Hydrotherapy or water therapy is an alternative medicine in naturopathy that involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment. Water is used as a medium for the curative procedure, to stimulate blood circulation and treat the symptoms of certain diseases. The process encompasses an extensive array of approaches and therapeutic methods that take advantage of the physical attributes of water, like temperature and pressure.
Hydrotherapy includes treatments as steam baths, hot and cold showers, foot baths, contrast therapy, and water therapy.
According to Hydrotherapy, cold water causes the superficial blood vessels to constrict, which moves blood flow away from the surface of the body to organs. On the other hand, hot water causes superficial blood vessels to dilate, which activates sweat glands, and removes waste from body tissues.
Alternating hot and cold water decrease swelling and stimulates circulation, lymphatic drainage and many more benefits.
Types of Hydrotherapy
All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. In fact, massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client
An aquatic massage where the therapist uses massage techniques while you float comfortably in a warm water pool.
It promotes a deep state of relaxation with dramatic changes in quieting the autonomic nervous system.
Sitz Bath requires 2 adjacent water tubs, one with warm water and another with cool water. Here, you need to sit in one of the tubs while your feet are placed in another. This method is then alternated after a period of time. This process is recommended for people who have issues with Premenstrual syndrome, hemorrhoids, as well as menstruation issues.
Depending on your ailment, you are required to soak yourself in a tub of warm water for a duration of more than 30 minutes. The water is mixed with mineral mud, Epsom salts, ginger, aromatherapy oils, moor mud, as well as Dead Sea salts depending on the requirement. Additionally, it also helps increase the overall capability of your immune system to fight off diseases.
The dry, warm air promotes sweating. The heat from the sauna relaxes the body's muscles, improves circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins.
Towels soaked in the cool and warm water can be placed in the affected area of your body. The cool water treatment reduces swelling and inflammation. On the other hand, warm water compress tends to promote the blood flow while easing the sore and stiff muscles. The use of two different forms of water aids in better relief from pain and stiffness in the muscles.
This therapy involves the patient lying down over cold and wet flannel sheets as the same is wrapped around the body. After this, the body is covered with the dry towels followed by blankets. In response to the wet towel, your body releases heat. This therapy is used for skin issues, cold, as well as muscle pain.
Steam Baths or Turkish bath involves steam rooms packed with warm and humid air. This particular steam aids the body with the release of impurities.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy Treatments
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Reduces Muscle Tension
Facilitates proper blood flow, discharging the tightness accumulated in muscles.
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Rehabilitates Injured Muscles
Rejuvenates the muscles and allows them to heal naturally.
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Boosts Immune System
Therapeutic procedure heals the body and protects it from diseases.
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Encourages Detoxification
Diluts all toxins inside-out to promote good health.
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Releaves Stress
Allows the body and mind to relax together to free ourselves of all stress.
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Releaves Pain
Eases inflamed or injured muscles to reduce pain.