Muscle Relaxation
Once someone submerges themselves into a hot tub, the body begins to react to the sensation of heat. With the sensation and the pulsating hydro-jets, the body responds by releasing what health experts call happy hormones – serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. These happy hormones lead to a better overall feeling and a sense of relaxation.
Serotonin is the hormone that regulates a person’s mood and also affects their sleep patterns, appetite, and digestion. Meanwhile, dopamine is associated with pleasurable sensations and is known as the body’s feel-good hormone. Oxytocin is often called the love hormone and is released when the rest of the hormones are released. Finally, endorphins, the body’s pain reliever, is released when the body responds to any amount of distress and discomfort.
As hot water can initially trigger discomfort, the sensation also releases these hormones into the bloodstream. The blood circulation also improves, and as blood supply increases to the skin and muscles, these body parts begin to recover. The heat dilates the blood vessels, which assists muscle recovery and is also integral to pain alleviation. The increased blood flow also relieves stiffness in various joints.
