We have tackled so many times in our other blogs about the benefits of natural hot springs and how it was formed. But this one is a bit different as we will have comparisons into two basic types of hot spring. The natural hot springs which were made by nature, and the artificial hot springs which are man made.
Today we will look at the differences between natural and artificial hot springs. But before that, let us take a look at why natural hot springs are called “natural” and why there are artificial hot springs?
What is Natural Hot Spring?
A natural hot spring is also known as hydrothermal spring, thermal spring, or geothermal spring. Hot spring is a body of water and a type of spring that is produced by the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater that rises from the Earth’s crust. Many of us love bathing in warm temperatures of hot spring’s water, but not all hot springs have a safe temperature for bathing. Some of these hot springs are so hot that immersion can result in injury or death.
Natural hot spring water has a substantially higher temperature than the air temperature of the surrounding region. Most hot springs discharge groundwater that is heated by shallow intrusions of magma, molten rock, in volcanic areas.
Natural hot springs are also believed to heal and treat some diseases, this belief was called Balneology. Balneology is a practice of treating and preventing diseases originated by Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks. Natural hot springs contain minerals and elements which help relax our body and treat certain diseases.
Here in the Philippines, Laguna is the capital of hot springs resorts. The province of Laguna has developed natural hot springs into water results and spas. The reason why Laguna is rich in natural hot springs is because of the volcanic activity of Mt. Makiling. Mt. Makiling is channeled down into the resort’s grounds, where they feed spas, outdoor baths, and pools.
What is Artificial Hot Spring?
Natural hot spring benefits and bathing are very popular in places around South East Asia. On the other hand, the existence of artificial hot springs has the same goals as natural hot springs.
For example, hot springs are high in mineral content from simple calcium to lithium, and even radium. They are widely used for therapeutic purposes in Korea for medical patients and the elderly. But because of a new scientific breakthrough, the possibility of receiving hot spring therapy at a hospital or nursing home is becoming increasingly likely. And this is why artificial hot springs were made.
The Korea Bizwire released an article about a team of scientists from Daejeon University led by professor An Taek-won revealed that it has filed a patent for its latest artificial mineral water. The technology uses ordinary tap water to make water with high mineral content, similar to that of natural hot springs. The water is named ‘Artificial Mineral Water with Anti-Atopic Excellence’.
The r=team used the production principles of natural mineral water to produce the water. This process increased the carbonic acid content of tap water and had it filtered through a self-developed ‘mineral pack’, a special device with rock pillars, which helps to convert it to mineral-rich, sub-acidic mineral water.
Difference
There are many differences between a natural hot spring and an artificial hot spring. Base on europespa.eu, here are the difference between natural thermal water and artificially heated tap water:
• A natural pH-value. The level-value depends on the resource of natural thermal waters. The normal pH-value of tap water is always 7. But thermal waters with a high pH-value which is more than 8,5 and can have the same effects as alkaline baths used for detoxification and purification of the body. Thermal waters can also have a low pH-value of 3 or less. These waters have an extensive disinfectant effect on the skin.
• Hydrogen sulfide or carbon dioxide. Natural thermal waters often have an increased content of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This substance penetrates the skin quickly and can have a positive influence on inflammations. Thermal waters rich in sulfur have relaxing, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Tap water does not contain hydrogen sulfide and only contains small amounts of carbon dioxide. Thus, taking a bath in tap water does not provide the beneficial effects described above.
• Silicic acid. Contrary to tap water natural thermal waters always contain increased amounts of precious silicic acid. This substance can have a mineralizing effect on the skin and can support the stability of the skin.
• Aerosols can have beneficial health effects too. Aerosols are inhaled as little drops when the thermal water evaporates. The sulfur has a disinfectant effect on the respiratory tract. The naturally increased salt level moisturizes the respiratory tract and thereby strengthens the defense system of the body. A bath in tap water cannot provide these health effects.
• High salt levels in thermal water. Tap water cannot contain high salt levels which are contrary to certain thermal waters called brine. In thermal waters, the increased salt level produces buoyancy effects and thus contributes to relaxation.
• Bath is totally a unique experience that artificial bathing. Besides the health benefits of natural hot springs, bathing with nature can be an extraordinary experience. You can feel the warmth of the earth. But keep in mind that, without disinfection and flocculation agents, chemicals for pH-value stabilization and algae control. As always, nature is often better than artificial.
Conclusion
Both natural and artificial hot springs can give great benefits, whether it is physically or mentally. But here in the Philippines, natural hot springs are more appreciated and enjoyed by Filipinos. Laguna is the most well-known place in the Philippines when it comes to hot springs because Laguna has a lot of natural and therapeutic springs. If you want to book a hot spring resort now, we are more than willing to help you. Kindly contact us now or email info.lagunahotspring@gmail.com for further details.
