Now that the busy summer season has passed us by in the Columbia Valley and residents are finding more time for themselves and to visit with friends and family — why not take advantage of some of the tourist amenities our valued visitors travel great distances to experience?

And good places to start out at, which will provide relaxation and health benefits, are our world-class mineral hot springs at Radium Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs. 

Recent studies have shown a variety of health benefits can be expected from soothing soaks in natural hot springs and combining a hot mineral water soak with spa treatments is good for arthritis, heart health, and insomnia — as well as being a completely rejuvenating experience, noted Holly Brockmeyer, the spa manager at Fairmont Hot Springs.

“That’s what makes us stand out. We have therapeutic natural hot springs that enhance all of the treatments we offer,” she said.

Brockmeyer says a hot soak improves the effectiveness of spa treatments, such as massage, by increasing blood flow and loosening tense muscles.

She recommends arriving for appointments an hour early in order to enjoy this added amenity that improves the treatments provided at the spa.

“Visitors and homeowners alike have taken full advantage of the natural mineral hot springs for decades,” said Harrison McKay, marketing manager for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. “Whether you are coming for a weekend or for a lifetime, the hot springs offer something very unique.”

Soaking in mineral hot springs have long been known to alleviate the symptoms of other ailments and may also play a role in preventative medicine. 

The Arthritis Foundation in the U.S. published findings about the benefits of hot water dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to hands, feet and the lower back, soothing the symptoms of arthritis.

Another Israeli study published in 2001 found that soaking in hot springs containing sulphur improved the quality of life for those living with fibromyalgia.

In addition, the New England Journal of Medicine published studies that found repeated hydrotherapy treatments were beneficial to heart health in several ways. Improvements were reported in patients with cardiovascular diseases including diabetes.

The National Sleep Foundation in the U.S. also found that immersing yourself in hot water forces the body to cool itself by drawing blood away from the head and into the muscles and organs, alleviating insomnia.

One study from the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine even found that hot soaks acted as an effective appetite suppressant, speeding weight loss.

According to information forwarded by Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, hot springs therapy, or balneology, is a part of routine medical care in Europe and Japan. In Japan, nine different classes of hot springs have been established to help doctors target specific ailments. For example, calcium and sodium bicarbonate is said to improve circulation while Japanese doctors prescribe pools high in sulphur to relieve nasal congestion.

So if you have some time — head out to Fairmont or Radium, or make the trek down to Lussier Hot Springs in Whiteswan Provincial Park and enjoy a nice, therapeutic soak.