Truly, water is life! Life cannot exist on earth without water. This statement is also true from a different point of view - water has its own healing effects. This is the reason why the therapeutic effects of water have been applied in Hydrotherapy. The term Hydrotherapy is derived from two terms - Hydro or water and therapy which mean treating the illness or disability. Hydrotherapy may be defined as the use of water, in any of its forms, for the maintenance of health or for the treatment of disease. The therapeutic effects of water have been used since the ages in the form of hot and cold showers, underwater massage, steam, jet sprays, immersion in mineral and salt baths, contrast bath (alternate hot and cold baths) and saunas. But now, the application of hydrotherapy has gone beyond the therapeutics and is being widely used in spas.
What are the Effects of Hydrotherapy on the Body?
The therapeutic effects of water mainly depend on the temperature, depth and the duration of immersion. Some of the important and widely used effects are:
- The Thermal Effects: These effects are produced by the application of water at temperatures higher or lower than the body temperature. Application of cold water is considered to have stimulating effects. It helps in reducing the signs of inflammation like pain and swelling in acute stages of injury. Hot water is relaxing in nature. It helps in improving circulation and in removing waste products from the body tissues. Hot water application is useful in chronic pain relief.
- The Mechanical Effects: The massage-like motion of water jets stimulates the touch receptors of the skin leading to increased blood circulation. Also, the buoyant property of water makes aquatic exercises very beneficial. The partial weightlessness you experience, while your body is submerged in water, helps to relieve joint decompression forces from the weight-bearing joints, thereby preventing degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis.
- The Chemical Effects: Hydrotherapy produces calming effects. Various studies have concluded that there is an increase in the levels of serotonin - which is considered as a feel good hormone - after a hydrotherapy session. Hydrotherapy also aids in the removal of toxins from various body cavities. It calms the lungs, heart, stomach and the endocrine system by stimulating nerve reflexes on the spinal cord.
What are the Health Benefits of Hydrotherapy?
- Hydrotherapy is used to revitalize and rejuvenate the body by relieving stress.
- It tones the body.
- It improves circulation and removes toxins from the body. It is also believed that hydrotherapy can boost the immune system of the body.
- It reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
- It soothes painful muscles and joints.
- Hydrotherapy also includes aquatic exercises which can be considered as safe options for individuals suffering from a variety of conditions like gout and arthritis.
What are the Commonly Used Hydrotherapy Techniques?
- Neutral Bath: In this method, the body is immersed up to the neck in the water under a temperature range which varies from 92 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Neutral bath has a soothing nature which calms the nervous system and thus, it is effective in the treatment of insomnia, depression and anxiety. It proves to be beneficial in reducing inflammation in cases of various joint diseases like arthritis. Neutral bath is also an effective way to detoxify the body.
- Whirlpool Baths: Most widely used to serve the purpose of rehabilitation, this method mainly makes use of moving water to rehabilitate injured muscles and joints. It is effective in managing sores and wounds. It is a great method of relaxation and it helps in improving blood circulation as well.
- Contrast Bath: It is an alternate application of hot and cold water. The application is normally started with hot water for around 3 minutes followed by application with cold water for around 1 minute. This is repeated for 4 to 5 times in one sitting. The session would always end with cold water treatment. Contrast bath effectively increases circulation and brings vital nutrients to the cells to promote healing. Contrast bath prevents sensory adaptation (a change in the responsiveness of the sensory system due to a constant stimulus).
- Cold Bath and Showers: It can tone muscles and reduce inflammations. Long cold bath sessions are usually advised for reducing fevers. A cold bath after strenuous exercises or workout can help in the process of recovery from fatigue and from post exercise muscle soreness.
- Hot Bath and Showers: It has a soothing action on the overall body because of a generalized sensation of relaxation. It boosts the immune system and facilitates the detoxification process.
- Sauna and Steam Bath: Both these baths produce similar effects and are useful in eliminating toxins from the skin. The methods produce a great sense of relaxation and help in relieving stress. The baths stimulate blood flow and improve circulation.
- Steam Inhalation: It is widely used in homes to relieve chest congestion. It encourages mucosal secretions in the respiratory tract and opens the airways to facilitate easy breathing.
A refreshing feeling after long hours of stressful work is always welcome! And taking a shower is the most simple way to meet this objective. Hydrotherapy provides a soothing effect to calm your senses. It provides a way to unwind and to get de-stressed.
Very nice article.