Budapest is known as the “City of Baths.” Hungary is a land of thermal springs, and Budapest remains the only capital city in the world that is rich in thermal waters with healing qualities. Thermal baths are the emergence of geothermally heated groundwater that rises from the Earth's crust. Because heated water can hold more dissolved solids than cold water, warm and especially hot springs often have very high mineral content, containing everything from simple calcium to lithium, and even radium. Thermal baths have many health benefits. They are known to heal skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, dryness, and dry scalps. They also increase hydro-static pressure on the body, which increases blood circulation and cell oxygenation. Further, they help to dissolve and eliminate toxins from the body. The healing effects of the minerals in the water can include stimulation of the immune system, leading to enhanced immunity. Hot mineral baths may also aid in pain relief and fibromyalgia fatigue. Heat relaxes tense muscles. Further, when you soak in warm water, your body temperature rises, then quickly cools down afterwards. This cooling of the body can help you relax and sleep more deeply. Thanks to a unique geological feature, Budapest 'sits' on over 100 thermal springs that feed the city's famous bathhouses. One of the reasons the Romans first colonized the area immediately to the west of the River Danube and established their regional capital at Aquincum (now part of Óbuda, in northern Budapest) is so that they could utilise and enjoy the thermal springs. Thermal bathhouses in Budapest usually have one or two main pools and several smaller pools with different water temperatures. Since the 1950's, Budapest has been regarded as a center for intellectuals and artists. Budapest gained its reputation as a city of spas in the 1920's, following the first realization of the economic potential of the thermal waters in drawing in visitors. Since the 1950's it has been regarded as a center for intellectuals and artists. “Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.” ― Dodie Smith Water is symbolic of healing and cleansing. An ancient Oriental proverb states, "Be water my friend, be water," which is to say be flexible, adaptable in mind and body. The Element of Water is incredibly pliable. It comes in fresh or salt varieties, as snowflakes and rain, as ice or living oceans. All these variations give Water a rather unpredictable character. Spiritually speaking, the Element of Water symbolizes our emotions that ebb and flow. Water teaches us control over that cycle as well as reminding us that change is inevitable and we need to filter out dirty or negative thoughts. It is very important to remember that humans are mostly water-based. How often do you think about the healing affects of water? Do you drink enough water daily? Are you flexible and adaptable in your mind? So how does this relate to yoga?
Saucha is one of the Niyamas from the 8 Limbs of Yoga. These 8 limbs are discussed in many ancient Indian texts such as the Mahabharata and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Saucha means cleanliness. Cleanliness indicates a sense of self-respect. On a basic physical level it applies to how we clean ourselves. It’s the way or frequency that we shower, wash our hair, clean our teeth, and wear clean clothes. This clearing out, on all levels, allows Prana (life force) or energy to flow freely. We release and dissolve all kinds of blockages and unnecessary dirt or toxins. This cleanliness also applies to food. We’ve all heard the popular phrase, “You are what you eat,” so the cleaner our food is, the cleaner we’re going to be inside and out. Saucha might also need to be applied when it comes to judging yourself for not achieving a goal at work, or impurities might arise when we get angry, stressed, worried or fearful about a situation. We need to maintain cleanliness on both the inside and out. How do you feel when you cleanse your body? How do you feel when you eat clean, healthy foods? How do you feel when you clean your environment? How do you feel when you clean up your thoughts?
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Hannah Faulkner
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