Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy or hydrothermal therapy is the use of water to revitalize health and maintain well-being. It is based on the mechanical and thermal effects of water on certain parts of the body such as to stimulate the immune, digestive, and cardiovascular systems, tone the body, and provide pain relief. Hydrotherapy treatments include saunas, steam baths, foot baths, sitz baths, wraps, steam inhalation, colon irrigation, and the application of cold and hot water compresses.

There is a physiological explanation for hydrotherapy. When cold water is applied to the body, it causes superficial blood vessels to constrict, shunting the blood to internal organs. Conversely, hot water causes blood vessels to dilate triggering detoxification and waste removal from body tissues. While cold water is stimulating and invigorating, hot water is relaxing and soothing. Alternating hot and cold water decreases inflammation, improves elimination, and stimulates circulation. Water in motion stimulates touch receptors on the skin, boosting blood circulation and releasing tight muscles. Additionally, underwater submersion relieves the body from the forces of gravity, minimizing stress on joints and internal organs. Furthermore, hydrotherapy affects the nerve impulses that influence stress hormone production. As such, hydrotherapy is effective in stress management therapies.

The History of Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy has existed for centuries and has been used in the treatment of disease and injury by many cultures including those of ancient Greece, China, Rome, Japan, Central America, and the Middle East. The word “Jacuzzi” actually comes from the ancient Mayan culture of Central and South America. Ancient bath ruins have been discovered in Pakistan that date back as far as 4500BC. Evidence of the use of hydrotherapy techniques is documented as early as the first century.

Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th century Bavarian priest, is said to be the father of modern hydrotherapy. Kneipp believed that disease could be cured by using water to detoxify the body. He began treating his parishioners with cold water applications after he himself had been cured of tuberculosis with the same methods. Kneipp wrote extensively about his experiences and opened several hydrotherapy clinics, many of which still exist today. Hydrotherapy is currently very popular in Europe and Asia in the form of hot springs and mineral baths. In North America, hydrotherapy is often recommended by naturopathic and doctors of alternative medicine.