Onsen or hot springs are found all over Japan and you will be surprised at the different methods of bathing available in an onsen and how peculiar the methods are. But did you know that these different types target your aches and pains in your body? Keep reading so you’ll find out!
Different Types Of Bathing In An Onsen
We will tell you 4 types of different bathing methods in an onsen ideal for your physical condition and for your overall well-being. You will find these methods truly relaxing and rejuvenating you will love to keep going back on an onsen trip!
1. Awase-yu
Awase-Yu is a series of baths to achieve the soothing and stimulating experience and effects of different onsen baths. The bather will immerse themself to the strong, stimulating acidic spring and then finish it to the gentle and relaxing qualities of the sulphate spring or simple spring. The effect of awase-yu helps against atopic dermatitis, skin diseases, trichophytosis, etc.
2. Jizoku-yu
Who wants a long, relaxing bath to unwind? A bather will have three to four hours or more of long, soothing bath in a 34 to 36 degree celsius onsen. It is safe because it is only a warm bath and won’t affect your heart rate or blood pressure. Jizoku-yu will help you to de-stress and clear your mind.
3. Utase-yu
Do you often have back pain or shoulder pain? Then utase-yu will relieve all of these problems. This type of bath has hot water falling from a high location which relieves muscle pains through its warmth and pressure. You can stand, sit or if there’s a lot of space you can lay down your back while water hits your pain area. And if you are worried about the level of heat and pressure, you can use a towel to control it by covering the area. However, not stay long on this type of onsen and consult your doctor first.
4. Mushi-yu
Mushi-yu or steam bath warms up your body through the onsen steam in which you won’t feel any hydrostatic pressure. A “steam box” type of mushi-yu is where a bather immerses into a steam from the neck to the body. It is a special bath for those who are suffering from hemorrhoids that stems from your posterior. This type of bath may not be recommended for those who have lung or heart problems and it is important to hydrate yourself after bathing.
Conclusion
Bathing to an onsen has so many healing properties and it has been a place for relaxation for Japanese for centuries. Which type of bath would you try first? Let us know in the comments below what you think of onsen.
References:
https://www.onsen-msrc.com/kenko_f/onsen_english/toku/toku1.html
https://www.onsen-msrc.com/kenko_f/onsen_english/contents/qa.html