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OTHER MINERALS
SOMETIMES PRESENT
Some of these minerals, such as arsenic or radon,
can be dangerous in large concentrations. In small
concentrations, they, surprisingly, can bring ben-
efits.
• RADON: Small amounts of radon help rheu-
matic diseases, gout, neuralgia, dermatosis, and
diabetes.
• IRON: Helps with iron-deficiency enemia,
mental fatigue, and stress.
• LITHIUM: Stabilizes mood swings, corrects sleep
disorders, and relaxes the mind and the emo-
tions. Known to help alleviate migraine head-
aches and manic-depression. Said to significantly
lower suicide rates.
• ARSENIC: Small amounts in a soak are effective in
healing athlete's foot and other fungal infections.
Avoid ingestion.
RULES OF HEALTHY SOAKING
e first and most important rule is to stay hydrated.
at might seem odd since you are sitting in water, but the
heat causes you to sweat and you will dehydrate. Drink water
before, during, and after. A handy water bottle to continually sip
from is the best prevention. Get out if you start to feel light-headed.
While relaxing with a cocktail or glass of wine might seem like a perfect
complement to the de-stressing you are enjoying, do this judiciously or not at all.
Overdoing is dangerous.
Regulate the time spent soaking, especially in the hottest water. Limiting your
soak to 15 minutes is a good start. Many of the developed Montana hot springs have
several pools at different temperatures. You can safely alternate between a cooler
pool and the hottest. Taking a break out of the water altogether at least every hour is
recommended.
Pregnant women, young children, and the elderly are advised to limit the
time spent in a hot springs, avoiding one with very hot water. Springs under
100° can be enjoyed safely.
e minerals can tarnish your jewelry. It is best to remove everything
before soaking.
WHAT ABOUT COLD PLUNGES?
Some hot springs offer cold plunges near the hot pools. Cold
plunge pools increase your circulation and your body's levels of
white blood cells, which help in fighting off disease. e cold water
also stimulates your body to release healing hormones and endor-
phins.
Alternating between hot and cold water, a practice called contrast
therapy, is said to increase these benefits. Spend three minutes in hot
water, only 10-30 seconds in the cold plunge, and repeat three times.
WHERE TO FIND
THE PERFECT
HOT SPRING FOR YOU
Most of Montana's hot springs are located in the western part
of the state where the earth's crust is thinner than normal and the
magma is closer to the surface.
The exceptions in eastern Montana are Angela Well in Rosebud
and Sleeping Buffalo in Saco. There are also a couple of undeveloped
warm springs in the east.
For maps, locations and descriptions, visit:
www.montanahotsprings.net
www.visitmt.com/things-to-do/hot-spring-resorts-and-pools.html
www.blog.bozemancvb.com/blog/ranking-the-14-best-hot-springs-in-
montana
Jeff Birkby's book,
Touring Hot Springs: Montana and Wyoming,
is a comprehensive account of many of Montana's Hot Springs.
www.fairmontmontana.com
(406) 797-3241
