The Impact of Hydrotheraphy

The Impact of Hydrotherapy
What exactly is Hydrotherapy?It is the use of water to revitalize,maintain and restore good health.Water has been our central most natural resource since the beginning of time.Surprisingly hydrotherapy dates as far back as fourth century B.C. where virtually any form of medical care was practiced in a bath house,cold water drips and rubs were used in treating ailments.In the 19th century Father Sebastain Kneipp believed that diseases that could be cured by the use of water which eliminated waste from the body.

We all know that drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day keeps our insides healthy and hydrated so ,it only stands to reason that our outsides need the same care.Unfortunately most people would rather reach for something over the counter to ease their pain.Little do most people know they do use forms of hydrotherapy often.Ever use cold water to sooth a burn? or a ice pack to ease the swelling of a twisted ankle?,those are basic forms of hydrotherapy.

While cold water is stimulating to the nerves by causing blood vessels to constrict making it seem like a numbing effect to the injured part of the body ,warm water is relaxing and causes the blood vessels to dilate removing waste from body tissues. Often times new injuries such as sprained ankles,pulled back muscles and overextension will require alternating cold and warm water treatments for at least the first 24 hours.Alternating helps to decrease the inflammation and increase stimulation.

Spas have become popular choices for many to ease tired and sore muscles but ,there are many ways that you can do hydrotherapy on your own in the privacy of your home.Sitz baths are common to relieve problems associated with PMS,menstrual problems,polyps,cysts and hemorrhoids.Sitz baths require a hot tub and a cold tub,while you sit in one you put your feet in the other one then rotate.Warm water baths are helpful for arthritis,muscle tension and tight joints,make sure that the water is not overly hot and any aromatherapy oils or dead sea salts can be used to help relax.Also,hot tubs and 20 minute bath soaks are usually a more simple and quick method to temporarily relieve stress on the muscles that have been overextended,sprained or strained.

Other forms of hydrotherapy that are used help ease nasal congestion,upper respiratory infections,sore throat,sinus infections,headaches,skin disorders and ear infections are wraps,compresses and wet sock treatments.These forms of treatments are usually used in intervals of 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.A compress is a towel soaked in hot or cold water and laid on the particular area,this treatment is usually used for minor injuries.Wraps are a cold wet sheet (preferably flannel) that a person lays on then a warm blanket or dry towels can be used to tighten and tuck around the person body,this form of therapy is usually used to heal the relief of colds,skin disorders,muscle pain and bronchitis.

Remember you want your body to feel good inside by drinking water but don't deny the outside.Even if you don't have an ailment a nice bath or hot tub session once in awhile can help ease the stresses of everyday living and your body will thank you for it.Take the time to relax 20 to 30 minutes is just enough time that it could make all the difference.