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Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the use of water, either internally or externally, to maintain
health and prevent disease. According to its mineral content, water taken internally
can have laxative, diuretic, phlegmatic, or diaphoretic effects. Used externally,
water improves blood and lymph circulation, relaxes tension in the tissues,
alleviates pain, and calms the nervous system.
The recuperative and healing properties of hydrotherapy are based on its mechanical
and/or thermal effects. Hydrotherapy exploits the body's reaction to hot and
cold applications and to the pressure exerted by the water and the sensation
it gives. The nerves carry impulses felt at skin level deep into the body, where
they stimulate the immune system, influence the production of stress hormones,
invigorate circulation and digestion, encourage blood flow, and lessen sensitivity
to pain. Heat quiets and soothes the body, slowing down the activity of internal
organs, so if you are experiencing tense muscles and anxiety from stress, a
hot shower or bath may help. Cold, in contrast, stimulates and invigorates,
increasing internal activity, so if you are feeling tired or stressed out, you
should have a warm shower or bath, followed immediately by a short, cold shower
to stimulate your body and mind.
When you submerge yourself in a bath, a pool, or a whirlpool, you experience
a kind of weightlessness and your body is relieved from the constant pull of
gravity. Water also gently kneads your body in a massage-like fashion, stimulates
touch receptors on the skin, boosts blood circulation, and releases tight muscles.
Hydrotherapy is capable of producing numerous beneficial physiological effects,
and is widely available and inexpensive. It is very difficult to find other
natural substances that possess as many remedial and health-promoting qualities
as water.
Hydrotherapy is used to tone the body, to stimulate digestion, circulation,
and the immune system, and to bring relief from pain. Hydrotherapy is particularly
effective in getting rid of stress and rejuvenating the body. Hydrotherapy positively
affects the skin and muscles, and calms the lungs, heart, stomach, and endocrine
system by stimulating nerve reflexes on the spinal cord.
When you exercise, your muscles develop thousands of microscopic tears, and
lactic acid builds up in the muscles, leading to muscle fatigue and soreness.
Hydrotherapy helps to ease the pain and accelerate the natural healing process
by increasing blood flow and carrying lactic acid away from the muscles faster,
easing fatigue. As tense muscles relax from the warm water massage, pressure
is released on the surrounding nerves and blood vessels, easing and accelerating
pain relief. Hydrotherapy also stimulates the release of natural endorphins,
reducing pain. The increase of blood flow that brings nutrients to damaged cells,
completes the healing process.
Hydrotherapy techniques available include baths and showers, neutral baths,
sitz baths, contrast sitz baths, foot baths, cold mitten friction rub, steam
inhalation, hot compresses, cold compresses, alternating hot and cold compresses,
heating compresses, body wrap, wet sheet pack, and salt glow.
Buoyancy is a key element of relaxation and stress release, however, those
with recurrent or persistent conditions should consult with a physician before
beginning hydrotherapy. Also, people with impaired temperature sensation may
run the risk of scalding or frostbite at temperature extremes.
Hydrotherapy is a classic method of using water to promote wellness and healing,
dating as far back as ancient Greece, when the ancient Greeks would take therapeutic
baths. Romans introduced spas throughout the Roman Empire, and hydrotherapy
is important in traditional Chinese and Native American healing systems. Modern
hydrotherapy is attributed to a Bavarian monk, Father Sebastian Kneipp who re-popularized
the therapeutic use of water in the 19th century, as he believed that water
would dissolve and remove disease, and strengthen the body by maximizing circulation
and restoring cleansed blood to the tissue. With the increase of people becoming
interested in wellness and natural methods of healing, hydrotherapy is experiencing
an even greater surge in popularity.
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