聽說陽明山的溫泉挺有名的，但從沒機會去過。那裡的溫泉有什麼特別的嗎?

陽明山的溫泉依它的成分可以分為三類。第一類是酸性硫磺泉(白色)，像是大磺嘴、竹子湖、四磺砰。另一個是酸性硫酸鹽氯化物泉 (淡綠色) 像是新北投一帶。最後一種是中性碳酸鹽硫酸鹽泉。像是鼎筆橋和冷水坑。

I’ve heard that the hot springs in Yangmingshan are quite famous, but never have a chance to go. What makes the hot springs special?

The hot springs in Yanmingshan can be divided into three types according to their chemical composition. First are the acid sulfate (white sulfur) hot springs, such as those at Tahuangtsui, Jhuzihhu, and Ssuhuangtzuping. Next are acid sulfate chloride (green sulfur) hot springs, such as the ones at Xin Beitou. Last are neutral iron-bearing hot springs, such as those at Tingpichiao and Lengshuikeng; these are cooler and mostly consist of indirectly heated groundwater.

難怪我上次去陽明山國家公園時，聞到一股硫磺味。對了，我看到很多日本遊客會到這兒來泡溫泉。泡湯有什麼好處嗎?

根據報導，含有很多礦物質的溫泉對於皮膚的狀況、神經循環系統和一些慢性病很有幫助。

No wonder. Last time when I went to Yangmingshan National Park, there was a smell of sulphur in an area. Now I got it! I saw many Japanese came here for the hot springs. Is there any benefit to dip in the hot springs?

According to the reports, the mineral-rich water can be good for treating skin conditions, nerves and other chronic ailments.

哇~那它就像是天然良藥呢！在台灣的其它國家公園裡還有溫泉嗎？

嗯！在太魯閣國家公園裡有一個叫「文山溫泉」，它屬於野溪溫泉。但在安全考量下，太管處決定暫時封閉。他們正在研擬保護遊客的安全同時能夠保持文山溫泉的原始風貌的方法。

Wow, then it’s just like “natural cure”. Are there　hot springs in other Taiwan’s National Parks?

Hmm…There is one called “Wunshan Hot Spring” in Taroko National Park. Wunshan Hot spring is a torrent type of hot spring. Taroko National Park Headquarters decided to shut it down temporarily. They are figuring out the solutions which can protect both the safety of the tourists and the pristine area of the Wunshan Hot Spring.

對了 ~要泡湯前有什麼要注意的呢？

在溫泉中浸泡一次不要超過10分鐘，或是每10分鐘離開溫泉休息一下。不要在喝酒或是吃飽後馬上泡湯，這樣妨礙血液循環造成不適。最重要的是，即使溫泉具有某種療效，它仍然是不適合有心臟病、高血壓和傳染病患者，除非有醫生的指示。

By the say, is there anything I should know before going to dip into a hot spring?

Don’t soak into the hot spring for more than 10 minutes every time. Or you should leave the hot water and take a break for every 10 minutes. And don’t soak after drinking alcoholic liquids, or with your stomach full. These will retard the blood circulation and cause you uncomfortable when dipping in the hot springs. Most importantly, even the hot spring is with a curative effect, but it’s not suitable for people with heart disease, hypertension or contagious , with doctor’s instructions.

hot springs
a smell of sulphu
natural cure
torrent type of hot spring
pristine  area

溫泉
硫磺味
天然良藥
野溪溫泉
原始性

retard the blood
heart disease
hypertension
contagious

血液循環
心臟病 
高血壓 
傳染病患者