Can whirlpool baths ward off the ‘winter blues’?

If you’re affected by the changing seasons, you’re not alone. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, in the UK, around 3 in every 100 people have significant winter depression, or SAD. And this is perhaps unsurprising, considering the stark contrast in temperature compared with the summer, shorter days leading to a lack of natural light, and the potential for a more hectic schedule in the run-up to the festive season.

Though there’s no known medical cure for seasonal affective disorder, there are measures that can be taken to alleviate the effects. Hydrotherapy being one. How? Through a combination of heat and massage.

Do whirlpool baths offer hydrotherapy?

Yes. Hydrotherapy refers to the use of water to support health. It has been used for centuries as a therapeutic agent, and it is still widely used today.

With a whirlpool bath, you can enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy anytime you want. And that’s down to warm water being directed through multiple jets, positioned in the base and sides of your bathtub, to warm the body and stimulate tired muscles.

We use c-lenda jets by Markon, small yet mighty in their ability to apply the perfect amount of pressure.

Can jet massage improve my mood?

Yes. Massage has been found to increase serotonin levels in the body (Source: National Institutes of Health) while lowering cortisol – the body’s primary stress hormone. Sometimes described as ‘the happy hormone’, a boost in serotonin can counteract the low mood that comes with SAD.

In whirlpool baths, jets can be placed to massage specific areas of the body – whether it be focusing more on the back, or legs and feet. As well as supporting physical health, the overarching outcome is psychological – helping to relieve stress and calm the mind. And the best bit is that it’s available to you in your own home without the cost or organisation of visiting a spa.

I’ve heard light therapy helps SAD – can lights be fitted in my whirlpool bath?

Yes. We can fit LED lights in a whirlpool bath for additional relaxation benefits. Choose from either 1, 2 or 3 LED lights to sit in the sides or base of the bath.

Our Chromo Relax LED package comprising low energy, ultra-bright lighting, allows you to enjoy a myriad of changing colours – from warming sunset to soothing azure pool, working in perfect harmony with the surrounding water as it gently bubbles to reduce stress.

So regardless of the weather outside, you can set your own ambience in the comfort of your bathroom, once again boosting serotonin, to promote greater wellbeing.

Though whirlpool baths, of course, cannot claim to be the antidote to seasonal affective disorder and winter-related low mood, there is much they can do to support in your overall wellness, and to facilitate a more relaxing way of life. Contact our team to find out more.

Image credit: Joen Nguyen via Pexels