Water is key to a mindful life. While drinking water can heal from the inside out, hydrotherapy is a water based-treatment that heals from the outside in. With hydrotherapy treatments, you can harness the healing power of water for your overall wellbeing.
Healing Waters
Water has long been thought to have healing properties, and it has been used as a form of medicine for centuries. Today, modern medicine tells us that hydrotherapy—also known as water therapy, aquatic therapy, and pool therapy—can help improve immunity and help manage aches, fatigue, anxiety, and labor pains. Hydrotherapy is also thought to be beneficial for arthritis, sleep disorders, stomach problems, and even headaches and acne. This is all due to the healing power of water.
Water has a soothing effect on the mind as well as the body. In fact, the water stimulates and massages the body and skin. Cold water restricts blood flow and can be used to slow inflammation. While hot water increases blood flow and can ease stiff muscles and joints. And while most hydrotherapeutic treatments use the liquid form of water, ice and steam can also be used for healing.
Countries around the world have practiced a form of hydrotherapy—in Italy there were bathhouses and in North American, Native Americans created sweat lodges. Water was also used for healing in countries like Greece, Egypt, and China. Today, the most common forms of hydrotherapy treatments include saunas, whirlpool baths, steam rooms, and water wraps.
Hydrotherapy Treatments at Home
Hydrotherapy can be found in numerous health centers, spas, and vacation retreats. If you are interested in hydrotherapy, consider talking to your doctor. You can also try creating your own hydrotherapy treatments at home. Listed below are a few helpful tips.
- Use a bathtub. The easiest way to enjoy hydrotherapy at home is to relax in a warm bath. Having the right bath bubbles, lighting, and other little details can help.
- Use a swimming pool. Unlike bathtubs, it’s easier to float and relax in a swimming pool. You can also exercise in the water. It will take the weight off painful joints and provide resistance for building strength.
- Drink water. Don’t forget to also drink water for better overall health. Drinking water will alleviate depression and help with insomnia. You can even boost your water intake with DIY vitamin water.