HAY-YO-KAY HOT SPRINGS

About the Water

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About the Hot Mineral Water

Why soak?

We humans were nurtured for nine months in the amniotic fluid in the womb, an environment sometimes called “The Bath of Life”. Soaking in hot mineral water recreates this environment and reconnects us with the feeling of being nurtured. It allows us to relax and regain our mental composure, to reconnect with healthy life rhythms and lose some of the mental and physical fatigue from coping with the difficult and complex society we live in. The process of perspiration consumes calories: dialing soaking can normalize our skin’s ability to regulate body temperature.

Aren’t all soaking experiences the same?

Definitely not: each of us experiences something different when we soak. Method, water temperature, length of time, depth of tub, water quality and our own expectations, attitudes and consciousness all affect the benefits we receive. Some effects can be generalized and predicted; however, individual effects will vary and each of us should pay close attention to the responses of our own bodies and guide ourselves accordingly.

At what temperature should I soak?

It depends. Here are some general guidelines: 1. It only takes about ten minutes for the heat to completely penetrate your body (muscles, circulatory system, digestive system and central nervous system); 2. Heat is a vasodilator; 3. Heat is a metabolism exciter; and 4. At about 2 degrees above body temperature (102° F) perspiration begins to seep from the hair roots and sweat glands. Different effects are associated with high temperature soaking (104°F and above) and low temperature soaking (100 - 103°F). 104° F = 40°C.

What are some of the effects of low temperature soaking?

Low temperatures stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and accelerate the secretion of nor-adrenaline, which reduces excessive strain & stimulation, both psychological and physiological. These effects appear gradually. Low temperatures do not impose any undue load on the circulatory system or the heart and may stabilize high blood pressure in the normal range. According to some, twice daily soaking “ensures a healthy constitution free of the common cold.”

What are some of the effects of high temperature soaking?

High water temperatures activate the perspiration process and accelerate natural metabolic activity. Perspiration cleanses the body of dirt and oils and consumes calories. Circulation is accelerated and the discharge of lactic acid and other residues is promoted, thus relieving muscle stiffness. The sympathetic nervous system secretes more adrenalin. Pulse rates and blood flow rises immediately upon entering hot water because the blood vessels of the heart shrink temporarily. Blood pressure will decline gradually as the capillary vessels expand. It is important to pay attention to your body as it goes through the cycle of changes produced by the heat. High water temperatures seem to pull the heat of sunburn out of the skin: the initial sensation is more intense but subsides gradually.

When is the best time to soak?

Generally, you should AVOID soaking immediately before or after meals: as the blood flow increases on the body surface, it is drawn from the stomach, liver and other internal organs, hampering the digestive and absorptive activities of the stomach and intestines.

Does the size of the tub or pool affect the experience?

Two matters are associated with size: hydrostatic pressure and buoyancy. Hydrostatic pressure pushes the water stored in the lower legs back up the legs, alleviating fatigue, putting pressure on the blood and lymphatic vessels; and stimulating and reinforcing heart and lung performance. The deeper the water is, the greater the hydrostatic pressure. Buoyancy is greater where the water is higher in salts. If you can stretch out and float, the buoyancy effect reduces the weight below the neck by almost 85%. Hydrostatic pressure and buoyancy facilitate rehabilitation therapies.

After I soak, should I shower?

Many of the mineral elements in this water are beneficial to the skin and skin problems. Your body may continue to discharge heat and perspiration, continuing to cleanse your pores and shed toxins, you may not want to arbitrarily stop this process. After a soak, the skin is alkaline and the pores are open, this is the best time for effective skin treatment.

I have heard that soaking in hot water can help you lose weight, is this true?

Yes! As the body heats up, it begins to perspire, which burns calories. The heat accelerates body metabolism and accelerates the dissolution of fat within the body. Here is what one author recommends: “One should take a high temperature bath and when perspiration starts, get out and take a two or three minute break to cool down; then re-enter for four or five minutes and take another break. This pattern should be repeated three times during one bathing experience.” As part of an overall regime of regular meals, controlled caloric intake and proper and regular exercise, daily soaking may help you lose as much as 6 to 8 pounds per month.

What other specific regimes produce benefits?

A low temperature soak 20 to 30 minutes before bed will help you feel relaxed, calm your temper and relieve stress and irritation. A high temperature soak for 3 or 4 minutes followed by a cooling off period, repeated several times, refreshes and revitalizes. A low temperature soak for 20 to 30 minutes daily may help lower blood pressure. In general, soaking in hot water affects the control of and stabilizes the autonomous functions of the nervous system and may bring conditions of over- or under-secretion of adrenalin into balance.

