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The Health Benefits of Soaking in Hot Springs

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok, you've probably come across an aspirational video or two of someone bathing in steamy, mineral-blue waters surrounded by snow or mountains in distant lands. At first glance, hot springs might look like little more than photogenic wellness trends, but behind their picturesque mist is a history spanning thousands of years. From ancient bathhouses to sacred geothermal pools, thermal baths have drawn people across various cultures and continents as far back as 8,000 BC1.

Hot Springs Use Around the World and Throughout History

Ancient Rome

The Ancient Romans were some of the earliest known adopters of communal bathing culture. Convinced of the health benefits of hot springs, they built temples and entire villages around these healing waters. Their public bathhouses were not only places to get clean, but also social centers, wellness hubs, and even political meeting spots.

England

One of the most well-known examples is the Temple of Sulis Minerva in Bath, England, which was built around two natural hot springs. According to legend, hot springs benefits were discovered by Prince Bladud after he was cured of leprosy after bathing in these waters. Recent studies conducted on these same springs uncovered water microbes with the ability to fight common infections, which may have healed once fatal ailments2.

Japan

Onsen, or hot spring, culture is also deeply woven into Japan's history and geography. With thousands of geothermal spring resorts sprinkled across mountainous regions of the country, Japan views soaks as both common rituals and sacred experiences.

For many, visiting an onsen is rooted in a cultural respect for nature, mindfulness, and calm. Guests wash thoroughly before entering the water, creating a soothing and deeply respectful communal atmosphere. This reflects their Shinto and Buddhist traditions, which see natural elements like water, earth, and steam as purifying forces for the body and mind3.

Iceland

In Iceland, geothermal soaks are as much a part of daily life as they are tourist attractions. With its volcanic landscape and abundant geothermal heat, the country has countless hot springs, lagoons, and steamy pools that range from rugged and remote to sleek and spa-like. The most famous is the tourist-favorite Blue Lagoon, a mineral-rich milky pool known for its ethereal beauty and skin-soothing properties.

Locals often favor smaller community pools and remote springs in lava fields and valleys, where you can bathe under the northern lights or the summer's midnight sun. Icelanders have long upheld the health benefits of hot springs and seen soaks as part of the country's cultural heritage and daily life4.

Korea

Korea takes hot spring culture to another level, blending ancient wellness with modern amenities. Their jjimjilbangs are public bathhouses featuring hot mineral pools, dry and steam saunas, swimming areas, and cold plunges, often open 24 hours a day. People visit these places to detox, eat, socialize, and even nap, making them all-encompassing wellness spas. What stemmed from their ancient bathing culture has evolved into a unique, community-minded way to unwind and care for both physical and mental health5.

The Health Benefits of Hot Springs

Are hot springs good for you? Yes. And science suggests that hot spring benefits go far beyond mere relaxation. The heat can help loosen tight muscles, ease joint pain, and improve circulation, which has been shown to aid those with arthritis and other chronic conditions. Common minerals found in natural springs, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and silica, are also known to support skin health and reduce inflammation, which may be useful to those with conditions like psoriasis and eczema. There's even research showing that the heat may increase your metabolic rate and burn more calories, potentially supporting weight loss6.

The benefits can be neurological, too. Immersion in water of any temperature has been shown to decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol and keep them below initial levels for hours afterward7. In today's fast-paced world, stepping into a hot spring forces you to slow down and allow your body to relax and soften. Overall, it offers gentle, science-backed relief for those dealing with chronic conditions or just the toll of everyday stress.

Modern Relaxation and Wellness at Zion Canyon Hot Springs

At Zion Canyon Hot Springs, we've built a modern iteration of this ancient tradition, blending natural healing with contemporary comfort. Whether you're sitting in a pool inspired by Iceland's Blue Lagoon, floating in waters modeled after the Dead Sea, or relaxing in a Japanese-inspired modern onsen, you're participating in a ritual that has been practiced by various civilizations for thousands of years.

