Soak Your Troubles Away

Water is important to human life. An average body is approximately 70 percent water — about 40 percent is found within the cells; 15 percent, outside the cells; and the rest, in blood vessels. Water is essential in the digestion and transportation of food, the lubrication of joints, the regulation of body temperature, and in cellular processes — all physiological functions in one way or another rely on water.

But water is more than this. Within the body, cells manufacture energy as water moves through the cell membrane. This form of energy is used by all body systems. For example, the nervous system uses this energy to transmit messages.

What is the best water? Many say seawater. It carries the materials necessary to manufacture energy. We could say it carries the living force of energy — after all, our bodies use energy to create what we call "life."

As water bubbles up from the earth, it passes through many rocks, which give the water a rich and varied mineral content. The healing properties of hot springs no doubt come from the combination of heated water and mineral content. Together, they act as a catalyst to the healing process.

We know, of course, of the importance of minerals to our health. They are components found in body tissues and fluids that work in combination with enzymes, hormones, and vitamins. Minerals are active in nerve transmission, muscle contraction, cell permeability, tissue rigidity and structure, blood formation, fluid regulation, and energy production.

To put this in health terms, mineral baths are said to improve conditions involving arthritis, inflammation of the joints, and circulatory, nasal, and respiratory problems, as well as relax the body, soften the skin, and soothe the spirit.