HydrotherapyHydrotherapy encompasses a broad range of therapeutic uses of water. Many of water's properties such as temperature, force, and application can be used in the treatment of various afflicting conditions. In ancient Roman times, public baths were provided and widely used not only for personal hygiene but also for the benefits of relaxation, detoxification, and pain control. Water's temperature can be manipulated to create certain desired effects on the body. For example, cold water makes superficial blood vessels constrict, which pushes blood inward to nourish the internal organs with nutrients and oxygen. In contrast, hot water makes blood vessels dilate, which draws blood back to the periphery while eliminating waste material from tissues. When hot and cold water are used in alternating sequence, the resulting effect is that of:
The force of water helps to relax knotted muscles and soothe painful arthritic joints. Hydrotherapy is also extremely beneficial for relaxing the sympathetic nervous system and hence effective for lowering stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental/emotional conditions. Cold water can stimulate and refresh, while hot water can comfort and relax. Neutral baths, showers, steam rooms, and wet-sheet application techniques have been used since the 1930's for patients with various health afflictions including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia to name a few. Other hydrotherapy techniques such as contrast immersions, hand or foot baths, mud packs, salt glows, mineral baths, neti pots, nasosympatico techniques, and sitz baths are commonly used worldwide. Like all medical and natural healing approaches, hydrotherapy must be applied appropriately for the right conditions.
Here are common conditions which can benefit from hydrotherapy:
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Contact InfoSimona Ciobanu ND
1010 Jorie Blvd, Suite 112 Oak Brook, IL 60523 Map Call 630-251-4994 or Email docsimona@naturalelitewellness.com Request an appointment online |