Our mineral hot springs draw water from the Virgin River on the boundary between Hurricane and La Verkin, UT. Naturally heated up to 107°F and packed with more than 14 minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfate, our waters are carefully filtered and sustainably managed to deliver clean, safe, and deeply soothing soaks. Families can enjoy 12 mineral-rich hot springs, a spacious freshwater pool, a cold plunge, and a cozy barrel sauna. For those seeking a more tranquil vibe, the 21+ area features 24 mineral pools and 16 pools modeled after iconic global destinations, like Iceland's Blue Lagoon and Japan's Hokkaido springs. Each pool is designed to deliver everything from skin support and muscle recovery to nervous system regulation and joint tension relief.

Whether you're planning a post-hike recovery day, weekend reset, or comprehensive wellness retreat, Zion Canyon Hot Springs makes it easy and enjoyable to disconnect, recharge, and heal. And as you sink into a steaming hot spring and feel the tension melt away, you'll wonder how you went so long without it.

Book your visit and get ready for an unforgettable experience.


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This Utah family vacation, take your family on a wellness journey and book your visit today. Sources: Joyce, E. Camping with Kids: The Benefits of Exploring Nature Together. Forest Nation. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://forestnation.com/blog/camping-with-kids-the-benefits-of-exploring-nature-together Anasazi State Park. Utah.com. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://www.utah.com/destinations/state-parks/anasazi-state-park/

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After a few hours, your body will naturally feel sleepy, and you can look forward to a full night of rest. This temperature drop might also boost your body’s production of melatonin, known as the sleep hormone, which leads to better sleep quality and duration. May Improve Heart Health One sauna benefit that might surprise you is a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The heat of the sauna raises your body temperature, causing you to sweat heavily (often up to a pint of sweat). This is your body’s natural way of cooling itself. During this process, your heart rate increases, possibly up to 100–150 beats per minute (bpm). The combined heat and raised heart rate dilate your blood vessels, improving circulation and blood pressure4. Sweating can also increase your good cholesterol levels (HDL), improving your total cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, so lowering your total blood cholesterol can help keep your heart healthy. Regular exercise is also a good way to boost HDL cholesterol levels, so combining physical activity with sauna bathing can have even greater benefits4. Tips for an Enjoyable Sauna Experience Now that you understand how saunas can help your overall well-being, it’s important to know how to use them wisely. Saunas typically provide a safe, enjoyable experience, but there are ways you can ensure your session is as comfortable and beneficial as possible. These tips will help you maximize the benefits of sauna bathing and get the most out of your experience: Talk to your doctor: If you have heart conditions or are pregnant, check with your doctor before using a sauna Start slow: Build up your heat tolerance with 5- to 10-minute sessions, gradually increasing your total time to 15-20 minutes Be quick: Keep the hot air inside by entering and exiting the sauna quickly Stay hydrated: Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water before and after your sauna session to replenish your fluids Avoid big meals and alcohol: Don’t drink alcohol before, during, or after using a sauna, and don’t eat large meals beforehand Know your limits: If you start to feel dizzy, sick, or lightheaded, leave the sauna immediately Let yourself relax: Clear your mind and allow yourself to fully experience the benefits of the sauna At Zion Canyon Hot Springs, we offer a restorative wellness experience through our many state-of-the-art amenities. In addition to our beautiful, birch-lined barrel saunas, you can enjoy our mineral-rich hot springs pools, freshwater cold plunges, cozy fire pits, and more. Book your visit and come prepared for a rejuvenating spa journey. Sources Sidharthan, C. (9 April 2025). The Science of Sauna & Heat Exposure. News Medical. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-Saunas-Really-Do-to-Your-Brain-and-Body.aspx Cafasso, J. (8 October 2024). Are There Benefits From Using Saunas? Healthline. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/are-saunas-good-for-you deBara, D. (21 March 2024). Can a Sauna Help You Get Better Sleep? Sleep.com. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.sleep.com/sleep-health/sauna-for-better-sleep (1 February 2023). Benefits of sauna bathing for heart health. UCLA Health. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/benefits-sauna-bathing-heart-health