Opinion

Hot springs in hot water

By Scott T. Hards

I live in northern Tochigi Prefecture, in the Nasu highlands, just a 20-minute drive from the Shikanoyu hot spring. Several times a year, I take advantage of the short distance and spend some time immersed in the spa's smelly, milk-white waters, which are laden with sulfur compounds and other minerals. The strong "rotten egg" odor and the horrific taste of the waters leave no doubt that this is a very genuine mineral spa. But despite the smell, and the cramped conditions, I love it! You can't beat a soak in those waters as a way to relax and unwind.

But much to their dismay, many people have learned recently that the hot springs they had bathed in were not, in fact, mineral springs. Rather, they were just heated tap water, despite signs to the contrary. In some cases, chemicals were even being added to the water by hotel staff to simulate a natural mineral spa. The authorities have taken action and are warning such places to properly identify their waters.

But should the customers have been worried about water composition in the first place? For centuries, people around the world have believed in the medicinal properties of hot springs. And allow me to testify firsthand that soaking in hot water not only feels great, but it can help ease muscle and joint pain by boosting circulation. Some skin conditions can also be improved by certain types of springs.

However, many of the claims about the medicinal benefits of hot springs go much farther: For example, the Web site for the spas in Nasu mentions, among other things, that the waters can help cure chronic diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, tuberculosis, cerebral nerve diseases, hydrogen intoxication (whatever that is) and "female health problems."

Frankly, I'm quite skeptical that any of that is true. There is simply no solid scientific evidence that soaking in a mineral hot spring is any more beneficial for internal ailments like these than soaking in the bathtub at home. But it's almost impossible to make a fair study of this because hot springs tend to be located in gorgeous areas and have extensive facilities that provide a pleasurable and relaxing experience regardless of what's in the water. One is completely refreshed, both mentally and physically. It's hard not to believe that you're getting better somehow when you sit in one.

This is related to the placebo effect, a well-documented medical phenomenon. Give a sick person a sugar pill, but tell them it's a powerful medicine. More often than not, they'll tell you the next day that they feel better.

Significantly, any physician can tell you that a patient's state of mind is also very important to treating disease. So in that regard, a daily trip to soak for an hour in a "rotenburo" surrounded by gorgeous mountains or overlooking the ocean is no doubt a prescription that would help just about any sick person feel better!

But even if you're feeling great already, why not find some time this week to hit a local spa and unwind from any stress in your life? Just make sure you take any posted claims about water content or health benefits with a grain of salt!

Shukan ST: Sept. 17, 2004

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