The Hydromassage Experience There are three factors at work in a spa: heat, buoyancy and massage. Together, they create a relaxing, soothing experience.

Immersion in hot water raises the body temperature and causes the blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation. The buoyancy of the water reduces body weight by approximately 90%, which relieves pressure on joints and muscles and creates the relaxing sensation of weightlessness.

The massaging action of a spa is created by sending a mixture of warm water and air through jet nozzles. This "energized" stream of water loosens tight muscles and stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers.

Of course, a spa offers much more than just a good hydromassage. It can also be good for your health. "Research shows that both the body and mind benefit from the simple act of immersion in warm water." The Hot Water & Healthy Living book summarizes the present knowledge about the many health benefits that result from immersion in water.

Arthritic Therapy One in three Americans-about 70 million people-has some form of arthritis. Although there are over 100 different kinds of arthritis, most are characterized by inflammation of the joints which causes swelling, pain and stiffness, often resulting in loss of joint movement or function.

Many people affected by arthritis seek relief by soaking in the warm, soothing waters of a spa. A hot tub can provide the warmth, massage and buoyancy needed to both relax and exercise joints and muscles in the convenience and comfort of your own backyard. Relaxed muscles create an overall feeling of comfort which can then make it easier to perform exercises and carry out daily tasks.

If you know someone who is affected by the pain and discomfort of arthritis, a spa may bring the relief they need. A Hot Spring spa is the ultimate way to soothe stiff, sore muscles and joints through state-of-the-art hydromassage. For more information regarding Arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation Web site at www.arthritis.org.

Diabetic Therapy For the more than 16 million people who have diabetes, help may be as close as the nearest hot tub.A study by a Colorado researcher published in the New England Journal of Medicine brings the benefits of hot tub therapy to the surface and sheds new light on the advantages of spa ownership. According to the study, soaking in a hot tub can be beneficial for people who are affected with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

With this type of diabetes, people can often control their condition with regular exercise and a good diet. Unfortunately, many diabetics are physically unable to endure rigorous activity and maintain a steady weight. In a recent study conducted by Dr. Philip Hooper at the McKee Medical Center in Colorado, eight people with Type 2 Diabetes were placed in a hot tub for 30 minutes a day for three consecutive weeks. The results indicated that patients reported a 13% reduction in blood sugar levels, improved sleep and an increase in their overall sense of well being.

If you or someone you know is affected by diabetes, relaxing in a spa might bring needed relief. A Hot Spring spa is the ultimate way to relax, unwind and relieve tension through state-of-the-art massage. For more information on the results of this study, visit the New England Journal of Medicine Web site at www.nejm.org. For more information regarding Diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association Web site at www.diabetes.org.

Sleepless Nights? Relax in a Spa. Sure, spas help ease muscle and joint pain. But did you know they can help you get a good night's sleep as well? According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 132 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders including mild to chronic insomnia, pauses in breathing and snoring. The poll found that 48% of women and 38% of men suffer from insomnia more than one night a week. This number is on the rise as evidenced by the growing number of sleep disorder centers across the nation (approximately 3,000 in the U.S. today). According to a sleep therapy center in Louisville, KY, insomnia is the second most prevalent reason people go to the doctor (after pain).

Sleep researchers believe that many cases of insomnia can be traced to hectic, stressful lifestyles lived by basically healthy people. The results of sleep deprivation are varied and may cause battered nerves, grogginess, lapses in memory, depression, and erratic mood swings.

According to a recent study in the scientific journal Sleep, a drop in body temperature can help to ease your body into a deeper, more relaxing sleep Therefore it is suggested that you soak in very hot water (103° F) approximately 90 minutes before bedtime. This causes the body's internal thermostat to pull your temperature down, enabling sleep to set in with more ease. An ideal way to achieve this is to take a 15-minute soak in a spa.

The beauty of a spa-induced sleep is that it is a natural remedy, unlike alternative sleeping aids such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies and alcohol-all of which can make you feel groggy and have other adverse side effects.