MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information
Medicinal Therapies: HYDROTHERAPY



HYDROTHERAPY INTRODUCTION

The ancient Greeks believed that water contained the essence of life and the secret of health. In hydrotherapy, water is used internally and externally in all its forms - hot and cold, as liquid, steam, or ice - to cleanse, revitalize, restore, and maintain health. Traditionally, hydrotherapy consisted of baths, saunas, and compresses, but in modern times, whirlpools and water jets have been introduced. An established part of conventional medicine until the beginning of the 20th century, hydrotherapy has long been practiced by naturopaths, and is now enjoying a resurgence in popularity.

---

MAIN USES OF HYDROTHERAPY

Muscle & joint pain. Backache, muscle strains & sprains. Stress, anxiety. Circulatory problems. Asthma, bronchitis. Cystitis. Fevers. Headaches, fatigue Menstrual problems.

---

Spas have been popular since Roman times, both as a form of diversion and as a healing therapy. This 19th century photograph show a patient receiving a massage with mineral water in Vichy, France, where spa waters have long been taken both internally and externally.

HISTORY OF HYDROTHERAPY

The therapeutic properties of water have been valued throughout history by societies around the world, from the Chinese to the Native Americans. In ancient Greece, temples to Asklepios, god of medicine, were built near hot springs. In New Zealand, natural hot springs have been used for centuries to improve health.

No Roman town was deemed complete without baths where citizens could enjoy hot, cold, and tepid immersions. In many towns, such as Baden-Baden in Germany, Spa in Belgium, and Bath in the UK, the practice of "taking the waters" at natural springs has continued to the present day. The first serious medical use of the therapy was probably made by Vincent Priessnitz, who opened a spa in the early 19th century at Grafenburg, Austria.

Steam baths became very popular in the 19th century, and are still used today. They make the body sweat, which is said to expel impurities through the pores of the skin.

The true pioneer of hydrotherapy, however, was Father Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th century Bavarian monk who claimed that water could cure disease by improving the elimination of waste products from the body. His patients followed a program of hot and cold baths and compresses, foot baths, sitz baths, steam baths, showers, and wraps - techniques still in use today.

In Germany and a number of eastern European countries, hydrotherapy is still widespread and is often subsidized by the government. It is an important part of naturopathy, which is popular in the US and Australia, and has gained a reputation as a cheap therapy with few side effects.

---

KEY PRINCIPLES OF HYDROTHERAPY

Water has a remarkable ability to alter the body's blood flow, and this can be manipulated by varying its temperature. Cold water is stimulating. It makes surface blood vessels constrict, restricting blood flow and inhibiting the biochemical reactions that cause inflammation. It sends blood toward the internal organs, helping them to function more efficiently. Hot water, conversely, is relaxing. It dilates blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure and increases blood flow to the skin and muscles, easing stiffness. The improved circulation boosts the immune system, helps remove waste products from the body, and sends more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues to repair damage.

Some therapies use hot and cold water alternately. This is said to stimulate the hormonal system, reduce circulatory congestion caused by muscle spasm, and relieve inflammation. Floating in warm water, unburdened by gravity, can also be mentally soothing.

---

EVIDENCE & RESEARCH

European studies in 1995 found that warm underwater jet massage enhanced athletes' performances. American research in 1991 showed that hydrotherapy was helpful for varicose veins, while two studies in Israel indicated that mud and mineral baths were beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis. A 1986 study published in the British Medical Journal concluded that sitz baths were helpful in healing anal fissures.

---

CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL OPINION

The effect of water as a vehicle for heat and cold is obvious. Recently, conventional medicine has expressed renewed interest in the ability of water temperature to affect body tissues, and in its bouyant and stimulating properties, as used in physiotherapy. Hydrotherapy is an example of a therapy that is not as far removed from conventional practice as it may appear.

