Getting Wet with Hydrotherapy
by Anne Stone

September 28, 2000

The root of hydrotherapy lies in the belief that water is the essence of life. A major part of our body is made up of water and we can only live a few days without drinking it. Water is also a constituent of most foods.

The beneficial power of water has been valued since ancient times. Steam baths were popular among the ancient Greeks and Turks. At Lourdes, in France, there is a spa Christian Shrine. Many people believe that miracles have occurred there.

There are many ways of using water for therapy. In most the temperature of the water is significant.

Hot water or steam
  • dilates blood vessels
  • encourages sweating
  • relaxes muscles and joints

Cold water or ice
  • constricts blood vessels
  • reduces inflammation
  • stimulates flow of blood to organs

A hot bath is used to relax muscles, ease pain and promotes sweating to remove impurities.

A cold bath is used to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.

A sitz bath is made up of two haves, each the size of a baby bath. One half is hot and the other is cold. A patient sits first in the hot water with their feet in the cold for three minutes, then vice versa for one minute.. This treatment is used for conditions such as cystitis, constipation and piles.

Sometimes a jet of water is sprayed onto all or part of the body. Again the temperature of the water spray is adjusted according to the condition being treated.

Steam baths are used to produce profuse sweating which helps carry impurities through pores on the skin.

Conditions helped by water therapy are: back pain, joint problems, rheumatism, muscle injuries, gallstones, headaches, period problems, anemia, arthritis, strains and sprains, asthma, anxiety.

Also, birthing pools are being used increasingly in natural childbirth.

Thank you for reading, stay healthy.