When going overseas for races, I tend to chose those races which are in South East Asian climate. I am really afraid of the cold. And to me to run in any temperature lower than 14 degrees Celsius is actually too tortuous. But many runners have reflected that running in colder temperature actually improves their timing. This is the reason when I chose some of the oversea races, I tend to go to those which have hot springs!
credits:jnto.co.jp
The hot springs in Taiwan and Japan are mine favourite so far.
ONSEN IN JAPAN
In Japan, there are many choices of Onsen ( hot spring ) to choose from. Here are some of the more common Onsen locations in Japan.
- Hakone Onsen. It is one of the popular hot spring areas located only one hour and a half away from Tokyo by car or train.
- Yufuin Onsen.
- Kusatsu Onsen.
- Noboribetsu Onsen.
- Beppu Onsen.
- Kurokawa Onsen.
- Ibusuki Onsen.
- Arima Onsen.
The onsen from the different region are said to have different qualities. Usually the onsen are operated by the hotels and resorts. There are public baths and individual baths to chose from.
HOT SPRING IN TAIWAN
In Taipei city, there is a very well known area called Bei Tou which is easily accessible by the Subway system. Take the subway to Bei Tou and then change to the Shin Bei Tou line to reach the hot spring area. There are many variety of Hot Spring to chose from here. There is an open air public hot spring just beside the Hot Spring Museum and also the hotels around provides private and higher services for your soak in their springs.
Besides Bei Tou, hot springs are also available in Wulai, Yang Ming Shan, Ping Xi and Miaoli. Being a very mountainous country, Taiwan has many volcanic activities. As such, it is not uncommon to get hot springs around the country. The service and standards are also very competitive and good.
Healing Qualities of ONSEN
Many of you might wonder so what good effects of onsen does it have on me? Well the Hot Springs are said to have the following effects for human body:
- “Pharmacological effect” by efficacy components,
The effect of hot spring bathing is basically stimulation. Various minerals and other elements penetrate the body, promoting hormone secretion. When one first begins hot spring therapy, the sympathetic nerve becomes predominant, blood pressure rises, heart rate goes up, and blood sugar level also rises. Then, to correct this condition, the parasympathetic nerve becomes predominant, blood pressure decreases, heart rate goes down, and blood sugar also comes down. In this way, the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve alternately predominate, and eventually a stable condition of equilibrium is achieved, allowing the body to repair itself.
Different type of Onsen also have different minerals and qualities that has effects on healing your skin and also nerves.
- “Thermal effect” by the heat of onsen,
The Thermal heat helps to boost up the heart rate and increase the rate of detoxification. Because of this effect, those who has never tried the onsen before will need to make sure that their body condition are stable before attempting the really hot 40 degrees onsen. Many onsen goers will bring their water along to ensure that they do not become over heated.
- “Buoyancy effect” and “pressure effect” during bathing,
Buoyancy arises from the fact that fluid pressure increases with depth and from the fact that the increased pressure is exerted in all directions (Pascal’s principle) so that there is an unbalanced upward force on the bottom of a submerged object. Buoyancy helps to decrease the impact and shocks to the body when you engage in some sports activities. Doing slight body stretches in the water can actually help to achieve flexibility and rehabilitates the body.
- “Changing environment effect” by changing environment.
This is actually more psychological. When your pressure goes up and you float in the hot water, you will actually feel lesser stress and more into a relaxing mode. This really help to relieve stress and make the person feel more positive.
Hot Springs in Chinese context, can actually help to release all the tight portions of the body and also help in rheumatism and arthritis. Soaking in the hot spring can actually help the joints of your legs to increase mobility and flexibility.
