If our body has an ideal temperature why is it nice to sit in a hot bath above that temperature?

Question

If our body has an ideal temperature why is it nice to sit in a hot bath above that temperature?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Hot water is relaxing to us because warm water breaks up tension in the muscles. When your muscles are tense, your body is actively working to keep those muscles tense, so hot water lets your body release that energy and gives you a calming sensation. Ever notice how raw meat is super tough, but cooked meat is generally really tender and easy to cut through? That’s the same process here, except you’re not putting your body in temps hot enough to cook it.