Hot water is full of benefits whether for the mind or the body, as it opens the pores and also exfoliates the skin, understand the subject
Water is definitely essential for human survival. However, the news is that hot water also has its importance. Firstly, it is very common to use hot water in compresses, you have probably already heard about it. But do you know when to use a hot compress and when to use a cold one? we explain it to you.
Cold compress
The cold water compress is ideal after falls, blows or joint injuries, and is recommended within the first 48 hours after the incident. Basically, in most traumas, bumps or sprains, some blood vessels are ruptured, thus leaking blood and becoming swollen. But the cold compress causes these vessels to encounter the cold temperature and thus go into spasms, contracting and reducing blood flow.
Furthermore, the method also relieves pain, as ice also acts as an analgesic. However, the cold water compress should be used with care on extremities, such as fingers, nose or close to superficial nerve pathways, such as the inner side of the elbow or the outer side of the knees.
It is not advisable to use ice for more than 12 minutes uninterruptedly. Between one application and another, there must be an interval of at least ten minutes.
Hot compress
First of all, I would like to say that you should never use a hot compress on an acute injury. This compress is ideal for infectious situations, such as those in which there is inflammation with the formation of pus. As well as to alleviate edema and bruises that formed after untreated trauma within 48 hours.
In short, warming up stimulates circulation and relaxes muscles. Therefore, the hot water compress acts on the body as a muscle relaxant. It is recommended for back pain, stiff neck and menstrual cramps.
Above all, it is extremely important to highlight that this compress cannot be used for an excessive amount of time, to avoid burns, or on areas of the body that are less heated, such as the face, the back of the hands and feet.
Care
Both compresses provide relief, but great care is needed as both can hurt the skin. However, as long as they are used correctly, the benefits of these alternatives are many.
Benefits of hot water
1- In the bath
A hot water bath has been known for millennia to provide several health benefits. In Ancient Greece, for example, a hot bath was considered therapeutic for the mind and body. However, it was the Romans who were most concerned about transforming the hot bath into an event, building public baths where any citizen could enjoy.
In Europe, it has become common to treat various disorders, flu and fluid retention with a hot water bath. Especially nowadays, many only drink hot bath, as the practice is considered relaxing.
2- Relieves headaches
Hot water helps to dilate blood vessels, consequently improving blood distribution and relieving headaches.
If your headache is related to pressure caused by sinusitis, for example, hot water can also help, as the heat and steam help clear your nasal passages.
So in this case, there’s no harm in trying, just take a warm shower and then rest.
3- Relieves muscle pain
As previously stated, dilation of blood vessels increases blood flow, which can also be extremely beneficial when it comes to muscle pain. Therefore, in cases of muscle pain, the tip is to take a hot bath or place a hot water compress on the area of pain.
4- Opens the pores
Hot water causes the pores of our skin to open, thus allowing it to absorb more nutrients from the moisturizing products we use and facilitating the release of infectious substances and microorganisms that may be present in our body.
5- Exfoliates the skin
The water vapor also helps in the natural exfoliation of the skin, eliminating dead cells and removing the main toxins, such as dirt and product residues.
6- Relieves colic
According to scientific studies, the use of compresses or a hot water bottle on the lower abdominal region can reduce menstrual cramps. This happens due to the vasodilator and muscle relaxation capacity that hot water has, helping to reduce muscle spasms that increase pain and improving blood circulation in the pelvic region.
7- Helps you relax and have a good sleep
There’s definitely nothing better than sleeping after a hot shower. Heat causes the body to send a “signal” to our mind that it is time to rest. Therefore, on stressful days or even in cases of insomnia and anxiety, choose to take a hot water bath as soon as you go to sleep.
Did you like the content? read also: Drinking water – why drink it, how much to drink and 14 reasons to drink it
Featured Image: Pinterest
Sources: Drauzio Varella Fasterm
