Hot Springs

Taiwan is known far and wide for its dense concentration of hot springs (and rare cold mineral springs as well), with more than 100 hot-spring areas all over the island. This makes Taiwan one of the best places in the world for enjoying a healthful and relaxing soak in refreshing mineral waters. These springs can generally be divided into four types of water: sodium carbonate, sodium hydrocarbonate, sulfur, and pure-water. The different types have different chemical compositions that produce different therapeutic effects. Sodium carbonate springs contain carbon dioxide which generates bubbles on the skin, providing a slight massaging function; this type of spring can be found at Siake and Lushan in western Taiwan; Bulao, Baolai, and Sihchongsi in southern Taiwan; and Jhihben, Green Island, Wenshan, Jiaosi, and Renze in eastern Taiwan. The cold springs of Suao also contain this kind of water. The most representative sodium hydrocarbonate springs, which lubricate the skin, are located at Wulai, Jiaosi, and Jhihben.

Strongly acidic sulfur springs are located in the area of Yangmingshan and Beitou. Pure-water hot springs have a less stimulative, moderate therapeutic effect; the Jinshan Hot Springs are of this type. The unusual “mud” springs of Guanzihling in Tainan County are salty in nature.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has a history of several thousand years in China, and its effectiveness is widely recognized. Taiwan has a high-quality environment for this kind of treatment. Needles are inserted at acupoints to stimulate the nerves; sometimes, moxa is also burned on the acupoints to regulate physiological functions. The World Health Organization of the United Nations has determined that acupuncture is effective for a wide variety of ailments, including headache and stomachache. Since acupunctureis a medical procedure, be sure to choose a legal clinic for your needle treatment.

Foot Massage

Foot massage uses stimulation of the feet to improve blood circulation and to remove wastes and toxins from the body. The human feet can directly affect the organs, and so massaging the feet makes the whole body feel comfortable and completely relaxed. The “Father Wu Foot Massage” is especially popular in Taiwan, and massage services are also provided by a foundation for the blind. Concentrations of foot-massage parlors offer their services in the area of Singtian Temple, Section 2 of Zhongshan N. Rd., and Jiuquan St. in Taipei. A number of health clubs also provide the considerable pleasures of foot massage.

Naprapathy

Naprapathy, or manipulation massage, is a passive exercise type of treatment that involves the use of the practitioner’s hands and arms to apply pressure to acupoints throughout the body with a variety of motions. It is used for treating ailments such as headache, neck pain, andalgomenorrhea, and can aid the circulation of energy, enliven the joints, adjust cardiopulmonary function, and strengthen resistance—all while making you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Editor:Zhao Yanchen