Hydrotherapy Treatments
What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy, involves the use of water for pain-relief and treating illness. The term hydrotherapy itself is synonymous with the term "water cure" as it was originally marketed by practitioners and promoters in the 19th century. A hydrotherapist therefore, is someone who practices hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is the use of water to revitalize, maintain, and restore health. How Does Hydrotherapy Work? There is a physiological basis to hydrotherapy. Cold is stimulating, and it causes superficial blood vessels to constrict, shunting the blood to internal organs. Hot water is relaxing, causes blood vessels to dilate, and removes wastes from body tissues. Alternating hot and cold water also improves elimination, decreases inflammation, and stimulates circulation. Hydrotherapy acts through the nervous system. Like medications, it acts on the brain centers and their extensions, and then through the reflex areas. Function is stimulated or reduced by means of temperatures used and the length of their application. Friction accompanying the application of hydrotherapy also adds to and prolongs its effectiveness. Water, applied externally or internally and at varying temperatures, is an agent which more fully than almost any other cooperates with the healing powers of the body in resisting the onset and development of pathogenic processes. There is no other remedy by which the movements of the blood and the blood supply, both general and local, and in fact every form of vital activity, may be so readily controlled as by hydriatic application. Types of Hydrotherapy Under the general heading of hydrotherapy, there are several techniques. These include fever treatment baths, fomentations, neutral baths, sitz baths, contrast 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. External hydrotherapy involves the immersion of the body in water or the application of water or ice to the body, while temperature-based hydrotherapy involve the different effects of hot or cold water on the skin and underlying tissues. Hot water relaxes muscles and causes sweating, and is used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, poor circulation, and sore muscles. It can be used in combination with aromatherapy. Cold water hydrotherapy is used to stimulate blood flow in the skin and underlying muscles. Temperature based treatments include the application of moist heat or cold to specific parts of the body. The application of moist heat is called fomentation, and is used for conditions such as chest cold, flu, or arthritis. Cold compresses or ice packs are used for sprains, headaches, or dental surgery. Body packs can be used to calm psychiatric patients and for detoxification. Sitz baths are where the patient sits in a specially made tub that allows the lower abdomen to be submerged in water that is a different temperature to the water around the feet. These baths are recommended for hemorrhoids, prostate swelling, menstrual cramps, and other genitourinary disorders. Internal hydrotherapy includes colonic irrigation and enemas. Steam baths are also a form of internal hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy in Action-Complete Water Therapy Instructional Videos  $ 34.00  Hydrotherapy has been used for thousands of years as a way to treat the body by stimulating and redirecting the flow of blood and carrying waste products away from the cells. By applying an alternating contrast of hot and cold water, through compresses, foot baths and showers, many illnesses can be avoided and reversed. These DVDs demonstrate simple but effective Hydrotherapy techniques in a way that will help you easily learn to put them into use in your own home. These DVDs are a wonderful compliment to our Natural Remedies Encyclopedia. |  Conditions Helped by Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is used to treat many illnesses and conditions including:
Benefits of Hydrotherapy The benefits of hydrotherapy include:
Cold baths should not be used for young children or the elderly. Sauna baths should be avoided by people that suffer from heart conditions. |
|
Copyright © 2011 HeavenScent Wholistic Health. All Rights Reserved.
Holly Springs NC 27540 (828) 707-7644 The information in this website is for educational purposes only. We are not licensed physicians. It is not intended to treat or prescribe any medical treatment. |
