Water!
You’ve probably heard how important consuming the right amount is for good health. From happy cells to glowing skin, there is no denying that water is a necessity for good health. In fact, our bodies are made up of approximately 60% water!
But, did you know that water can also be incredibly therapeutic when used on the OUTSIDE of the body?
Hydrotherapy, as it applies to being used externally, is the principle of using water to relieve pain and promote health and healing. Hydrotherapy promotes health and healing through the manipulation of blood flow through hot and cold temperatures. Maybe you can relate to using an ice pack for an injury or heat to relax tired and sore muscles? We can manipulate and enhance blood flow either locally or systemically. The ice pack on that injury or heat on those muscles is an example of local hydrotherapy. Systemic hydrotherapy may boost energy and the immune system, ease a nasty cold or flu, or even help to subdue a headache. It may also assist the various organs of elimination, such as the skin, liver, kidney and bowels.
Hydrotherapy for energy and immune boosting: Alternating Hot and Cold Showers! Eek! Cold showers you say! With a properly designed protocol, taking into consideration water temperature, timing, duration, frequency, location and even time of the day, contrast showers can become an invigorating and energizing treatment to look forward to!
Hydrotherapy for cold and flu: Magic socks! Magic socks are a tried and true way of draining sinus congestion, pain, and of getting a good night’s rest. In the beginning, magic socks don’t sound so magic! They involve the application of wet, cold cotton socks to one’s feet, followed by a pair of 100% wool socks on top. It is recommended that this treatment is done just before bed. You’ll be astonished when you wake in the morning feeling improvement from your cold symptoms and your cotton socks will be completely dry!
Hydrotherapy to subdue a headache: Cold water marching! Fill a bathtub with approximately 2 inches of very cold or icy water. Sit on the edge of the tub and move your feet up and down for 2-3 minutes. The cold water helps to drain the pain from your head.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that neither water or hot or cold temperatures heal the body. Only the body heals itself. But, hot and cold water can enhance the capacity of the body to heal. Using the gentle, healing properties of water is safe for most people. However, always consult your naturopathic doctor prior to embarking on a hydrotherapy regime. There are some conditions where this form of treatment may not be best suited.
Curious as to how hydrotherapy may work for you? Send me an e-mail!
