The healing benefits of hot mineral springs

In the same way that qi collects and accumulates on the surface of the human body, at certain points along the meridians of acupuncture - places we then call "acupuncture points" - so it is that healing water makes its way towards Earth's surface, gathering and grouping in places known as thermal springs or mineral baths.

Healing benefits of Hot Springs
Plunging into a hot spring can be a wonderful therapy, for a variety of reasons. Heat and subsequent sweating have a deep cleansing effect on our skin and the whole body-mind system. The specific mineral content of spring will offer its unique benefits. If the spring is in a relatively natural environment, it is likely that we are receiving the qi (life force energy) of all five elements: earth (the soil in which the spring is contained); metal (the various minerals in the spring water); water (water itself); wood (surrounding trees and / or wooden benches etc. surrounding spring); and fire (the heat of the water and the sun above). Therefore, thermal springs have the ability to balance and harmonize our body-mind, in a completely natural way.

The overall effect of soaking in a hot spring tends to be relaxing, so unnecessary stress and tension can be dissolved, allowing our qi to flow more evenly across all meridians. When qi flows uniformly through the meridians, all our internal organs benefit from it and begin to smile. I don't know for sure, but it is my suspicion that the named and nameless Taoist immortals have, collectively, spent unspeakable hours enjoying the benefits and beauty of the hot springs of the high mountains and the sweet valley. Following their example, we connect with their fully awakened bodily minds, at least on a subtle level.

As always, it is important to be aware of and honor our unique circumstances. Be smart in your decisions about how long you will be in the spring before taking a break and how much water (or isotonic drink) to drink. Some thermal springs have been developed to make them very accessible; others may require a tiring increase in a relatively unexplored mountain area. Choose one that aligns to your fitness and comfort levels.

Among the hot springs I have personally enjoyed, my favorites include a completely undeveloped one, in the midst of a series of small waterfalls, in Crestone, Colorado. Likewise undeveloped is one in a forest, up the main road through Jemez Springs, New Mexico. Quite elaborately developed, in the context of a mountain spa - but still enchanting - are the sources of the Ten Thousand Waves - set in the Sangre de Christo mountains, west of Santa Fe.

My all-time favorite so far is Ojo Caliente in northern New Mexico. Although these springs have been developed, to some extent, they still have a very natural feel; and the energy of the earth that generated them is sublime. What makes them unique among the world's hot springs, and particularly powerful, is the variety of mineral compositions (lithium, iron, soda and arsenic) in their various sources.