What Are General Indications? | Health Benefits Common to All Hot Spring Types

The Officially Recognised General Indications

• Chronic pain or stiffness in muscles or joints (chronic phase of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, bruising, sprains)The warmth of the water promotes blood circulation and helps relax tense muscles, while the water's buoyancy reduces the load on your joints. Chronic pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and neuralgia is listed among the general indications for bathing.
• Muscle stiffness due to motor paralysisSoaking in warm onsen water can help soothe and relax muscles experiencing stiffness from motor paralysis. The thermal effect improves blood circulation, which may contribute to reducing muscular tension and promoting greater ease of movement.
• Cold sensitivity, peripheral circulatory disordersThe warmth from the hot spring water directly stimulates blood flow throughout the body, a key benefit of the physical act of bathing. This improved circulation can help warm the body's extremities, and poor peripheral circulation is listed among the general indications for bathing.
• Reduced gastrointestinal function (gastric atony, constipation)The relaxing effect of a warm bath is said to help stabilize the autonomic nervous system, which plays a key role in regulating digestive functions. Reduced gastrointestinal function is listed among the general indications for bathing.
• Mild hypertensionBathing in warm water causes blood vessels to dilate, and the overall relaxation experienced during bathing helps relieve stress. Mild hypertension is listed among the general indications for bathing.
• Impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes)The thermal effects of onsen bathing are known to promote blood circulation throughout the body. Impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes) is listed among the general indications for bathing.
• Mild hypercholesterolaemiaBy promoting better blood circulation and potentially boosting metabolism, regular onsen bathing may support the body's natural processes. This is often linked to the overall improvement in health and well-being derived from the physical effects of bathing.
• Mild asthma or pulmonary emphysemaInhaling the warm, moist steam that rises from the onsen water can help soothe the airways and may make breathing feel easier. Mild asthma and emphysema are listed among the general indications for bathing.
• Haemorrhoidal painThe warmth of the onsen water promotes blood circulation in the affected area, and hemorrhoidal pain is listed among the general indications for bathing. Bathing also helps keep the area clean.
• Autonomic nervous system instabilityThe immersive experience of a warm bath has a deeply calming effect and is said to shift the body from a state of stress towards one of rest and relaxation. Autonomic imbalance is listed among the general indications for bathing.
• Symptoms caused by stress (sleep disorders, depressive states)Onsen bathing is a popular way to relieve stress, helping to calm the mind and relax the body. Stress-related symptoms such as sleep problems and depressive states are listed among the general indications for bathing.
• Post-illness recovery periodDuring recovery, many people find an onsen bath gentle and restorative. Improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and reduced stress make it a comfortable way to rest, and convalescence after illness is listed among the general indications for bathing.
• Fatigue recovery and health promotionThe physical effects of heat, buoyancy, and water pressure work together to help you unwind, while the relaxing environment aids in mental refreshment. Fatigue recovery is listed among the general indications for bathing.

General vs. Spring-Specific Indications

General indications apply to all spring types and stem from the physical stimuli of hot water — heat, hydrostatic pressure, and buoyancy. On top of these, each spring type may have additional "bathing-specific indications" based on its chemical composition (e.g. carbon dioxide springs for peripheral circulatory disorders).