Soaking in healing waters may include some unbargained-for advances.
Photo: jaykendall
Last week, I went to get a massage after having pulled something in my neck (still not sure what) while practicing a new dance routine.
As soon as the massage therapist touched my shoulder, he said, “You really need a good soak at Harbin.”
Ah yes, Harbin Hot Springs. Located in the mountains of Northern California about an hour north of Napa wine country, Harbin is thought of by some as a healing center for the body and soul.
Others think of it as more of a seedy pick-up joint, or at the very least, a place one is likely to get molested.
I have personally never had a problem the dozen or so times I’ve been there, but know plenty of people that have, including a male friend. Harbin is a bit different than many hot spring getaways, since it also acts as a retreat center and boasts a community of free-spirited people that live there.
Hot springs have traditionally been a respite for the weak and ill, or a place to deepen one’s spiritual practice:
Natural hot springs are often located in areas long considered by the indigenous peoples native to the local area as holy and sacred ground…Native American tribes treated (and still do) sacred hot springs and the surrounding land with deep respect, emotionally, spiritually and physically.
Yet there seems to be a growing consensus among some folk that going to hot springs doesn’t afford the freedom to achieve meditative body bliss, but instead they have been infiltrated with new-age types looking for a good time:
Exquisite natural setting and incredible hot springs that bring in some of the most sexiest people I’ve seen. I am so into the drama-free affection of FWB (friend with benefits) and this is the perfect setting for some time for getting away from your day-to-day.
Hmmm.
Still, there are others who think this type of behavior occurs only few and far between. I chuckled at Ubersheist’s comparison of skiing and “hotspringing” on Soak.net:
Skiing misconception: There must be loads of “ski bunnies” and snowboard chicks that’re ripe for the meetin’! Hotspringing misconception: You’re in a beautiful location with little (if any) clothes on, so free-loving hippy chicks must be plentiful! The retort to both is a big, fat WRONG. Both are mostly populated by single straight males who only go to enjoy the experience, and (in general) the few females that do show up are almost always with their male significant other.
For locations of hot springs all over the world, check out 10 Countries Where You Can Enjoy Hot Springs, and learn how to take a proper Chinese soak in GuiJu: Rules of the Traditional Chinese Hot Spring Baths.
Do you think hot springs have become a haven for the seedy or for the most part, still maintain their sacred, spiritual roots? Share your thoughts below.
Feature photo: who.log.why
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6 Comments... join the discussion!
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I just got back from Boise, Idaho, where I went to a public park hot springs (Kirkham) with naturally hot waterfalls filling the shallow pools and to get there we just walked through snow. The river running right by these pools was icy cold and there was a family of elk staring at us humans just 6 feet away. I was able to go into myself and there were people just enjoying the water, themselves, and friendship and that’s the best part of being in such a natural outdoors hotspring. I would love to have this experience more often.
I’ve been visiting Harbin since I was an 11 year old girl (32 years ago!) and in all the times I’ve been to Harbin (more times than I can count, including doing workshops) I have never felt creeped out by anyone there. I go there thinking of relaxation, friendship or love and get only good experiences up there. I love Harbin.
I also lived 6 years in Japan where single-sex bathing is completely normal and again, it’s about health, friendship and relaxation.
I’d like everyone to have their own experience the way they want to be treated and go to hotsprings in a way that furthers their healthy enjoyment, relaxation, and spiritual fulfillment.
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Not sure about hot-springs in the states, but I LOVE the mountain hotsprings of Hokkaido, Japan – especially Nakadake Onsen – and have never been hit on by the elderly Japanese men I tend to meet in the pools.
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I’m going to make sure to visit Harbin this year! I’ve heard a ton about it and I’m near there all the time. I hope it’s not seedy ………
I’ll report back after I go. ~Amanda
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You have never been harassed but know other who have…. I think they call that hearsay! Give Harbin it’s due a great place to relax where harassment is NOT tolerated and those found doing such are asked to leave. I think your odds of being harassed at the local bar are far greater than at Harbin
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JB-Don’t think they call it hearsay when I’ve been sitting right there when my friend was harassed. But who knows, maybe they do?
And by the way, my male friend who was harassed there was done so by a resident, and when he reported him, he was told it had happened before with this particular resident.
I know that the staff strives to keep these things from happening, that there are signs posted everywhere that this type of behavior is not tolerated, but the reality is it does still happen.
I still very much enjoy Harbin, have great respect for their establishment, and personally do not think of it as a seedy place. But I also respect the people that have had problems there and do not feel as if it is a safe space for them.
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