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Scotch Hose
A Scotch Hose is an instrument utilized in a Swiss massage that provides high
water pressure. In this type of massage, a therapist alternates between hot
and cold water, which is either fresh water or salt water, while the client
is standing. This Swiss Shower produces an effect that is similar to massage
and helps to relieve sore muscles. Scotch Hoses can range in temperature from
45° F to 105° F and it quickly fluctuates between hot and cold temperatures.
Recognized as one of the most relaxing methods used in aquatic massages, the
scotch hose is one of the most effective instruments used in hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy
refers to the use of water in treating disease. Traditionally used since the
time of ancient Rome, hydrotherapy contains recuperative and healing properties.
This is due: to its ability to exploit the body’s reaction to hot and cold stimuli,
by its protracted application of heat, and by the pressure its use of water
exerts and the sensation that comes from that pressure.
One of the fundamental principles of hydrotherapy that is evident in the use
of scotch hose is the theory behind how the human body reacts to hot and cold
stimuli. Hot stimuli produces a soothing effect on the body allowing for the
slowing down of the activity of the body’s internal organs. Cold stimuli, on
the other hand, produce the opposite effect. The body becomes stimulated and
the activity of the body’s internal organs increases. The use of hot and cold
stimuli to produce reactions within the body is combined with the effects that
water produces on the body in a scotch hose. Water, when in motion, produces
a massage type feeling in the body as it stimulates touch receptors on the skin.
By fluctuating between hot and cold water, a scotch hose produces a number
of health benefits that include:
- Stimulates blood circulation, which increases the function of the immune
system against diseases.
- Stimulates lymph circulation, which aids in the elimination of metabolic
wastes.
- Soothes and relaxes tight and sore muscles.
- Relieve pain and discomfort associated by such medical conditions as arthritis
and rheumatism.
- Increases metabolism.
Individuals that currently have medical conditions that leave them vulnerable
to hot and cold stimuli should not use Scotch hose or any other hydrotherapeutic
techniques. Approval from a health care professional should be attained before
using Scotch hose if you have the following medical conditions: diabetes, Raynauld’s
disease, multiple sclerosis, abnormally high or low blood pressure, women who
are pregnant, heart disease, pelvic inflammation, and sciatica.
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