What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is the use of water, either internally or externally, to revitalize, maintain and restore health and prevent disease. The first documented type of hydrotherapy originated in Ancient Rome where bathing rituals were considered medically beneficial. Europeans adopted this tradition (calling it ‘Taking the Waters’), developing courses of treatments that lasted for three to four weeks, known as a ‘kur’. The treatments were designed to alleviate tense nerves, skin disorders and fevers among other ailments. Today, hydrotherapy, also called balneotherapy, helps revitalize, maintain and restore health and prevent disease.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
- Relieves muscle tension and tiredness and increases range of motion
- Increases lymph circulation, metabolic rate and digestion activity
- Improves function of internal organs by stimulating blood supply
- Treats rheumatism, arthritis, cellulite
- Eases aches and pains of overexertion and repetitive motion
- Improves sleep quality
| Types of Hydrotherapy | Descripton |
|---|---|
| Hot Springs / Mineral Springs
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What are Hot Springs and Mineral Springs? Soaking in and drinking water from Mineral Springs is the most traditional form of hydrotherapy. Drinking mineral water sourced from pockets of geothermal active springs is still practiced today, but is definitely an acquired taste.
If you have a certain ailment, doctors will prescribe specific spas with specific mineral content. However, soaking in them has preventative benefits as well. Recommended Duration and Frequency: Additional Benefits:
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| Hydrotherapy Baths
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What are Hydrotherapy Baths? When natural mineral springs aren’t available, baths can be drawn in hydrotherapy tubs or even at home with the use of mineral-infused salts, powders and liquids. The addition of epsom salts may help treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, arthritis, rheumatism and other conditions related to the skin and circulation. While, the addition of sea salt promotes healing, reduces inflammation and prevents infection.
Recommended Duration and Frequency: |
| Thalassotherapy
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What is Thalassotherapy? Native to 19th century Brittany, France, Thalassotherapy is derived from the Greek word thalassos, meaning ‘sea.’ Having nearly identical chemical compositions to seawater, you can replenish your body’s minerals and restore equilibrium by soaking in it. Treatments always use uncontaminated seawater harvested offshore at cool depths that are rich in vital elements and minerals. Minerals from the salt water can treat:
Therapies can be given with:
Tip: Spritz your hair with leave-in conditioner just before your treatment. This will help to protect it from seawater and stop it from becoming tangled and matted. Recommended Duration and Frequency: |
| Water Circuits | What is a Water Circuit? Hot water causes blood vessels to dilate, causing the blood to flow to the skin, bringing toxins to the surface. Exposure to cold water constricts the blood vessels, stimulating the thyroid and lymphatic system to flush out metabolic and cellular waste. Because of this, water circuits should always end on a cold cycle.
Hot Options: Pools / Jacuzzis, Steam, Sauna Recommended Duration: Up to 1 hour of repeated cycles consisting of 5 – 10 minutes of hot, followed by 1 minute of cold Additional Benefits:
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- If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, heart disease, or other medical conditions; consult your physician before beginning any hot water therapy program
- Infants, children & the elderly are more sensitive to effects of heat, and experts recommend shorter soaking times
- Diabetics may be prone to burning. Even if burns do not occur, prolonged soaking in water can cause the skin to be more susceptible to injury and is less likely to heal than normal skin
- Be sure to disclose any and all health conditions to therapists administering hydrotherapy treatments before you begin
- With any hydrotherapy treatment, be sure to stay well hydrated
