What is Hydrotherapy?

Published on: February 19, 2019

Water is one of the key elements in life, sustaining the planet and everything that lives upon it. It is also a source for healing when used in certain types of therapies. Ingesting water is essential, but it can also be beneficial externally in the form of liquid, ice and steam. Hydrotherapy uses the different forms of water to improve the health and function of the body and is a holistic option that can be performed at home.

Types of Hydrotherapy

Anytime water is used to impact the health of the body from the outside, it can be termed hydrotherapy. Applying a hot water bottle to relieve sore muscles or a headache is a common use of hydrotherapy, as is applying ice to a swollen ankle or knee or using steam to cleanse the skin. However, there are more involved methods for using water to impact the overall health and function in the body that are used in hydrotherapy, including:

  • Constitutional hydrotherapy. This refers to alternating hot and cold moisture on the chest and back to improve immune function and overall wellness.
  • Sitz bath. Soaking in water with only the lower extremities in a sitz can be used for circulation disorders and diabetes.
  • Hot foot bath. Not only does soaking your feet in hot water feel good, it can help draw blood away from congested or irritated areas in the body.
  • Cold or hot baths/showers. Both cold and hot baths or showers, or alternating the two, can be used for reducing inflammation and treating a variety of other health conditions.

To use hydrotherapy for the most benefit, it is best used as part of a holistic treatment plan based on your health requirements. An experienced naturopathic doctor can recommend the best ways to use hydrotherapy to give you the most benefits for your health and wellness.

Posted on behalf of:
Wholistic Medicine Specialists of Atlanta
1055 Powers Place
Alpharetta, GA 30009
(678) 987-8451

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