The Surprising Health Benefits of Hot Springs and Mineral Baths by Stephanie Lee

In Japan, soaking in natural hot springs is a treasured pastime that’s steeped in thousands of years of tradition, and during my stay there, I visited a few. The experience opened my eyes (and pores) to a world of good-feeling benefits, many of which (but not all) are backed by a plethora of research.

Confession: Before my recent visit to Japan, I never bathed. That’s because I shower. My Japanese friends, on the other hand, grew up viewing their daily bathtime and hot springs (generally referred to as onsen in Japanese) as mandatory, a time to relax and reflect. The rest of us also sort of instinctively feel that baths—and by extension, hot springs—can be good for the mind and body, but to what extent?

First, Hot Springs as Medicine Is Still An Area of Research
​To the Japanese, hot springs are more than just a “hot tub”—they’re precious for relaxation, health, and more. Of course, it’s not just the Japanese. Hot springs, onsens, mineral baths, spa therapy—whatever you want to call them—have a rich history and are cherished in many parts of the world.

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