A gallery of functional and whimsical art for your home.
in Pray, or the Alameda Retreat in Hot Springs, and you'll learn the names of these minerals and what they can do. Sulphur, for example, is good for the liver, digestive track, and skin condi- tions, such as eczema.
Subterranean cracks in the earth are
key. They allow Montana's groundwater to migrate deep near its molten core and then surface again. Experts say look for pools above 68 degrees Fahrenheit with high concentrations of mineral content. Then use the water often. "We have six chemical-free pools at Quinn's," says Denise. " Each with a dif- ferent temperature."
Pregnant women, heart patients, and young children have restrictions, but the water is particularly safe for cancer patients, and the waters are constantly refreshing. "It's basically fresh pools of water every eight hours," she notes. Plus, there's a cold water plunge. "There are huge benefits going from hot water to cold," Denise says. "It stimulates release of stress hormones and adrenaline, and that's invigorating. It also helps with circulation." "I've been trying to partake weekly," says Shelle Young, a registered nurse who lives near Boulder Hot Springs & Spa. "I believe it's calming…a way to alleviate daily stress in a healthful way." Shelle's a cold-water plunger, too. "That's what I like, the difference between the two. It really works on your capillaries." It's called Contrast Therapy. Heat therapy reduces inflammation and tissue congestion. It helps with body pain, muscle spasms and joint stiffness. Cold therapy does the same, but instead of increasing blood flow or circulation, cold restricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and cell death. There's a "best" time for each approach, but the Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies says Contrast Therapy works "on your body's pain gate mechanism." Essentially, the pain signals "traveling to and from your brain" are "temporarily altered." Yeah!
31 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman
406-585-2210 www.outonalimbgallery.com 76
Final note: don't forget your swim suit. The developed resorts require one. And unless you're headed to a private springs or you're hiking into the backcountry during the middle of a snow storm, you're going to see people.
POLAR PLUNGE DATES & LOCATIONS
LIBBY POLAR BEAR CLUB DATE: October 1st to first Sunday in April CONTACT: Rick Klin, techrkdk@frontiernet.net WEB SITE: www.libbymt.com/outdoors/ polarbearclub
RAVEN BREW PUB FLATHEAD LAKE POLAR BEAR PLUNGE IN BIGFORK January 1 CONTACT: (406) 837-2836, axafca@yahoo.com
SOUTHWEST MONTANA POLAR BEAR PLUNGE DATE: first of 2013 CONTACT: Scott Gill & Susan Higgins, sgill1957@gmail
HOT SPRINGS MENTIONED IN ARTICLE
For an article solely on hot springs, see: www.distinctlymontana.com
QUINN'S HOT SPRINGS 190 Montana Rt.135, Paradise (406) 826-3150 www.quinnshotsprings.com
JACKSON HOT SPRINGS 108 Jardine Avenue, Jackson (406) 834-3151 www.jacksonhotsprings.com
BOULDER HOT SPRINGS (406) 225-4339
31 Hot Springs Road, Boulder www.boulderhotsprings.com
ALAMEDA HOT SPRINGS RETREAT 308 Spring St North, Hot Springs (406) 741-2283 www.alamedahotsprings.com
CHICO HOT SPRINGS RESORT & DAY SPA 1 Old Chico Road Chico Road, Pray (406) 333-4933 www.chicohotsprings.com
WILD HORSE HOT SPRINGS 3605 Hillside Place, Hot Springs www.tripadvisor.com
DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2013
