Hot vs Cold: The Great Debate in Wellness

Hot or cold? Which side of the wellness debate are you on?

When it comes to wellness, opinions on whether hot or cold water is better for you can be quite divided. While some swear by the benefits of a cold water dip, others, like myself, prefer the soothing warmth of hot water. Let’s explore the arguments on both sides and see where you stand.

While there are those brave souls who take winter dips in freezing cold water or even take the “polar plunge” into icy waters, I personally have no desire to join them. I prefer to keep warm and cozy.

In places like France, doctors actually prescribe visits to seaside spas where patients are treated with seawater for various ailments. While this approach may work for some, we Australians have the luxury of easy access to salt water, making it unnecessary for us to seek out these specialized treatments.

Bathing in warm or hot water has long been seen as a way to boost blood circulation, promote detoxification, aid digestion, and help with a range of conditions including rheumatism, arthritis, gout, heart disease, and insomnia. The mineral hot tubs at places like Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa in Victoria and Zaborin ryokan in Japan offer a truly rejuvenating experience.

But you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the benefits of thermal pools. Throughout Australia, there are plenty of hot springs and thermal pools to choose from, many of which are affordable and easily accessible. Places like Bitter Springs and Mataranka Thermal Pool in the Northern Territory, Hastings Caves and Thermal Pool near Hobart, and Zebedee Springs in Western Australia offer a chance to relax and unwind in nature’s own heated jacuzzis.

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, there are options as well. Alba Thermal Springs and Peninsula Hot Springs on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as the Japanese Bath House in the Blue Mountains, provide a more upscale setting for your thermal pool adventures.

Some might argue that the Scandinavians have it right with their combination of thermal baths, steam rooms, saunas, and icy plunges, claiming it is the secret to longevity. But for those of us who prefer to dip our toes in the cold water only to quickly retract them, the benefits of hot water are hard to beat.

• Some people believe that swimming in cold water is extremely beneficial for your health
• I, however, prefer the comfort of warm or hot water
• Balneotherapy, or water therapy, is a popular form of treatment in some European countries
• In Australia, we have easy access to warm and hot springs that offer similar benefits
• There are many hot springs and thermal pools throughout Australia that are affordable and accessible

In the battle between hot and cold, I choose hot. There’s something incredibly soothing and comforting about immersing yourself in warm water, allowing the cares of the world to melt away. Whether you prefer hot or cold, there’s no denying the benefits of water therapy. So take a plunge, embrace the water, and find your own wellness oasis.