I wasn’t always a hot springs hippie, sitting happily with her tits out without a care in the world. It’s been a years-long journey of self acceptance, trust in others, and prayers to the waters. But now? 🍑 I’m all about helping others take the plunge (literally) into the blissful freedom of wild hot springs.
Like any healing modality, it can take exposure therapy to ease fully into the benefits. For years I only went to hot springs covered up. Then, I learned about the magical healing powers of mineral waters.
Many hot spring sources are coming deep from underground, often thousands of years old rainwater that is resurfacing. Isn’t it kind of poetic to meet them as our natural selves? So, let’s embrace the wonders of these springs—just you, the water, and your birthday suit. Trust me, it’s liberating.
History of Bathing in Your Birthday Suit
Western society is missing the communal baths of the past. Watering holes where we can connect and see that we all are always healing from similar ailments of life. And the hot springs are designed by mother nature to help with it all.
Hot spring bathing has been practiced for thousands of years, with evidence of early thermal bathing dating back to prehistoric times.
In ancient Greece, from around 500 BCE, the center of life was at natural hot springs, using them for social gatherings, athletics, and philosophical discussions. The Romans later expanded on these practices, constructing elaborate public bathhouses called “thermae” to promote hygiene and leisure.
Fun Fact! The word spa is a Latin acronym—Sanus Per Aquam that translates to health through water.
In Japan, the “onsen” tradition, rooted in the 8th century, is perhaps the most engrained bathing culture in the world. Though most onsens are clothing optional, you’ll often find pools separated by males and females and tattoos are typically prohibited in public bathing areas.
Before European colonization, many Native American tribes practiced communal bathing in hot springs and sweat lodges as spiritual and physical purification rituals. Nudity was natural and non-sexual, emphasizing harmony with the earth. European settlers introduced their own bathing traditions but, influenced by Puritan modesty, were more reserved.
Today, attitudes toward nude bathing in the U.S. vary. While public nudity is often technically illegal, clothing-optional hot springs, beaches, and resorts thrive in more liberal or secluded areas. Popular spots include natural hot springs in California, Oregon, and Colorado, clothing-optional beaches like Baker Beach (San Francisco) and Haulover Beach (Miami), and nudist resorts promoting non-sexual nudity as a lifestyle.
How Hot Springs Heal
Achy back? I’ve seen tension in my muscles melt in the hot springs. Sad heart? When I get into the hot springs and meet fellow travelers, I’m reminded that we’re all seeking connection, joy, and beautiful places.
You don’t have to be naked to receive healing from hot springs. Buttttt, my point is that it’s helped me in my personal growth to strip down and see that I’m just as safe, sacred, and ‘hot’ with or without clothes.
The first step to healing in hot springs is choosing the environment that you’ll be most comfortable in. Check how long the hike is, and check in with yourself on how much water you usually drink. Either bring a water filter or plan to carry in double the amount of water you usually do.
Dehydration is🙅 not hot.🙅
Also, try to spend some time in the waters listening to the environment. Some soakers show up with speakers and I can never understand why you’d want to listen to music when there is sound healing all around you.
I’ll share some of my favorite clothing optional hot springs, and you can always message me to find others in your area or ask any questions.
So, What About Peeping Toms?
I have traveled to dozens of hot springs over the years. Alone. As a 20 something year-old woman. And, I’ve always felt safe.
I know that friends have had strange vibes from nearby soakers, but in my experience I keep my intuition keen and carry bear spray.
Try visiting with friends if you’re nervous about being nude at a hot spring. And, you can always put your suit on if you want.
Being nude in hot springs has healed societal shaming of body image for me, but its also healed me in so many other ways. Thank you to the waters, please take good care of them so we can continue to heal in hot springs.
2 responses to “Why You Should Soak Naked In Nature: How to Heal Societal Shaming Through Hot Springs Immersion ”
Thanks so much for sharing! I hope to one day venture into a hot springs nakey. Can’t wait for that moment to come 🥰 Healing IS hot!
Thank YOU Claudia, what region do you live in? Happy to suggest clothing-optional hot springs near ya