsen breathing difficulties.

6. Renal Failure Reason: Risk of fluid balance disruption.

7. Hemorrhagic Diseases

• Vomiting blood
• Bloody stools
• Other bleeding

Reason: Increased blood circulation can lead to more bleeding.

8. Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Diseases Reason: Unstable period of the condition.

Relative Contraindications: Consult a Doctor First

• Severe anemia
• Early and late stages of pregnancy
• During menstruation (heavy bleeding)
• Severe hypertension
• Severe diabetes

Hot Spring Bathing During Pregnancy

Previous Common Beliefs and the Present

Previously It was believed that hot springs were prohibited during pregnancy.

Since 2014 The Ministry of the Environment removed "pregnancy (especially early and late stages)" from contraindications in its hot spring therapy guidelines.

Hot Springs During Pregnancy: Precautions

OK

• Stable period (5-7 months of pregnancy)
• When feeling well
• Short baths (5-10 minutes)
• Lukewarm hot springs (38-40°C)

Caution

• Early pregnancy (morning sickness period)
• Late pregnancy (when the belly is large)
• Avoid long baths
• Be cautious of slipping

Consult a Doctor If you have a high-risk pregnancy, always consult your doctor.

Precautions for People with Heart Disease or Hypertension

Effects of Hot Springs on the Heart

Reasons for High Burden

1. Increased Heart Rate Due to Heat

• At rest: 60-80 beats/min
  • In hot springs: 100-120 beats/min

1. Blood Pressure Fluctuations

• Immediately after entering: Blood pressure rises
  • During bathing: Blood pressure drops
  • After exiting: Blood pressure rises

1. Increased Blood Viscosity

• Blood concentration due to sweating
  • Increased risk of thrombosis

To Bathe Safely

Get Doctor's Approval If you have heart disease or hypertension, consult your doctor first.

Lukewarm Hot Springs

• Ideal temperature is 38-40°C
• Avoid hot water (42°C or higher)

Short Duration

• About 5-10 minutes
• Long baths are strictly prohibited

Move Slowly

• Do not stand up suddenly
• Enter and exit the bath slowly

Hydrate

• Drink water before and after bathing
• Prevent dehydration

Why Bathing After Drinking Alcohol is Dangerous

Absolutely Do Not Do It

Statistics Many accidental deaths during bathing are related to bathing after drinking alcohol.

Why is it Dangerous?

1. Sudden Blood Pressure Fluctuations

• Alcohol: Vasodilation → Blood pressure drops
• Hot springs: Further vasodilation → Sudden blood pressure drop
• Risk of fainting

2. Dehydration

• Alcohol: Diuretic effect
• Hot springs: Sweating
• Severe dehydration → Consciousness impairment

3. Impaired Judgment

• When intoxicated, it's hard to notice physical changes
• Risk of drowning

4. Burden on the Heart

• Alcohol + Hot water = Excessive burden on the heart

Correct Order

OK: Hot springs → Rest → Beer NG: Beer → Hot springs

Appropriate Bathing Time and Method

Duration of One Bath

Recommended Time

• First time: About 5 minutes (to acclimate the body)
• From the second time: 10-15 minutes
• Maximum: Up to 20 minutes

Dangers of Long Baths

• Dizziness
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Low blood pressure

Number of Baths Per Day

Recommendation Up to 2-3 times a day

For therapeutic purposes Up to 3-4 times a day under medical guidance.

Recommended Split Bathing

Method

1. Bathe for 5-10 minutes
2. Rest for 5-10 minutes
3. Bathe again for 5-10 minutes

This method is the most gentle and effective for the body.

Importance of Hydration Before and After Bathing

Why is it Important?

Amount of Sweat You sweat about 300-500ml per bath.

Risk of Dehydration

• Blood concentration
• Increased risk of thrombosis
• Risk of stroke and heart attack

Proper Hydration

Before Bathing Drink a glass (200ml) of water

During Bathing If bathing for a long time, hydrate during

After Bathing Drink 1-2 glasses (200-400ml) of water

Recommended Drinks

• Water
• Barley tea
• Sports drinks

To Avoid

• Alcohol
• Caffeinated drinks (diuretic effect)

Importance of Pouring Water Over Yourself

Why is it Necessary?

Prevention of Temperature Shock Sudden entry into hot water can cause a rapid rise in blood pressure.

Correct Method of Pouring Water

Order

1. Start from the feet
2. Up to the knees
3. Up to the waist
4. Up to the shoulders
5. A little on the head

Start from parts far from the heart This is the rule.

Precautions During Bathing

Enter and Exit Slowly

Sudden Movements are Dangerous

• Dizziness
• Falling
• Sudden changes in blood pressure

Correct Method

• Sit down slowly
• Stand up slowly
• Use handrails

Do Not Submerge Your Head in the Bath

Reason

• Risk of dizziness
• Hair floats (bad manners)
• Risk of drowning

Avoid Bathing Immediately After Eating

Reason During digestion, blood is needed in the stomach and intestines, and bathing can cause blood to disperse, leading to indigestion.

Recommendation Wait 30 minutes to 1 hour after eating

What is Bathing Fatigue?

Bathing Fatigue

Symptoms

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

Causes

• Overbathing
• Long baths
• Consecutive days of bathing

Remedies

• Avoid bathing
• Hydrate
• Rest

Bathing Exhaustion

Symptoms

• General fatigue
• Lethargy
• Sleepiness

Cause The stimulation from the hot spring was too strong.

Remedies

• Rest
• Shorter baths next time

Post-Bath Care

Drying Off

Leave Hot Spring Minerals? Depends on the type of spring.

Better to Leave

• Chloride springs (retain heat)
• Bicarbonate springs (skin benefits)

Better to Wash Off

• Acidic springs (strong stimulation)
• Sulfur springs (strong odor)

Moisturizing

Prone to Dryness After Bathing Especially after bicarbonate springs, it is recommended to apply moisturizing cream.

Rest

Always Rest Rest for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour after bathing.

Lie Down If possible, lying down to rest is ideal.

Bathing Precautions for the Elderly

Special Attention Needed

Compared to younger people, the elderly:

• Have decreased temperature regulation
• Experience greater blood pressure fluctuations
• Have a higher risk of falling
• Are more prone to dizziness

Safe Bathing Methods

• Having a Companion is Reassuring
• Use Handrails
• Lukewarm Water (38-40°C)
• Short Duration (5-10 minutes)
• Move Slowly

Conclusion: Enjoy Hot Springs Safely

Hot springs have wonderful health benefits, but only when used correctly and safely. By understanding your health condition and following appropriate bathing methods, hot springs can be the best health practice.

Understand contraindications, remember to hydrate, avoid long baths, and do not enter after drinking alcohol. By following these basics, hot springs can be a safe and effective health practice.

Enjoy Japan's hot springs safely and experience their wonderful health benefits to the fullest.

Safety first, enjoy the hot springs.