Having learnt about the different types of hot springs and their therapeutic benefits in the previous article, you must be excited about having a dip in some of the world's renowned hot springs. If you're planning a trip abroad to see the benefits and relaxing experience for yourself, here are a few hot spots: 

• Shirahama Onsen, Wakayama prefecture, Japan – Located near Osaka and Kyoto, this hot spring, as one of the three oldest in Japan, is suitable for a dip all year round. The colourless sodium bicarbonate saline spring boasts therapeutic benefits for skin abrasion, chronic skin diseases and menopause. While you're at it, be sure to check out the geological wonders on the peninsula, such as the Engetsu Islet, the Senjojiki rock, Sandanbeki Cliffs, and Sandanbeki Cavern. Meanwhile, the sakura festival in late March and early April is also not to be missed. Find out more on www.nanki-shirahama.net.

• Pamukkale, Denizli province, Turkey – As the most renowned natural wonder in the Middle East and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale, also called the 'cotton castle', is a great travel destination throughout the year, although winter makes for the best time to travel. Garnering interests is the preternatural landscape of bizarre forms, created by the calcite deposits in the calcium carbonate-rich water of hot springs that emerge through a fault. Atop Pamukkale is the Hierapolis ('Holy City'), also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose hot springs have long been developed into therapeutic baths since 200 B.C. Imagine taking a once-in-a-lifetime dip in hot springs surrounded by a cluster of ancient Greek architectures! Find out more on www.pamukkale.net.

• Rotorua, New Zealand – The Pink and White Terraces in this hot spring resort in south Pacific Ocean, as a result of the precipitation of silica, has come to be known as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. There are two types of hot springs: the alkaline sulphur spring that relieves pain and alleviates rheumatism, and the sulphuric acid spring that cures arthritis and rheumatism. With integrated traveller-friendly facilities, Rotorua is also home to geothermal attractions such as the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and the only mud bath in New Zealand. Find out more onhttp://rotoruanz.com (www.rotoruanz.com/visit/explore/1468/Spa%20-and-%20Wellness/).

• Blue Lagoon, Iceland – That Iceland is located on a thinner crust than Europe and the Americas means that the country is a natural hot spring country, and among the plethora of springs and geysers, Blue Lagoon is the most well-known. Rich in blue-green algae, the greenish silicon mud that is rich in the blue-green algae, and minerals, the alkaline hot spring water at Blue Lagoon has excellent skincare and anti-ageing benefits, while serving as a cure for psoriasis. Also available at the lagoon are spa, dining and recreational facilities, as well as in-water spa treatments by the lagoon and guided tours designed for those who prefer to stay dry. Find out more on www.bluelagoon.com.

Need to Know

Be sure to follow these steps when taking a dip in hot spring:

• Showering before the dipping session is necessary not only for hygienic reasons, but also because it helps to warm up the body. Take your shower from the feet up to the body, leaving the head to the end to prevent syncope.

• Take a progressive approach when dipping: start from a water level at the chest to let your body warm up for three to five minutes, before lowering further to the level of your shoulders.

• Try to limit the dipping session to no more than twice a day, with no more than 15 minutes per session (the length of time varies between different physiques). At the signs of perspiration and increased heartbeat, leave the hot spring and rest for five to six minutes.

• Showering after the dip is not necessary except for people with sensitive skin. Pat dry the body, blow dry the hair and let the hot spring bath continue to warm your body.

• Be sure to drink adequate liquid after the dip.

Notes on safety:

• Refrain from taking a hot spring bath on an empty or full stomach; when sleep-deprived, under the influence of alcohol, tired, fatigued, after strenuous exercise; during, before or after menstruation; during the early and late stage of pregnancy; when overly excited or angry; in cases of fever, cancer, malnutrition, or any kind of discomfort.

• Senior citizens should make sure they take a dip with company instead of doing it alone.

• The temperature of the hot spring water should be around 38oC to 42oC. Stay away from the water source as overly hot water can lead to the loss of sebum and therefore overly stimulating the skin, or even sleeplessness.

• People with high blood pressure, severe atherosclerosis, or history of heart attack should refrain from taking a dip in hot springs that are 42oC or over.

• Like exercising, a dip in hot spring should be taken moderately – a pulse rate of 120 beats per minute is an indication that your dipping session has been too long.

• Senior citizens or people with weaker heart should refrain from a sitting position when taking a dip in the hot spring, but lay the head on the verge of the pool and let the limbs float freely instead to avoid palpitation or chest pain. In cases of palpitation or dizziness, rise slowly and leave the hot spring; stop your dipping session and seek medical help if the condition persists.

• Consult doctor's advice and understand your health situation before taking a dip.

Reference information:
• www.taiwanhotspring.net
• www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/22/uk-travel-picks-hotsprings-idUSLNE91L01C20130222
• www.lonelyplanet.com/andorra/travel-tips-and-articles/77734
• www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-coolest-hot-springs
• www.budgettravel.com/feature/12-hot-springs-worth-traveling-for,8261

Continuous reading:
Take a Dip Around the World (1)