MedicineNet Daily News

Add to Technorati Favorites

Friday, August 3, 2007

Hydrotherapy: using the natural element



Hydrotherapy is a type of natural healing that works by using both the motion as well as the temperature of water to bring relief to the human body. Hydrotherapy is a holistic water cure therapy is a method of reducing stress, decreasing discomfort from a number of health problems and encouraging healing after surgery. Popular in Europe, hydrotherapy is gaining ground in the United States and Canada as more and more people become aware of its many benefits to health. Hydrotherapy is popular and is used a great deal in the treatment of many ailments and disorders and it has brought relief to those who suffer from back, neck and knee injuries; asthma sufferers and arthritis sufferers. Hydrotherapy is also beneficial for those with hyperthermia, pulmonary disease, swollen ankles and varicose veins. It has also proven effective for a variety of injuries that are work related. In England for example, hydrotherapy has often been recommended for childbearing women who have suffered a number of complications during their pregnancies and have reason to believe that their deliveries will be fraught with problem.




Hydrotherapy is an excellent holistic/natural approach to ridding a patient of many stress related disorders such as extreme anxiety, tension, and anxiety attacks. It is important however to note that hydrotherapy by way of a warm bath or the like is not a cure for anxiety and any of its related disorders. Qualified professionals such as naturopaths massage therapists or physical therapists are always present during the hydrotherapy sessions to guarantee that no problem arises.

There are a number of methods used in hydrotherapy and they include everything from steam baths to hot or cold compresses, to colonic irrigation to icing sprains to whirlpool soakings to a variety of water douches for the arm, neck, back, chest and knee. Hydrotherapy can be performed simply from the comfort of your own home as well. Both baths and showers provide healing to the human body and it does not have to be in a fancy setting.

It is advisable to have warm baths as opposed to hot baths and make sure you fill the tub so that your shoulders will be submerged. A reasonable temperature for a bath is 90-95 degrees F. A relaxing soak in the tub is especially beneficial when you are suffering from a low-grade fever, a respiratory problem that includes a stuffed up nose, a sore throat and a cough and a bladder infection. Sitz baths are hydrotherapy cures that are basically just water treatments that are designed to help the lower portion of the abdomen. A sitz bath needs to include enough water that the lower part of your body will be completely submerged in water.

A sitz bath starts with warm water and then is followed by cold water. This contrast of water temperatures is particularly beneficial for problems with the reproductive system, menstrual pain, kidney problems, problems with the intestines and pelvic inflammation. Sitz baths are very commonly used for people who need help bathing themselves or else for those who are vulnerable due to a recent trauma, sickness or surgical procedure.

Do you use NATURAL REMEDIES? Visit Native Remedies