Therese Rondell P. PandacMed IIB

Definition Is the use of water, ice, steam, and hot and

cold temperatures to maintain and restore health.

Treatment includes full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and cold compresses.

Effective for treating a wide range of diseases and can be easily used in the home as part of a self-care program.

How it works…

External hydrotherapies fall into 3 categories:

1. Hot water

2. Cold water

3. Contrast

“Heat relaxes while Cold stimulates”

Hot water

Stimulates the immune systemCauses the white cells to migrate out of the

blood vessels and into the tissues where they clean up toxins and assist the body in eliminating wastes.

Cold water

Discourages inflammation by means of vasoconstriction.

Reduces the inflammatory agents by making the blood vessels less permeable.

Tones muscular weakness and is useful in cases of incontinence.

Reduces body temperature in fevers

Contrast

Alternate between hot and cold water in the same treatment.

Stimulate the adrenal and endocrine glands.Reduces congestionAlleviate inflammationActivate organ function

Clinical Application of Hydrotherapy

Many forms of hydrotherapy are used however, however the following therapies are only available in a clinical setting

Hyperthermia

Fever-Induction Therapy Deliberately induces fever in patients

who are unable to mount a natural fever response to pathogens.

Fever stimulates the immune system by increasing the production of Abs and IFN

Clinical Use

Laboratory research has proven that HIV is temperature sensitive and suffers greater inactivation per unit time at progressively higher temperatures above the normal body temp.

Can also be used to remove fat-stored chemicals such as pesticides and drug residues.

Whirlpool baths

Rehabilitates injured muscles and joints Alleviate the stresses and strains of

everyday life Heals skin sores, infected wounds,

edema and minor frostbite pain

Clinical Use

Physical therapists use it to soothe burn patients and improve the circulation of paraplegics and polio victims

Neutral Baths

Full immersion therapy that submerges the body up to the neck in water from 92 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

Calms the nervous system and is effective for treating emotional and mental disturbances and insomnia.

Clinical Use

Reduces excessive fluid retention in patients suffering from mild heart conditions and cirrhosis of the liver.

Promote detox from alcohol and drug abuse

Hydrotherapy at Home

Varying the treatments from day to day, or week to week, to increase “the efficiency of your body’s response”

Ice and Contrast Are effective therapies for trauma relief. Apply ice as often as twenty minutes every

hour for the first 24-36 hours post-trauma. Alternating hot and cold increases

circulation to bring vital nutrients to the area and move waste products out.

Apply alternating hot and cold packs to the area with hot for 3 minutes, then cold for 30-60 seconds. Repeat 3 times in one sitting, always finishing with a cold, 1-3 times per day.

Baths and Showers Are soothing, both mentally and physically. Relieves general aches and pains Can ease internal congestion and digestive

ills. Water temperature varies according to your

needs. Hot baths are relaxing and stimulating to the immune system. By inducing perspiration, they facilitate the detoxification process. While cold baths can tonify muscles and reduce inflammation.

Salt Rubs Or Salt Glow is excellent for stimulating

circulation. Take a handful of Epsom salt and

massage on your wet skin vigorously until it turns pink. Follow with a warm-not hot- shower or bath.

The salt glow makes you perspire more and help you sleep more soundly

Not for people with skin rashes and lesions.

Sitz Bath

The pelvis is immersed in hot or cold water. 2 types:

Hot Sitz

○ For uterine cramps, painful hemorrhoids.Cold Sitz

○ For inflammation, constipation, vaginal discharge and impotence

Foot and Hand Baths

For drawing blood away from inflamed body parts.

Can relieve insomnia, menstrual cramps and headaches.

Hot Foot BathRemedy for shivers, nausea and faintness

Hot-Cold Foot Bath with Mustard powderRelieves sore throat and avert a cold

Foot and Hand Baths

Hot Hand BathRelieves cramps in the hands from overuse in

athletics.

Cold Hand BathStops nosebleed and relieve sunstroke.

Cold Water Treading

After a shower or a bath, immerse your feet in a cold water and march in place for 5 seconds to 5 minutes. Then rub your feet with a towel.

Dr. Buchman believes that by building tolerance to cold it is possible to develop resistance against infectious diseases.

Steam

Cleanser and deep moisture treatment for the skin.

Relieves colds and congestion. Create a simple vaporizer by boiling

water, add a few drops of eucalyptus or wintergreen oil. Lean over the steaming pot, breathe slowly and deeply, inhaling the vapors.

Compresses and Packs For applying heat or cold to specific body

parts. For gallstones, intestinal colic and

menstrual cramps, hot moist compresses can be applied every half hour around the torso, between shoulders and the navel.

A simple towel or wash cloth can be immersed in hot or cold water and be used as compress but synthetic packs are also available and more convenient.

Enema or Colon Irrigation An irrigation of the large bowel using a

small amount of water or solution. To aid and encourage elimination from

the bowel. Prepare 1 tbs of salt and 1 tbs of baking

soda per quart of water at about 37 C. Place the solution in the enema bag. Lubricate the anus and the enema tubing and insert it into the anal sphincter to introduce the solution.