The use of water for therapy is no modern procedure. In fact, it has been in existence for hundreds of years and now forms an integral part of traditional medicine practice. Nonetheless, many of us are unfamiliar with the concept of hydrotherapy and how exactly it can benefit our health and well-being.
By definition, hydrotherapy is the use of water to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. A number of therapeutic treatments and approaches draw upon the healing properties of water for pain relief, making use of the body’s reaction to hot and cold stimuli. On the whole, cold water is used to stimulate and invigorate, increasing the body’s internal activity, whereas warm water is used to calm and soothe, slowing it down. Alternating between hot and cold water treatments can help to heal injuries, activate your body’s immune system, improve circulation, flush toxins, relieve stress, and reduce inflammation.
Hydrotherapy encompasses a variety of treatments, including the use of contrast baths & showers, hydrotherapy pools, local application of heat or ice, water circuits, saunas, steam rooms and more. Modern day therapies are also enhanced with extras such as aromatherapy or Epsom salts. In our next article, we will look at some ways you can implement hydrotherapy treatments in your own home.
May your health prosper,
Dr. Greg Steinke