Are hot immersion baths for anxiety an effective solution? Discover the scientific evidence behind the use of hot baths for anxiety relief and their potential benefits.
Disclaimer: The information on this website should not replace professional therapy, guidance from a psychiatrist, or medical advice from a doctor.
The Evidence of Hot Immersion Baths for Anxiety
Hot Immersion Baths Are More Effective Than Showers
While many people take regular showers, there isn’t much research on whether hot showers help with anxiety. In Japan, though, it’s common to fully immerse in warm water baths. A study found that hot immersion baths might be good for mental health, reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. (2)
The key here is that full-body immersion baths, unlike showers, create a hyperthermic action. This warmth boosts blood flow and helps get rid of waste in the body, making you feel physically refreshed.
So, the study suggests that regularly soaking in a warm bath could be better for your mental and physical health than just taking regular showers without the full immersion experience.
Limitations of Hot Immersion Baths
This is not to say you should be taking hot immersion baths every day since immersion baths can use around seven times more water than showers (2). They have an important environmental impact, and can also impact your utility bills.
Hot Immersion Baths can be an option to get some relief, but they should not be overused.
Other Types of Bathing For Anxiety
Hot Showers
There is currently a lack of research to support the claim that hot showers reduce anxiety symptoms. However, hot showers can improve your sleep quality, reducing anxiety symptoms. Hot showers can also be used as a distraction or grounding technique for anxiety. Check out our in-depth study of hot showers for anxiety.
Cold Showers
Based on limited research, cold showers can potentially reduce anxiety symptoms (3).
Sauna
According to a study, patients had reduced anxiety and depression symptoms after repeated sauna sessions (4).
Sources
(1) Goto, Y., Hayasaka, S., Kurihara, S., & Nakamura, Y. (2018). Physical and Mental Effects of Bathing: A Randomized Intervention Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, 9521086. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9521086
(2) Jen, T. (2011, March/April). Shower or Bath?: Essential Answer. Stanford Magazine. https://stanfordmag.org/contents/shower-or-bath-essential-answer#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20U.S.%20Environmental,way%2C%20baths%20use%20more%20water
(3) Siemieniec, S. (2020). Keep it Cool – Adapted Cold Showers for Anxiety (MSci Advanced Applied Psychology thesis). University of Chichester. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.19654.50240/1
(4) Hussain, J., & Cohen, M. (2018). Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, 1857413. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1857413
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