The use of water for therapy is no modern procedure. In fact, is has been carried out for hundreds of years and now forms an integral part of traditional medicine practises. Nonetheless, many of us are unfamiliar with the concept of hydrotherapy and how exactly it can benefit our health and well-being.
By definition, hydrotherapy is the use of water to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. A number of therapeutic portfolio and approaches draw upon the healing properties of water for pain relief, making use of the body’s reaction to hot and cold stimuli. On the whole, cold water use stimulate and invigorate, increasing the body’s internal activity, whereas warm water is used to calm and soothe, slowing it down. Alternating between hot and cold water portfolio can help to heal injuries, enhance various bodily functions and reduce any inflammation.
History
From Roman baths to hot mineral springs, cultures around the world have used water for centuries to treat a variety of health concerns. Father Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th-century Bavarian monk, is said to be the father of modern hydrotherapy. Kneipp’s use of alternating hot and cold water (called contrast hydrotherapy) is still used today. Hydrotherapy is popular in Europe and Asia, where people “take the waters” at hot mineral springs.
By definition, hydrotherapy is the use of water to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. A number of therapeutic portfolio and approaches draw upon the healing properties of water for pain relief, making use of the body’s reaction to hot and cold stimuli. On the whole, cold water use stimulate and invigorate, increasing the body’s internal activity, whereas warm water use calm and soothe, slowing it down. Alternating between hot and cold water portfolio can help to heal injuries, enhance various bodily functions and reduce any inflammation.
Hydrotherapy encompasses a variety of portfolio, including the use of hydrotherapy pools, thermal baths and water circuits, saunas, steam rooms, ‘experience showers’ and more, which can all help to improve a number of conditions. Modern day therapies also enhance with extras such as aromatherapy or Epsom salts. Thermal water circuits have a range of jets and water features which massage the body, stimulating the lymphatic system and flushing toxins whereas cold plunge pools or artificial ice and snow rooms will activate the body’s circulation.
5 Health and Healing Benefits of Hydrotherapy:
The weightlessness you feel when under water relieves tension in the limbs,
immerse in warm or hot water raises the body temperature, increasing blood flow around the circulatory system and so alleviating pain. The improved circulation will in turn help to heal injured tissues and rehabilitate damaged muscles or joints.3. Boosts the immune system
The increased blood flow and circulation of white blood cells around the body allows lymph (an immune system fluid that helps collect and get rid of unwanted materials from the body) to move through the body more efficiently and therefore strengthens the immune system, helping to fight colds and illnesses.4. Encourages detoxification
Saunas and steam rooms induce considerable sweating, the body’s primary way of eliminating toxins. Flush out impurities and toxins through the skin on a detox holiday and help to cleanse your body.5. Relieves stress
Hydrotherapy treatment can effectively use whilst on a de-stress holiday by helping to reduce blood pressure caused by stress. It may also slow down the body’s reaction to anxiety and release endorphins – a natural stress fighter.
To experience the benefits of hydrotherapy yourself, we recommend our top five healthy holidays that provide wonderful hydrotherapy portfolio. The magnificent location and surroundings of all of these destinations, combined with the outstanding facilities create the perfect retreat where health and wellbeing is the primary focus.
Precautions
Hydrotherapy may not be appropriate in certain circumstances:
- Cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure – Increased blood flow may put additional stress on the heart
- Fever
- Inflammation – Warming may not recommend for acute injuries.
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
- Decreased sensitivity to hot and/or cold
It’s a good idea to check with your health care provider before using hydrotherapy.
Keep in mind that hydrotherapy shouldn’t use as a substitute for standard care in the treatment of any health condition.
What does hydrotherapy do for the body?
The warmth of the water allows your muscles to relax and eases the pain in your joints, helping you to exercise. The water supports your weight, which helps to relieve pain and increase the range of movement in your joints. The water can be used to provide resistance to moving your joints.
Is hydrotherapy good for weight loss?
Hydrotherapy reduces the stress and pressure which makes exercise routines more profound and enjoyable. Water resistance is a great way to enhance mobility and muscle strength. It also increases a person's range-of-motion which promotes health as well as weight loss
