Hydrotheraphy is the use of water to maintain health, sooth pains or treat injuries and diseases that is probably the oldest form of medical treatment used by many cultures, including those from ancient Egypt, Rome, China and Japan. Egyptian royalty bathed with herbs and flowers while Romans had communal baths for their citizens.
Water would ‘dissolve, remove and strenghten’. Dissolve matter-containing disease in the body, remove diseased matter form the body and strenghten the body by restoring cleansed blood in the tissues and maximizing blood circulation.
HOW IT WORKS
Hydrotheraphy uses the principles of buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure or effects of the movement of water and water temperature to speed recovery after surgeries, reduce pain and stress, spasm and discomfort and is especially beneficial for people with work related or sport injuries, arthritis, neck, back, and knee pain and more.
The principle of buoyancy of water comes into play when treating muscular or joint injuries. Being in water reduces body weight by up to 90%. Physically this relieves the pressure of weight on our joints and muscles, and the feeling of weightlessness proves to be very relaxing mentally as well as physically. The weightless effect of water is also recommended for arthritis sufferers, as it eases joint stiffness and improves the mobility of the joints.
Hydrostatic pressure offers a form of massage that is soothing as well as healing. Studies at trauma and burn centres have shown that the massaging currents of water gently soothe touchy nerve endings while cleansing the wounds. This massaging action, combined with weightlessness, relaxes tight muscles. It also releases natural painkillers, called endorphins, into our system.
Water temperature has a great deal to do with hydrotherapy. Hot water raises your body temperature and causes your blood vessels to dilate. This increases circulation and greater circulation can speed up the body’s healing processes. Some people believe that a hot soak (40°C) can help you fight a cold or flu. This high temperature increases the number of white blood cells, which help to fight infection.
The Soothing Power of Soaking
People use hydrotherapy to treat many illnesses and conditions, including acne, arthritis, colds, depression, stomach problem, joint, muscle, and nerve problems, sleep disorders and stress. They also use it for relaxation and to maintain health. You can also use hydrotherapy to reduce or relieve sudden or long-lasting pain.
Hot Water
Hot water acts as a sedative on the sensory and motor nerves and relieves pains, cramps and spasms. Heat dilates blood vessels, which will turn lowers blood pressure. It also increases the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients and speeds the elemination of toxins.
Hot Immersion Bath
Given at a temperature of 38°C – 42°C for a maximum of 20 minutes, and water has to come to the shoulder level. Hot bath is recommended for instant relief from colic pains, muscle and joint pains. It is soothing to the nerves and helpful for bladder and urinary problems, mild-cold and low fevers. Adding herbs or essential oils helps to soften and moisturize, and can stimulate or relax.
Clinical Benefits
A recent study at the Mayo Clinic found that soaking in a hot water bath gives many of the health benefits of exercise with less strain on the heart! Soaking in a hot bath increases the heart rate while it lowers blood pressure rather than raising it as does other forms of exercise. Immersion in hot water first speeds up the heart to send blood to the surface and disperse extra body heat into the air. But after a few minutes, the warm blood causes the blood vessels to dilate, which lessen resistance to blood flow and lowers the blood pressure.
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) believes that many cases of insomnia can be traced to hectic, stressful lifestyles. It recommends regular soaking in warm water a few hours before bed to enhance sleep quality. Studies suggest this can ease the transition into a deeper, more restful sleep. The temperature change may be a signal to the body that it is time to sleep, or the sensation of weightlessness may just be relaxing to the muscles.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine even suggests that soaking for 30 minutes each day can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms Arthritis, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Aching Joints, Back Pain, Fatigue, Insomnia, Circulation, Stress, Muscular pain, Stiffness, Cramps or Tension, see how myHydrotherapy can target these problems very effectively.
Pain Relief – Hydrotherapy is proven to be a highly effective form of natural therapy which works by stimulating the endorphins which in turn helps you to control pain and alleviate tension. The hydrobath works by releasing millions of large bubbles, which relaxes your muscular tension and helps to reduce swollen joints giving you increased mobility and more importantly lessens your pain. The hydrotherapy home spa bath also releases very fine bubbles, this has a soothing tranquil effect on your body which helps relieve your stress and tension.
Circulation – myhydrotherapy home spa bath has a remarkable ability to improve circulation. Your blood flow takes oxygen and nourishment to all your cells and tissues. When working correctly, this forms the basis of a healthy life. Good circulation also brings the benefit of good lymph drainage which helps to clear the body of toxins.
Immune System – detoxing regularly, leads to a stronger immune system which is able to cope with controlling viruses, bacteria and infections. Your immune system is your internal police force and when working efficiently, helps you overcome minor infections ranging from the common cold right up to deadly diseases.
Stress – myhydrotherapy can provide you with the vital key to breaking the stress cycle of everyday modern life. In today’s busy world you can be prone to stress related illnesses which can cause a wide range of physical and psychological problems. For example, high blood pressure, headaches, digestive complaints, insomnia, depression, anxiety attacks, the list is endless. Unfortunately stress not only affects the mind but more importantly your immune system.
Complexion – myhydrotherapy home spa machine helps to regulate your body’s temperature control by improving the efficiency of your perspiration glands. This releases the toxins from your body and leaves you with a healthy glowing complexion. If you look better you will feel better. The oxygen flow is increased by the effect of the millions of bubbles and this activity can also help reduce fluid retention and even have a dramatic effect on other ailments such as cellulite. In short, Hydrotherapy offers an excellent way for you to regain and maintain a healthy and painless body. Any natural treatment that can help you to revitalise and de-stress, without producing the detrimental side effects of some of today’s modern drugs has got to be the way forward.
What happens to you during Hydrotherapy?
When you are in pain or under stress, chemical changes in your body can cause the blood pressure and pulse rate to increase, Having regular hydrotherapy treatments can help you to reduce these symptoms by relieving swollen joints and slowing down the process of stress reaction. This will help you to relax and unwind, which is easier for you, helping you to deal with your pain.
In your first treatment
After 5 minutes – your blood pressure and pulse rates start to drop.
After 10 minutes – your circulation improves in your hands and feet making them warmer.
After 15 minutes – your muscles will relax becoming more receptive to passive exercise, fibrous tissue becomes more pliable and responsive to stretching encouraging the release of lactic acid and other toxins from your system.
Further Treatments
After 3 treatments – your immune system will be improved.
After 5 treatments – tension, emotional and physical pain will noticeably be reduced.
After 10 treatments – your pain relief will be longer lasting, you’ll experience a greater sense of well-being.
After 20 treatments – you will have a heightened tolerance to disease and depression, your skin will be clearer and glow with health and your muscle tone and mobility will improve.