Hydrotherapy, Water Heals Us All

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Hydrotherapy, Water Heals Us All

 

The use of aromatic oils in conjunction with a warm bath has been a

standard of treatment, and a means of pure enjoyment, for decades. In

preparing for such an event, one generally gives a great deal of

consideration to the oils of choice, and very little to the water

itself. But not so fast...

 

Hydrotherapy is a term that summarizes the use of water as a tool for

healing, and encompasses a wide range of accepted practices, and

treatments in use today. In combination with the use of essential oils,

hydrotherapy can be a means of infusing your use of aromatherapy with

additional curative powers.

 

This month's article takes a look at hydrotherapy, in its various forms,

and is certain to provide all of us with a point to ponder in preparing

for our next aromatic soak!

 

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Hydrotherapy, Water Heals Us All

by Phillip James

 

The benefits of “water healing,” or hydrotherapy have been recognized

for thousands of years. In Europe, where hydrotherapy is especially

popular, there are numerous health spas and health facilities for all

types of “water cures.” Water healing is one of the oldest, and safest

methods for treating many common ailments.

 

We know from personal experience that water is not just for cleansing,

but also for helping us feel better. When you sink into that tub of hot

water after a strenuous day, you do so knowing that you’ll feel much

improved when you’re done, as the hot water relieves your fatigue, and

helps to prevent stress related stiffness.

 

Ancient civilizations long ago recognized the healing power of natural

hot and cold springs. Back in the 4th century BC, the Greek physician

Hippocrates prescribed bathing and drinking spring water for its

therapeutic effects. The Romans built outstanding communal baths because

they believed in the value of hot springs.

 

Water healing at home couldn’t be simpler. Baths are perfect for 'whole

body' treatments, where the water has to come to shoulder level. There

are also sitz baths, which are for treating the bottom, hips, and lower

abdomen. There is also the foot bath, the vapor bath, and various others

concentrating on specific parts of the body.

 

Adding various herbs, or healing essential oils to the water increases

the value of the bath. Utilize the combinations recommended for whatever

may ail you.

 

The 'whole body' bath should be about 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and

shoulder deep. A warm bath is soothing to the nerves and is said to be

helpful for bladder and urinary problems, mild colds, and low fevers.

The hot bath should last at least 20 minutes.

 

The sitz bath should have only enough water to immerse the bottom and

hips. The cold sitz bath, or the hot then followed by cold, is

especially beneficial for ailments affecting the abdomen and the

reproductive system, inflammations, pelvic congestion, cramps,

hemorrhoids, menstrual problems, and kidney and intestinal pains.

 

For a soothing footbath, simply place your feet and calves into a deep

pot filled with water. For cold feet, a hot water footbath of about 15

minutes is helpful. This is also good for bladder, kidney, throat and

ear inflammations. For tired feet, a cold footbath is recommended, while

an alternating hot and cold footbath is said to promote circulation in

the legs, help varicose veins, insomnia, headaches, and high blood

pressure.

 

Alternating hot and cold baths are said to be good for treating

arthritic issues of the hands and feet. Place water as hot as you can

stand it in one bowl, ice water in the other. Put your hands or feet in

the hot water for one minute, then plunge into the cold for 20 seconds.

Then back into hot, and then the cold again, until a total of 10 minutes

have been spent doing this. End the process with a plunge into the ice

water.

 

Other forms of hydrotherapy include:

 

-Warm or cold compresses

-Specialized equipment, such as a whirlpool, etc.

-Water-based, or pool exercise programs

-Using the effects of turbulence, buoyancy, warmth and resistance, the

recovery from surgery and/or injury can be dramatic. Even paralyzed

limbs and muscles can benefit from this.

 

Hydrotherapy is often the treatment of choice when faced with the early

post-surgical patient.

 

Water healing is one of those rare treatments that can assist us with

our physical, and emotional concerns, either in well appointed specialty

spas, or right in the comfort of our own homes. What could be easier?

 

Relevant Links:

Article - Flower Essences

http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com/article-flower-essences.htm

 

 

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