Water Really Works! :: Holistic Healing :: Hydrotherapy (Water Therapy)

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Water Really Works!
by author Nicole Duelli

Applied therapeutically, water is a powerful self-help tool. Water therapy works by activating the body’s own healing mechanisms. Our blood and circulatory systems provide a continual supply of oxygen and nutrients for maintenance alongside immune cells for defence and repair. Any restriction in circulation impairs the usual upkeep necessary to sustain health. In water therapy, the greater the temperature discrepancy between the water and the body, the stronger the effect on circulation. Water therapy also activates the skin, the largest eliminatory organ in the body, to release toxins and cleanse the body. Even the nervous system and organs are stimulated through reflex zones in the skin.

You have no doubt experienced water therapy in some way. The invigorating morning shower and the relaxing evening bath to encourage a restful sleep are perfect examples. Water therapy uses water in every imaginable form, including full and partial baths and showers, compresses and applications of ice and steam. Water can be used cold, hot or in alternation.

Cold Water

Cold water is highly therapeutic. In cases of severe pain and inflammation, cold wraps or repeated applications of ice can numb the area to bring almost instant relief. These cold treatments are ideal for the initial stages of painful arthritis attacks, most injuries and herpes outbreaks.

While longer cold water applications depress and desensitize, quick applications stimulate circulation, build the immune system and bring fresh blood to an impoverished area. If you have ever made a quick run in snow with your bare feet, you will remember how toasty-warm your feet became and how invigorated your whole body felt afterwards. Used in this way, most longstanding, chronic and sluggish conditions benefit from cold water or alternating cold/hot water treatments. Cold water also draws excess blood and heat away from the head when applied to the lower body, thereby relieving headaches from congestion or too much studying. But take measures to avoid becoming internally chilled. Always start with a warm body and keep the rest of the body warm during specific applications of ice and cold cloths.

Hot Water

Hot water sedates and draws out stress. Unlike cold water therapy, warm to hot water is most effective when applied for longer periods or in alternation with cold. In a non-inflammatory situation, heat reduces pain and infection by opening blood vessels, relaxing muscles, eliminating toxins and inducing perspiration. The intense heat of steam cleanses facial pores and clears congestion in the chest, sinus infections and allergies. Saunas are excellent therapeutic aids for arthritic and muscle pain, treating skin problems and combating recurring colds and fatigue by improving overall resistance to illness.

Baths

If you have never given a hot bath a chance, now is the time to try it. A hot bath relaxes the nervous system, relieves sore muscles and joints after strenuous exercise and soothes the pain of rheumatism, arthritis and backaches. If you are troubled by insomnia or tension, a nightly hot soak dissolves stress and prepares the body for a sound sleep. To ease the discomfort of a cold, a hot bath brings blood to the surface and encourages perspiration to release toxins and help the body fight a cold more effectively. If you are chilled and feel a cold coming on, a hot bath can abort the infection before it takes hold.

When taking a hot bath or trying any technique for the first time, start slowly and remain in your own comfort level to suit your needs. You can increase the time and temperature each time. A cold cloth on the forehead will prevent overheating. As a general guide, take the bath as hot as possible for up to 20 minutes and get out of the bath slowly and carefully. If you have serious heart problems or a fever, hot baths are not recommended. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and in the bath and go straight to bed after so you don’t get chilled. If you plan to continue your day’s work, end the bath with a quick cold rinse and plan for a shorter rest of 20 minutes or so.

Steam

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Nicole Duelli, RSHom (NA) CCH Hp began her training as a naturopath in Germany and found her passion in homeopathic medicine. Certified in classical homeopathy, she practises in Vancouver, BC.

Source: alive #231, January 2002

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