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Hydro Therapy
introduction
What Is hydrotherapy ?
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Hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of disease.
Hydrothermal therapy additionally uses its temperature effects, as in
hot baths, saunas, wraps, etc.
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Historical Perspective
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Hydro- and hydrothermal therapy are traditional methods
of treatment that have been used for the treatment of disease and injury
by many cultures, including those of ancient Rome, China, and Japan. Water
therapy has been around for centuries. The ancient Greeks took therapeutic
baths. Water is an important ingredient in the traditional Chinese and
Native American healing systems.
A Bavarian monk, Father Sebastian Kneipp helped re-popularize the therapeutic
use of water in the 19th century. There are now many dozens of methods
of applying hydrotherapy, including baths, saunas, douches, wraps, and
packs.
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How it works
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The recuperative and healing properties of hydrotherapy
are based on its mechanical and/or thermal effects. It exploits the body's
reaction to hot and cold stimuli, to the protracted application of heat,
to pressure exerted by the water and to the sensation it gives. The nerves
carry impulses felt at the skin deeper into the body, where they are instrumental
in stimulating the immune system, influencing the production of stress
hormones, invigorating the circulation and digestion, encouraging blood
flow, and lessening pain sensitivity.
Generally, heat quiets and soothes the body, slowing down the activity
of internal organs. Cold, in contrast, stimulates and invigorates, increasing
internal activity. If you are experiencing tense muscles and anxiety from
your stress, a hot shower or bath is in order. If you are feeling tired
and stressed out, you might want to try taking a warm shower or bath followed
by a short, invigorating cold shower to help stimulate your body and mind.
When you submerge yourself in a bath, a pool, or a whirlpool, you experience
a kind of weightlessness. Your body is relieved from the constant pull
of gravity. Water also has a hydrostatic effect. It has a massage-like
feeling as the water gently kneads your body. Water, in motion, stimulates
touch receptors on the skin, boosting blood circulation and releasing
tight muscles
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Indications
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Hydrotherapy and hydrothermal therapy are chiefly used
to tone up the body, to stimulate digestion, the circulation, and the
immune system, and to bring relief from pain. Description of indications
are given under individual method used.
Water seems to have special powers in getting rid of stress and rejuvenating
our body. It affects the skin and muscles. It calms the lungs, heart,
stomach, and endocrine system by stimulating nerve reflexes on the spinal
cord.
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Proof it works
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Various case reports, observational studies, and a number
of controlled studies provide some evidence of success in the use of hydrotherapy.
In a study of 40 persons at University of Minnesota, 85% of the participants
preferred a whirlpool bath to a still bath. Only whirlpool was effective
in reducing the participants' reactivity to stress although both still
and whirlpool baths were effective in reducing anxiety.
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Risks, Cautions, and Contraindications
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Please see under individual techniques for warnings and
caution for the use and follow them.
Persons with impaired temperature sensation run the risk of scalding or
frostbite at temperature extremes.
When a condition is recurrent or persistent, please consult your physician
to determine whether a physical therapy of this type is suitable in your
case.
If you have diabetes, avoid hot application to the feet or legs. Also
avoid full body heating treatments, such as body wraps.
Avoid cold application if you are diagnosed with Raynaud's disease.
Hot immersion baths and long, hot saunas are not recommended for those
with diabetes or multiple sclerosis, women who are pregnant or anyone
with abnormally high or low blood pressure.
Don't take cold foot baths if you are prone to bladder or rectal irritation.
People suffering from sciatica, pelvic inflammation or rheumatism in the
toes or ankles should avoid cold foot baths.
Elderly people and young children may be exhausted by too much heat and
should avoid long full-body hot treatments such as immersion baths and
saunas.
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