---

CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER

Hydrotherapy is usually practiced at health farms and spas, particularly those founded on naturopathic principles, and you are most likely to visit one if referred by a naturopath. Treatments are diverse and will depend on your condition. They may include some of the following:

HIGH POWERED JETS

Hot or cold water is directed at your back for about 2 to 3 minutes as you face the wall, holding supports. Jets are said to stimulate the circulation and internal organs, and are used for anemia, amenorrhea, angina, arthritis, and asthma.

WHIRLPOOL BATHS

Immersing the body in pressurized bubbles for about 15 minutes soothes and massages the body and is also believed to treat sores, infected wounds, swellings, and circulatory problems.

SITZ BATHS Sitz baths - Two hip baths are placed side by side, one filled with hot and the other with cold water. The patient sits in them alternately, three minutes in hot water and one minute in cold, with the feet in the opposite bath.

SITZ BATHS

This treatment uses two hip baths, and may benefit hemorrhoids, menstrual problems, cystitis, incontinence, and prolapse. Two hip baths are placed side by side, one filled with hot and the other with cold water. The patient sits in them alternately, three minutes in hot water and one minute in cold, with the feet in the opposite bath.

THERAPEUTIC HERBS, OILS & MINERALS Thereapeutic herbs, oils and minerals can be added to a warm bath for added health benefits.

HOT or WARM BATHS

Soaking in hot water (about 100°F / 38°C) for about 20 to 30 minutes is believed to help arthritic conditions. Therapeutic herbs, oils, and minerals can be added to a warm bath. These include Epsom salts to relieve swollen joints and relax muscles, finely blended oatmeal or bran (possibly added in a muslin bag) to soothe the skin, and mineral "muds" and extracts, such as Dead Sea salts, to nourish the skin.

SEA WEED Seaweed (fresh or powdered) can be added to water or applied as a wrap for added healing properties.

SEAWATER TREATMENTS

Seawater treatments (thalassotherapy) have healthful benefits. Seawater is said to have healing properties, and minerals in seaweed are believed to induce sweating, cleanse and tone the skin, and promote relaxation. Treatments may include seawater jets, seaweed wraps, or seawater or kelp (seaweed) baths.

WRAPS A cold flannel sheet is wrapped around the body and hot or cold packs enveloped in towels are placed on top. The patient is then covered with a warm blanket and left for 30 minutes. This form of constitutional treatment is used to aid circulation and stimulate the immune system, to treat problems such as viral illnesses and long-term fatigue.

WRAPS

Cold, wet flannel sheets are wrapped around your body, then covered with dry towels and finally blankets. After the initial shock, the body warms up rapidly, drying the sheets. Wraps promote sweating, which is said to flush out waste products, and may be used for fever, colds, bronchitis, back pain, and skin disorders.

COMPRESSES

Towels are soaked in hot or cold water, wrung out and applied to the affected area of the body. Hot compresses increase blood flow, make the body sweat, and ease stiff muscles. Cold ones restrict circulation, reducing inflammation.

STEAM CABINET A steam cabinet can induce sweating to relieve impurities and relieve water retention.

TURKISH BATHS, STEAM ROOMS & STEAM CABINETS

Sitting in a hot, steamy room for up to 1 hour, induces sweating, eliminating impurities and relieving water retention.

SAUNAS A hot, dry environment encourages sweating.

SAUNAS

Saunas are similar to Turkish baths but generate dry rather than humid heat. A dry, hot environment (above 100°F / 38°C) encourages sweating, which helps the body to eliminate waste products. A dip into a plunge pool or a cold shower is advised every 5 to 10 minutes during the sauna and at the end of the sauna.

---

SELF-HELP HYDROTHERAPY

Many treatments, such as compresses and ice packs, are simple to carry out at home. A hot compress eases back or abdominal pain and muscle tension. Wring out a small towel in very hot water, fold it, and apply it to the affected area, alternating it with a cold compress, which restricts circulation and is useful for sprains and swollen joints. Use very cold water and leave for several hours or overnight. An ice pack relieves swelling and pain in emergencies. Place a towel or a drop of oil on the skin to avoid freezer burn, then apply ice, or even a package of frozen peas, wrapped in a cloth, to the affected area and leave for 10 minutes.

