Hydrotherapy

Objective
1-Define hydrotherapy 2- Effects

3- Indications
4- Risks, Cautions, and Contraindications

Definition
Hydrotherapy may be defined as the use of

water, in any of its forms, for the maintenance of health or the treatment of disease. hydrotherapy has been used to treat disease and injury by many different peoples. Also called( Hydrothermal therapy) additionally uses its temperature effects, as in hot baths, saunas, wraps, etc.

Physiological Effects
Thermal effects: are produced by the application of water at temperatures above or below that of the body. The mechanical: effects are produced by the impact of water upon the surface of the body in the form of sprays, douches, frictions, whirlpools, etc. The chemical: effects are produced when it is taken by mouth or used to irrigate a body cavity, such as the large colon.

Common techniques
baths and showers, neutral baths, sitz baths,

contrast sitz baths, foot baths, cold mitten friction rub, steam inhalation, hot compresses, cold compresses, alternating hot and cold compresses, heating compresses, body wrap, wet sheet pack, and salt glow.

Heat
Heat :may be transferred from one object to

another in several different ways, including conduction, convection, or conversion. the heating and cooling effects are produced by conduction of heat from the water to the body. The contact of water with the body is accomplished by means of baths, showers,

Indications
Hydrotherapy and hydrothermal therapy are chiefly used to tone up the body . to stimulate digestion, the circulation, and the immune system, and to bring relief from pain. special powers in getting rid of stress and rejuvenating our body. It affects the skin and muscles. It calms the lungs, heart, stomach, and endocrine system by stimulating nerve reflexes on the spinal cord.

Cold rubbings
Soak a linen cloth in cold water wring out and

briskly rub the upper and lower trunk, or the entire body. Go to bed until warm and dry . . Indications: For invigoration, to tone up the body, to promote blood flow, for use in problems of circulation, or infections of the respiratory system.

Sauna and Steam Baths

Saunas and steam baths are similar in effect; the decision to take one rather than the other will be guided by personal preference. acts more quickly to eliminate toxins through the skin. Saunas are deeply relaxing and are a great way to melt away stress. it stimulates blood flow, increases the heart rate . has an immune-modulating effec

cont
, promotes hormone production .
encourages mucosal secretions in the

respiratory system, opens the airways reduces resistance to respiration . relaxes, and can improve mental outlook. Children can start to take saunas at two or three years of age.

cont
Warnings: should not be taken by persons with acute rheumatoid arthritis, acute infection, active tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, acute mental disorder, inflammation of an inner organ or blood vessels, significant vascular changes in the brain or heart, circulatory problems or acute cancer. Do not spend more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time in a sauna. Wipe your face frequently with a cold cloth to avoid overheating.

Importance of Drinking Sufficient Water

It is very important that we drink sufficient amount of water in a day to make up for the water lost. The benefits of drinking water is widely recognized. Drinking pure, fresh water is essential to our health and wellbeing. It is very important that we drink sufficient amount of water in a day to make up for the water lost. The benefits of drinking water is widely recognized. Drinking pure, fresh water is essential to our health and wellbeing.

Follow these steps for an Effective Hydrotherapy:

For overall tension reduction, use a neutral bath (temperature between 92 to 94 degree F) that is close to the skin temperature. Use water temperature between 102 to 106 degree F for loosening tight, tense muscles and reducing the pain of stress-related conditions such as backache. (Using temperatures higher than 106 degrees is not recommended as it can raise your body temperature very fast, inducing an artificial fever.)

cont

Take a cold shower after you step out of the bath. This brings and immediate rush of blood through your system, as well as a rush of energy. (Try alternating cold and hot shower to get a similar effect. 3 minutes of hot water followed by 30 seconds of cold water and the 3 minutes of hot water, etc.) Stay in the bath no more than 15 to 20 minutes. If you have high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems, don't stay long enough to raise your body temperature. Evening is the best time to soak in water. A study conducted in England found that people who took a soaking bath before going to bed slept more readily and deeply.

from
users.rowan.edu
www.holisticonline.com tuberose.com

Risks, Cautions, and Contraindications

Persons with impaired temperature sensation

run the risk of scalding or frostbite at temperature extremes.

Cont
If you have diabetes, avoid hot application to the feet or legs. Also avoid full body heating treatments, such as body wraps. Avoid cold application if you are diagnosed with Raynaud's disease. Hot immersion baths and long, hot saunas are not recommended for those with diabetes or multiple sclerosis, women who are pregnant or anyone with abnormally high or low blood pressure. Don't take cold foot baths if you are prone to bladder or rectal irritation. People suffering from sciatica, pelvic inflammation or rheumatism in the toes or ankles should avoid cold foot baths. Elderly people and young children may be exhausted by too much heat and should avoid long full-body hot treatments such as immersion baths and saunas. If you are pregnant or have heart disease, consult a doctor before taking a sauna.