As a scientifically sound wellness practice, hot spring bathing not only strengthens the body but also enhances skin health. Hot springs are a type of natural spring water that emerges from underground at a specific temperature. They promote blood circulation, accelerate metabolism, and possess therapeutic properties.So, what precautions should you take when bathing in hot springs?
1. Leave Your Worries Behind and Relax Completely
In China today, hot spring bathing is a popular leisure activity during autumn and winter. Since it's a form of relaxation, the goal is to unwind and reduce stress. Before entering the hot spring area, it's advisable to adjust your mindset to vacation mode—to relax completely.
This means mentally preparing yourself to temporarily set aside all life and work worries, reminding yourself that the coming time is solely for enjoyment. So, lock your phone and belongings in a locker—any urgent matters can wait until after your soak!
2. Pass through the disinfection pool
Hold up—before officially entering the hot spring area, you must pass through a small pool.At every hot spring resort, both men's and women's changing rooms feature a small disinfection pool at the entrance to the outdoor hot spring area. This pool further disinfects your feet. According to information provided, the disinfectant used is trichloroisocyanuric acid, typically added in granular form to the pool for its sterilizing effect. Guests must wear slippers and wade through the pool, effectively completing a simple foot disinfection procedure.
Today's resorts are remarkably considerate—the disinfection pool water is pleasantly warm, ensuring no discomfort or irritation.
3. Bathing
At this stage, you may formally enter the hot spring area for bathing. China boasts abundant hot spring resources rich in trace minerals, with each region's water possessing distinct properties that offer significant health benefits.
Nowadays, many hot springs also offer themed wellness options like wine baths, fruit baths, or rose baths to cater to different preferences. During your soak, adjust the duration based on your physical condition. The basic rule is to take a break every 15 minutes to stretch and hydrate.Staff at hot spring facilities typically provide mineral water for guests during their soak. If hunger strikes, light snacks like fruit are available within the area, though it's important not to eat too much.
4. Bathing
This step is often skipped by many in China. While some hot spring staff may politely ask if you wish to bathe before soaking, some find pre-soak bathing too troublesome and simply skip it.
In fact, cleansing your entire body before bathing is both a responsible health practice for yourself and a courtesy to others.
Moreover, hot spring resorts in China are usually located in suburban areas, often requiring a long, dusty journey by bus or car. Taking a shower in the resort's facilities before soaking allows you to wash away the grime and feel refreshed.Beyond that, this practice aligns with the etiquette of civilized bathing. If everyone follows this custom, public hot spring pools remain cleaner and more hygienic, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable soaking experience. One reminder: While skin may feel dry after showering in autumn and winter, avoid applying lotion before entering the hot spring. Allowing your skin to breathe freely enhances the health benefits of the soak.
5. Changing Clothes
In Japan, bathers enter the hot spring pool naked after removing all clothing. In China, however, there is no such custom; people generally enter the pool wearing swimwear, which can be seen as part of China's hot spring bathing culture. After bathing, it's time to change into swimwear.
Therefore, the third step is to put on clean swimwear. Hot spring resorts also provide a pair of disinfected slippers in the personal lockers of the changing rooms. Be sure to change into these slippers. If you feel cold, grab a clean bath towel provided by the resort from the changing room, wrap yourself up, and head fully equipped to the hot spring area!
These are the basic rules for hot spring bathing.Before soaking in hot springs, it's essential to understand these rules to maximize the health benefits. There's much more to learn about the wellness aspects of hot spring bathing—we encourage you to explore further.