Hydrotherapy is the use of water to enhance circulation and blood flow through organs of elimination and detoxification. Due to water’s high specific heat, ease of application, and ability to conduct heat, it can be a powerful treatment method for many ailments.
Background & History
Documented use of water for a therapeutic benefit dates back to 1800’s with Vincent Priessnitz, a farmer with no formal medical training who started treating his neighbors and grew in reputation. Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897) wrote, “My Water Cure,” several decades later followed by John Harvey Kellogg (1852-1943) who wrote, “Rational Hydrotherapy.” Both clinical texts are still referenced today. Another influential figure, Otis G. Carroll (1879-1962), later developed the popular method of constitutional hydrotherapy.
Common methods of application
Water can be applied in many different ways depending on the goal and nature of the condition being treated.
Hot or cold applications: Both hot and cold applications are used to enhance the capacity of the body to heal. Hot application directly over the area needing treatment dilates peripheral vessels and draws blood and nutrients to the area while also increasing immune response to aid in healing. Cold application over an area will cause blood to move out of the area removing waste through contraction of peripheral vessels decreasing swelling and discomfort. The ideal hot temperature is between 98-104 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ideal cold temperature between 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Alternating hot and cold applications: By applying hot application for less than 5 minutes and cold for less than one minute you stimulate circulation in both directions. The use of this technique in conjunction with therapeutic sine wave electrical stimulation is called constitutional hydrotherapy. Constitutional hydrotherapy is arguably the most important hydrotherapy method in use due to its ability to systemically enhance immune response, improve cellular nutrition, promote detoxification, and balance the nervous system through improved circulation and thermoregulation.
Derivation with compresses: This method is the application of hot or cold indirectly applied to cause a response in the targeted area. The purpose of this method is the drawing of blood or lymph from one part of the body by increasing the amount of blood or lymph to another part. This method is particularly helpful if there are contraindications to direct application.
Additional methods: Mineral hot springs and immersion baths act as a vehicle for therapeutic substances that can be absorbed through the skin to address specific concerns. Another form of immersion is sitz baths used for direct application of herbal treatments to affect the organs of the lower abdomen and pelvis. Other common methods recommended include: steam, sauna, and enemas used to improve detoxification.
Hydrotherapy is a safe and effective way to address various conditions. Benefits occur due to improved blood flow and venous return assisting in tissue regeneration, inflammation modulation, thermoregulation, increased oxygen delivery, removal of waste, immune stimulation, and nutrient regulation.
Contact me with questions on whether hydrotherapy can benefit you.
References & Resources:
· Mooventhan A, Nivethitha L. Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body. N Am J Med Sci. 2014;6(5):199-209. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.132935.
· Geytenbeek J. Evidence for Effective Hydrotherapy. Physiotherapy. 2002;88(9):514-529. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9406(05)60134-4.