Tắm nước nóng
Hot water bathing is the most common form of bathing, which can be done in a bathtub, under a showerhead, or even soaking in a public bathhouse. If possible, taking a hot bath before bedtime each day greatly benefits health.
Hiệu quả của tắm nước nóng
Hot water bathing cleanses the skin and enhances its resistance to disease. The human body has about millions of sweat glands on the surface, excreting approximately 1,000 mL of sweat daily. During intense activity or in summer, sweat production increases significantly. The skin also contains sebaceous glands that secrete oily substances, mixing with sweat and dust to form dirt. When accumulated, this dirt can block sweat gland openings, promote bacterial growth, and sometimes cause skin diseases such as sweat spots, folliculitis, boils, carbuncles, or impetigo. Hot water bathing removes skin dirt, keeps sweat glands clear, improves skin metabolism and disease resistance. Clean skin surfaces are slightly acidic, inhibiting bacterial growth. Experiments have shown that a single hot bath can eliminate tens of millions to over a hundred million microorganisms. Thus, hot water bathing is known as a "sterilizing thermal bed."
Hot water bathing promotes metabolism and relieves fatigue. It increases nervous system excitability, causing blood vessels to dilate, improving circulation and nutrient supply to tissues and organs. It also reduces muscle tension, relieves muscle spasms, relaxes muscles, and thus eliminates fatigue. Lactic acid levels in the blood indicate fatigue; after labor or exercise, increased lactic acid causes fatigue. Hot baths accelerate metabolism and enhance the body’s ability to break down lactic acid.
Hot water bathing also has therapeutic effects. Clinically, it is used to treat early-stage colds, chronic arthritis, post-fracture recovery, and other chronic conditions. Additionally, it has a calming effect; taking a bath before sleep helps improve sleep quality and aids those suffering from poor sleep or insomnia.
Điều kiện và kiêng kỵ khi tắm nước nóng
First, pay attention to water temperature. Water temperature should be adjusted according to individual constitution. Generally, hot water baths should be maintained between 38–42°C. If too hot, excessive heat cannot dissipate easily, causing profuse sweating, which may deplete body fluids and vital energy (qi). If exposed to cold wind afterward, illness is likely. If too cold, sudden exposure to cold can also trigger disease. As stated in *Qianjin Yaofang*: "Do not bathe in extreme heat or extreme cold, both will cause various illnesses."
Second, control duration. Bathing time should not be too long. Staying too long in the bathroom leads to excessive energy expenditure and oxygen deficiency, potentially triggering angina or raising blood pressure. Those with coronary heart disease, hypertension, or cerebral vascular sclerosis should especially be cautious; avoid long baths, preferably opt for showers to prevent stroke or myocardial infarction.
Third, do not bathe when extremely hungry or full. As the saying goes: "Empty stomach, dizzy and short of breath." When hungry, body heat decreases and blood sugar drops. Bathing consumes significant energy, primarily replenished by glucose oxidation in the blood. Bathing while hungry may lead to dizziness, blurred vision, or even fainting—commonly known as "fainting from hunger." Conversely, bathing immediately after eating causes blood vessels on the body surface to expand due to hot water stimulation, diverting blood flow from internal organs like the gastrointestinal tract, reducing blood supply to digestive organs and impairing digestion, leading to indigestion.
|
