The craggy peaks of the Canadian Rockies are a sight to behold and Banff sits right in the middle of it all inside Banff National Park. It draws visitors year-round; in fact, it’s frequently found on lists of the world’s top travel destinations, including National Geographic Traveler magazine which highlighted it as one of the must-see places to visit in 2017.
Banff National Park has three ski resorts within its boundaries and all sorts of other snow sports available in the winter, while the summertime brings opportunities for hiking, rafting, and more. After a day of play of any type, many enjoy a soak in the naturally warm waters of Banff’s hot springs.
Well-known for their healing properties, the springs were also used by First Nations people also to rest and revitalize themselves, and they considered the springs to be a sacred place. Warmed geothermally, hot springs have a very high mineral content and can contain everything from magnesium and calcium to silica and lithium, kind of like a multivitamin for the skin.
Whether you come just for a visit, to, buy a vacation property, or to find permanent residence among the Banff homes for sale, you won’t want to miss the chance to take advantage of springs’ health benefits, including these.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
The simple act of soaking in the warm water can relax your entire body, but the minerals take that up a notch, bringing even more stress relief.
For example, magnesium acts as a major anti-anxiety agent which is why it’s been called the “original chill pill,” calming the nerves throughout our body, including in the brain. Science has found that it’s an effective natural muscle relaxant, relaxing GABA receptors in the nervous system and brain to promote a sense of calm.
Better Night’s Rest
Magnesium is also known to help relieve insomnia to its ability to calm. In addition, the warmth of the water enjoyed by taking a relaxing evening soak followed by resting in a cooler bedroom provides a contrast that encourages quality sleep as well.
Improving Circulation
A hot spring soak helps to improve blood circulation as it causes the hydrostatic pressure in your body to rise, increasing oxygen flow and circulation. In turn, it’s not only beneficial for supporting your heart and other organs, but it aids in muscle recovery which is why so many enjoy it after activities like skiing and hiking.
Boosting the Immune System
The iron and trace minerals in the hot springs are believed to help boost the immune system, making it stronger so that it can battle off infections. Stress reduction is good for the immune system too, so it’s likely due to a combination of both of those effects.
Treating Skin Conditions
Hot springs are rich in sulfur, which is what gives them that “rotten egg” smell. But it’s also something that’s present in everybody cell, used to make collagen to keep your skin smooth and supple.
That may be why soaking in hot springs can help heal all sorts of skin irritations, clear up acne, and problems like eczema, reducing the itching and redness. Plus, as it’s rich in silica it can ease rough, dry skin, making it softer again. In fact, naturopaths and physicians in many countries, including Japan and Scandinavian nations often prescribe it as part of a holistic healing routine.
