Water has a remarkable ability to alter the body's blood flow, and this can be manipulated by varying its temperature. Cold water is stimulating. It makes surface blood vessels constrict, restricting blood flow and inhibiting the biochemical reactions that cause inflammation. It sends blood toward the internal organs, helping them to function more efficiently. Hot water, conversely, is relaxing. It dilates blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure and increases blood flow to the skin and muscles, easing stiffness. The improved circulation boosts the immune system, helps remove waste products from the body, and sends more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues to repair damage.

 

EVIDENCE & RESEARCH

 

MEDICAL OPINION

The effect of water as a vehicle for heat and cold is obvious. Recently, conventional medicine has expressed renewed interest in the ability of water temperature to affect body tissues, and in its buoyant and stimulating properties, as used in physio­therapy. Hydrotherapy is an example of a therapy that is not as far removed from conventional practice as it may appear.

CONSULTING A PRACTITIONER  

 

Hydrotherapy is usually practiced at health farms and spas, particularly those founded on naturopathic principles, and you are most likely to visit one if referred by a naturopath. Treatments are diverse and will depend on your condition. They may include some of the following: High-powered jets: Hot or cold water is directed at your back for about 2-3 minutes as you face the wall, holding supports. Jets are said to stimulate the circulation and internal organs, and are used for anemia, amenorrhea, angina, arthritis, and asthma. Whirlpool baths: Immersing the body in pressurized bubbles for about 15 minutes soothes and massages the body and is also believed to treat sores, infected wounds, swellings, and circulatory problems. Sitz baths (see below): This treatment uses two hip baths, and may benefit hemorrhoids, menstrual problems, cystitis, incontinence, and prolapse. Hot or warm baths: Soaking in hot water (about 100°F/38°C) for 20-30 minutes is believed to help arthritic conditions. Therapeutic herbs, oils (see page 65), and minerals can be added to a warm bath. These include Epsom salts to relieve swollen joints and relax muscles, finely blended oatmeal or bran (possibly added in a muslin bag) to soothe the skin, and mineral "muds" and extracts, such as Dead Sea salts, to nourish the skin.   Seawater treatments ("thalassotherapy"): Seawater is said to have healing properties, and minerals in seaweed are believed to induce sweating, cleanse and tone the skin, and promote relaxation. Treatments may include seawater jets, seaweed wraps, or seawater or kelp (seaweed) baths. Wraps: Cold, wet flannel sheets are wrapped around your body, then covered with dry towels and finally blankets. After the initial shock, the body warms up rapidly, drying the sheets. Wraps promote sweating, which is said to flush out waste products, and may be used for fevers, colds, bronchitis, back pain, and skin disorders. Compresses: Towels are soaked in hot or cold water, wrung out and applied to the affected area of the body. Hot compresses increase blood flow, make the body sweat, and ease stiff muscles. Cold ones restrict circulation, reducing inflammation. Turkish baths, steam rooms, and cabinets: Sitting in a hot, steamy room for about 20 minutes, or in a cabinet for up to 1 hour, induces sweating, eliminating impurities and relieving water retention. Saunas: These are similar to Turkish baths but generate dry rather than humid heat.

 

•    Avoid hot baths, steam baths, and saunas if you have high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease.

•   Avoid steam baths or sitz baths in the first three months of pregnancy, and limit steam treatments to a maximum of 10 minutes for the remaining months.

•    Avoid steam treatment if you are postoperative, epileptic, asthmatic, or have a history of thrombosis.

•    Avoid seaweed if you are allergic to iodine, and do not add ingredients to a bath if you have an open wound.