HYDROTHERAPY PRECAUTIONS Avoid hot baths, steam baths, and saunas if you have high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease. Avoid steam baths or sitz baths in the first three months of pregnancy, and limit steam treatments to a maximum of 10 minutes for the remaining months. Avoid steam treatment if you are postoperative, epileptic, asthmatic, or have a history of thrombosis. Avoid seaweed if you are allergic to iodine, and do not add ingredients to a bath if you have an open wound. Consult your health care provider before embarking on any therapy treatment if you have any medical condition, symptoms of illness, you are pregnant or are trying to concieve. Consult your health care provider before allowing infants and children to receive complimentary treatments. Some treatments may be unsuitable for small children. See your health care provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information: Therapy Index

---

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Naturopathy

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Hydrotherapy

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Homeopathy

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Homeopathic Remedies

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Homeopathic Potencies

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Biochemic Tissue Salts

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Bach Flower Remedies

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Crystal Therapy

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Western Herbalism

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Chinese Herbalism

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Ayurveda

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Nutritional Therapies

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Orthomolecular Therapy

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Clinical Ecology

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Magnetic Therapy

MoonDragon's Alternative Therapy: Other Medical Therapies



MoonDragon's Holistic Health Links Page 1

MoonDragon's Holistic Health Links Page 2

MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information



RELATED LINKS

MoonDragon's Nutrition Therapy: Preparing Produce for Juicing

MoonDragon's Nutritional Recipe Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics Index

MoonDragon's Nutritional Therapy Index

MoonDragon's Nutritional Analysis Index

MoonDragon's Nutritional Diet Index

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index



HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION

Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition

Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition

Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch

If you see a suggested Amazon product "not there" as indicated by an orange box with the Amazon logo, this only means the specific product link has been changed by Amazon.com. Use the "click here" icon on the orange box and it will bring you to Amazon.com and you can do a search for a specific product using keywords and a new list of available products and prices will show. Their product and resource links are constantly changing and being upgraded. Many times there are more than one link to a specific product. Prices will vary between product distributors so it pays to shop around and do price comparisons.

Educational materials and health products are available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.

---

HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Manufacturers & Distributors

See all our merchant banners below for products, remedies and supplements recommended on this web site.

HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements -- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements -- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders -- by Phyllis A. Balch The Complete Guide to Natural Healing This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item. If you see a suggested Amazon product "not there" as indicated by an orange box with the Amazon logo, this only means the specific product link has been changed by Amazon.com. Use the "click here" icon on the orange box and it will bring you to Amazon.com and you can do a search for a specific product using keywords and a new list of available products and prices will show. Their product and resource links are constantly changing and being upgraded. Many times there are more than one link to a specific product. Prices will vary between product distributors so it pays to shop around and do price comparisons. Educational materials and health products are available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.

For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs A Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs B Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs C Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs D Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs E Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs F Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs G Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs H Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs I Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs J Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs K Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs L	Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs M Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs N Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs O Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs P Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs R Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs S Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs T Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs U Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs V Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs W Mountain Rose Herbs, Bulk Herbs Y

Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils

Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits

Mountain Rose Herbs.com: Order Online
Accessories & Tools Aroma Sprays & Flower Waters Body & Bath Bulk Herbs Bulk Ingredients Bulk Oils Butters Capsules Clays Essential Oils	Facial Care Hair Care Herbal Extracts Herbal Oils Herbal Salves & Balms Herbal Teas Herbs For Pets Incense, Resins & Candles Massage Oils Medicinal Herb Seeds Tea Brewing Supplies

---

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Therapy Index

MoonDragon's Nutrition Therapy Index

MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information Index

MoonDragon's Aromatherapy Information Index

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness Index

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information Index by Subject Order

MoonDragon's ObGyn Womens Health Information Index by Alphabetical Order

MoonDragon's Main Indexlisting

MoonDragon's Home Page