How Hot Therapy Can Boost Your Winter Wellbeing

Writer and expert9 days ago

Darkening days and chilly weather can often make our mood drop faster in the winter months, leaving us feeling less productive and more likely to seek self-care. With our social calendars slowing and more time at home being spent, this can be a great opportunity to explore and incorporate some new wellbeing rituals, ones that can be done in our own time and are manageable enough to do frequently.

One wellbeing method that’s fitting for the cold weather is hot therapy, a thermotherapeutic technique that involves exposing ourselves to heat to soothe tension, boost circulation and detoxify the skin. Not only does it present a plethora of physical and mental benefits, but it also warms us during the brisker periods – making it a wellbeing win-win.

What is Hot Therapy?

Hot therapy is a relaxation technique based around temperature. It includes subjecting the skin and senses to warmth for a small amount of time, relaxing the mind and muscles while supporting skin and circulation function.

Typically, heat therapy sessions should last around 15-20 minutes, depending on the type and temperature. It’s important to drink plenty of water and monitor temperatures frequently whilst on your thermal journey.

Woman in sauna with ESPA product during hot therapy

Hot Therapy Benefits

Tracing back to ancient times, hot therapy is believed to have been used within various cultures including Ayurvedic, Chinese, Egyptian and Greek. Now, it’s recognised for its ability to support physical comfort and mental tranquility. Some notable benefits are:

Boosted Circulation

Heat can support vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels. This increases the blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients that contribute to tissue repair.

Muscle Tension Relief

During cold days, our muscles can tense up, contributing to winter-induced stiffness that might feel uncomfortable. Heat helps to relax tight muscles and improve circulation and blood flow.

For those taking their fitness routine up a notch, DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) can sometimes hinder progress. To speed up your recovery, heat therapy may reduce this muscle tenderness by improving blood flow and therefore aiding in the removal lactic acid.

Relaxation

The gentle sensation of warmth on the skin can often provide a feeling of comfort and security – a sense that we’re taking care of ourselves. Plus, as our muscles relax, we may feel calmer and less tense, supporting a moment of stress-free downtime.

What’s more, the cocooning heat on our skin may make it easier to fall asleep as we surrender to its soothing serenity, making hot therapy suitable before bed.

Radiant Skin

As heat helps to open the pores, it’s believed to purify the skin by dislodging impurities, excess oils and sebum, promoting a clearer complexion. Post-thermal therapy can be an ideal time to use an exfoliator or detox mask for a more effective decongesting treatment.

Additionally, whilst we sweat, our bodies flush out toxins and dead skin cells which can contribute to a dull look. With frequent doing, thermal therapy encourages visibly refreshed and renewed skin with a more radiant appearance.

Check out our blog How to Care for Your Skin in the Winter for more tips to achieve a glowing complexion during the cold months.

Ways to Incorporate Hot Therapy at Home

So, if you’re looking to boost your winter wellness rituals, try adding one or more of the below methods to your self-care schedule:

Hot Bath or Shower

Slip into the caress of warm water as it envelops the skin and senses. Said to support our sleep routine and encourage a meditative effect, hot baths or showers can leave us feeling relaxed.

To elevate your experience, browse our bath and body oils selection. Add a few drops and swirl under your suds for aromatherapy benefits that match any mood.

Woman in hot shower while doing part of her hot therapy routine

Steam and Hot Flannel Facials

An inexpensive way to bring the spa atmosphere to your bathroom. To recreate a steam facial, fill a larger bowl with hot water (use a towel to hold the bowl and be careful not to scold yourself) and position your face over it. Add a drop of aromatherapy oil into the water and inhale deeply for a relaxing benefit.

For a quick hot flannel facial, soak a towel in hot water and wring it out. Place over your face excluding the nose and let it sit for five minutes. Follow with your favourite skincare formulas for a refreshed complexion feel.

Heat Pads and Hot Compress

If you have electric or microwaveable heat pads, these can be used on areas of tension such as your back, shoulders and nape. A DIY warm compress can be made by soaking a towel in hot water, wringing it out and placing it on the desired part of your body. To maximise benefits and retain heat, wrap dry towel over the wet one and leave on for up to 20 minutes.

Heading to your local health club? Take a look at some contemporary methods that may be provided within its facilities: