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Hydro
Therapy
Hydrotherapy
is the use of water in the treatment
of disease. Hydrothermal therapy additionally
uses its temperature effects, as in
hot baths, saunas, wraps, etc.
Historical Perspective Hydro- and hydrothermal
therapy are traditional methods of treatment
that have been used for the treatment
of disease and injury by many cultures,
including those of ancient Rome, China,
and Japan. Water therapy has been around
for centuries. The ancient Greeks took
therapeutic baths. Water is an important
ingredient in the traditional Chinese
and Native American healing systems.
A Bavarian
monk, Father Sebastian Kneipp helped
re-popularize the therapeutic use of
water in the 19th century. There are
now many dozens of methods of applying
hydrotherapy, including baths, saunas,
douches, wraps, and packs.
How
it works
The recuperative and healing properties
of hydrotherapy are based on its mechanical
and/or thermal effects. It exploits
the body's reaction to hot and cold
stimuli, to the protracted application
of heat, to pressure exerted by the
water and to the sensation it gives.
The nerves carry impulses felt at the
skin deeper into the body, where they
are instrumental in stimulating the
immune system, influencing the production
of stress hormones, invigorating the
circulation and digestion, encouraging
blood flow, and lessening pain sensitivity.
Generally,
heat quiets and soothes the body, slowing
down the activity of internal organs.
Cold, in contrast, stimulates and invigorates,
increasing internal activity. If you
are experiencing tense muscles and anxiety
from your stress, a hot shower or bath
is in order. If you are feeling tired
and stressed out, you might want to
try taking a warm shower or bath followed
by a short, invigorating cold shower
to help stimulate your body and mind.
When you
submerge yourself in a bath, a pool,
or a whirlpool, you experience a kind
of weightlessness. Your body is relieved
from the constant pull of gravity. Water
also has a hydrostatic effect. It has
a massage-like feeling as the water
gently kneads your body. Water, in motion,
stimulates touch receptors on the skin,
boosting blood circulation and releasing
tight muscles.
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