The use of water for different treatments, otherwise known as hydrotherapy is most likely as old as humanity. Hydrotherapy is one of the essential methods of treatment extensively used in the structure of natural medicine, which is also termed as pool therapy, balneotherapy, and aquatic therapy. Hydrotherapy can relieve sore or inflamed muscles and joints, restore injured limbs, lower fevers, alleviate headaches, help relaxation, treat burns and frost bites, ease labor pains, and clear up skin issues.
How does this treatment work?
The temperature of water used influences the therapeutic aspects of the treatment. Hot water is used for relaxing effects. It is likewise thought to excite the immune system. Lukewarm water can as well be used for reduction of stress, and mainly relaxing during hot weather. Cold water aids in reducing inflammation. Varying hot and cold water can improve the immune system by stimulating the circulatory system.
There are so many reasons as to why soaking in warm water works. It diminishes the force of gravity that is constricting the joint, offers 360-degree support for painful limbs, can diminish swelling and inflammation and boost circulation. Research shows that soaking for 20 minutes enables you to reach maximum benefit.
How to enhance this method of treatment
The effectiveness of this kind of therapy can be enhanced by adding Dead Sea salts and magnesium sulfate crystals, otherwise known as Epsom salts; the latter boosts magnesium levels up to 35%. Additionally, adding essential oils of lavender and herbs to water also enhances its therapeutic value.
Jacuzzi’s, whirlpools, and hot tubs are soaking tubs that operate on jet streams to massage the body. These smaller bodies of water also enable quick addition of oils and crystals. Swimming pools on the other hand can provide a greater area for exercise without stressing out joints. Utilising a suitable heating system such as gas, heat pump or for a more economical and environmentally friendly system, installing a solar pool heating system enables you and your family to adjust your pools water temperature to help you enjoy the therapeutic value of warm water.
Sources:
Warm Water Works Wonders on Pain, arthritis.org
Scientific Evidence-Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov