ÔTHE POWER OF WATERÕ
Before the days of high tech
medicine and pill for every ailment the applications of hot and cold water was
a common healing tool used by most cultures including those of ancient Rome,
China, Japan and Native Americans. In western style cultures it fell out of
favor during the dark ages, as did all healing which was seen as witchery and
the work or the devil. A Bavarian monk, Father Sebastian Kneipp helped
re-popularize the therapeutic use of water in the 19th century.
Known today as hydrothermal therapy
there are now dozens of methods of applying hydrotherapy including baths, steam
baths, saunas, wraps and packs. The recuperative and healing properties of
hydrotherapy are based on its mechanical and or thermal effects exploiting the bodyÕs
reaction to hot or cold stimuli, the sensation of the pressure of the water on
the tissues of the body and the wonderful feeling of weightlessness that
relieves the body from the constant pull of gravity. These sensations are felt
in the skin and then carried deeper into the body where they are instrumental
in stimulating the immune system, influencing the production of stress
hormones, invigorating circulation and digestion, encouraging blood flow and
lessening sensitivity to pain.
Generally speaking heat quiets and
soothes slowing the activity of the internal organs and cold stimulates and
invigorates increasing internal activity. Sore tight tense muscles will respond
well to hot water while a warm shower followed by a burst of cool water will stimulate
and invigorate the mind and the body.
Water in motion cool or hot proves
even more effective. A controlled study of 40 persons at the University of
Minnesota, found 85% of the participants preferred a whirlpool bath to a still
bath in reducing stress and anxiety.
Some precautions:
1. Diabetics
should avoid hot applications to the feet and legs and avoid extended full body
heating.
2. Avoid cold
applications if you have RaynaudÕs disease.
3. Long
immersion baths should be avoided by diabetics, those with multiple sclerosis,
pregnant women and those with high or very low blood pressure.
4. The elderly
and the very young should avoid very hot or cold baths and should shorten the
bath time.
You can increase the therapeutic
effects of hydrotherapy by adding herbs, salts, vinegars or aroma oils.
1. Use
½ cup of powdered ginger in a tub of water, or make a very strong ginger
tea and pour it into a hot tub to further relieve the sore muscles, arthritis
like symptoms or the aches and pains of the flu.
2. Use a 1-2
cups of vinegar in a warm bath to relieve aches, pains and arthritis symptoms.
Vinegar detoxifies the body and may leave you feeling ready for bed so plan
accordingly.
3. Use Epsom
salts, dead sea salts, sulphurized or other natural salts to detoxify and
cleanse.
4. Aromatherapy
oils such as lavender, chamomile, basil, rose or sweet orange will give gentle
relief to a stressed mind and body at the end of a long day.
All forms of hydrotherapy are best
used for 15-20 minutes. You can repeat a bath twice more in 24 hours for
further relief. If you are using hot waters be sure to drink plenty of water as
well. Till next time, Rebecca.
12/6/08