A to Z of Therapies
Hydrotherapy
March 13th, 2010
Hydrotherapy is based on 3 simple principles:
HEAT
that dilutes the blood vessels and increasescirculation to the body.
FLOATABILITY
When suspended in water, the human bodyweighs 90% less than on dry land. Gravity is reduced and pressureon the spine, muscle groups, ligaments and joints is significantlyeased.
HYDRO-MASSAGE
Water temperature coupled with agitation or vibration against the skin, can soothe and relax muscles.Additionally, massage has been shown to improve flexibility, increasecirculation and provide generally
Hydrotherapy has been used throughout history by manydiverse cultures. By the time of the ancient Greeks, the use of water as ahealing agent was well established.
The Japanese have revitalized their bodies by immersing incommunal baths for centuries, and the northern Europeans revel in thehealth benefits of spas and saunas. And today water healingcouldn™t be simpler with many methods of applying hydrotherapyincluding baths, spas, saunas, douches, wraps and the good old hot waterbottle.
How it Works
The recuperative and healing properties of externalhydrotherapy are based on its mechanical and or thermal effects. It exploitsthe body's reaction to hot and cold stimuli, to the protractedapplication of heat to pressure exerted by the water and to the sensationit gives.
Generally heat quiets and soothes the body, slowing down theactivity of internal organs. Cold in contrast stimulates andinvigorates, increasing internal activity.
Hydrotherapy benefits every system of the body and has beenproven to be especially effective in reducing the pain ofarthritis, chronic and acut pack & joint pain, osteoporosis and severalother ailments.
A to Z of Therapies
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