FOR RELIEF OR TREATMENT OF SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR PREFERRED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL.

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR GENERAL EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS, PROSCRIPTIONS OR PRESCRIPTIONS OF A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL.

What minerals are in the water?

This analysis was done by the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1987. The highest concentrations are listed first, in parts per million:
 

What effect do the various mineral have? Minerals are absorbed through the sebaceous glands associated with the hair follicles on the skin’s surface and are passed to the blood vessels. Although most are eliminated, some remain and stimulate the pituitary gland, which controls secretions of the various hormones. The effects may include an increase in appetite and improved blood circulation, an aid in preventing arteriosclerosis.

Calcium and Magnesium have a sedative effect as well as inhibiting allergies, chronic skin diseases, hives and inflammations.

Magnesium is an essential element in animal tissue. Magnesium Sulfates are Epsom Salts. These salts pull toxins and waste out of the body.

Calcium is an essential component of strong teeth and bones, body fluids and is necessary for muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission and blood clotting. Calcium Sulfate helps heal bruises, lacerations, burns, anal fistulae, sprains and skin diseases.

Sodium Sulfate accelerates blood circulation, metabolism, stimulates the skin and raises body temperature. Sodium Bicarbonate emulsifies skin fats and secretions, making the skin smoother and cleaner and relieves skin diseases. Sodium Fluoride is an antiseptic.

Potassium Chlorate and Potassium Permanganate are disinfectants and germicides.

Sulfates are used in skin ointments.

What happens if I drink the water?

Water high in Sodium Sulfate relieves chronic constipation, corpulence and hypertension. It also improves the functioning of digestive organs. Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) enhances stomach and liver functions. SODIUM CHLORIDE is not good for those with hypertension, heart disease, renal disease or swellings. FLUORIDE over I part per million can cause tooth enamel to become brittle and chip off.

How do these waters compare to European spas?

An exact comparison is not available. A general analysis shows many of the same minerals and compounds. Based on these similarities, many of the conditions treated by various “health centers” are likely to respond similarly to these waters. Specific benefits cannot be guaranteed and no specific medical benefits are promised.

What are these conditions?

The conditions treated at various European “health centers” or spas include: articular and spinal disorders of a degenerative nature (hip and knee joints, deformity, disc problems and lumbago); inactive stages of chronic arthritis; neuralgia; neurological ailments; aortic stenosis and peripheral circulatory disorders; post-injury conditions; orthopedic, post-operative and post-accident rehabilitation; osteoporosis; gout; rheumatism; chronic degenerative locomotor disorders; post-fracture treatments; chronic skin disorders; muscular rheumatism; posture disorders; physical exhaustion; nervous system complaints; and sports injuries.

How long have these waters been used?

Geologists believe that these formations have existed for approximately 10,000 years. Paleo-Indian hunters were in the area approximately 8 – 12,000 years before the present time. It seems inconceivable that these early humans, seeing the steam rise from the hot pools did not investigate and, in the process, use the hot water. Apache and other native populations certainly used the water, probably as early as the mid-thirteenth century. It seems unlikely that early cultures would not have discovered and used the waters. The first “bath tubs” were carved into the rock by soldiers after the Civil War. The first “bath house” was built about 1881.

Is there a “spiritual” aspect to soaking?

The Chi-hene (the eastern most band of the Chirichaua Apache) called this area “Place to Pray” and believed the healing water was a gift from the Great Spirit. In order not to offend the Great Spirit, there was no fighting and no taking of game in the vicinity of the springs. Some refer to the waters as “Grandmothers” and make a conscious effort to connect with the energy surrounding these sites for emotional, psychological and spiritual transformation. The “healing” that you find depends upon the consciousness with which you approach your experience and the depth of your connection to this energy.

Is there anyone who should not soak?

Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant and parents with infants should consult their preferred health care professional before soaking or allowing infants to soak. Likewise, persons who have severe medical conditions or are taking prescription medication should consult their preferred health care professionals before soaking. People who are managing diabetes should not soak if their blood sugar levels are low. Persons under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs should not soak. Minors will not be allowed to soak except when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

YOU SOAK AT YOUR OWN RISK ~ PLEASE SOAK INTELLIGENTLY

© 2005 by
S.K. Kortemeier

Distributed courtesy of
Hay-Yo-Kay Hot Springs & S.P.A.
300 Austin Ave.
Truth or Consequences, NM 87901
505.894.2228
hay-yo-kay.com

Hay-Yo-Kay Hot Springs, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
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