Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy
Nature’s Forgotten Healer
by Dr. Andy Vorster

The application of water for therapeutic purposes dates back to the ancient Greeks. They believed that water had the power to cleanse the system of malignant tumors and revitalize the nerves. The Roman Emperor Augustus took sea water baths to protect himself against heart disease, and in France King Henry III used water to help heal his skin problems. Ritual bathing for the purpose of cleansing the mind and body has been part of Indian, Christian, and African cultures since time immemorial.

In modern times hydrotherapy is making a come back as highly effective healer. We have perfected bathing therapies for preventative and therapeutic purposes. Our modern day approach involves specially designed bath-like tubs fitted with air jets and water jets. Air jets form heated air bubbles which envelope and massage the entire body for total relaxation. Water jets are strategically placed to provide powerful water streams that penetrate and massage the tissues giving a deep tissue massage effect. Sessions may be assisted by a therapist or some of the newer computerized tubs allow you to bathe alone. A high pressure hand-held wand, used by the therapist, can be used to target specific areas of concern.

Who benefits?
Almost all healthy people occasionally have some physical condition that can be improved by hydrotherapy. No matter how well you may be, a good hydrotherapy session will leave you feeling even better and with a renewed sense of well- being.

What conditions can be relieved by hydrotherapy treatments?

Hydrotherapy can be a useful adjunct to all health improvement programs and can help combat the effects of today’s polluted environments and stressful lifestyles.

1.Tension is relieved in muscles. With the relief of tension there is a lessening of stress, and you are better able to cope with emotional issues.

2. Mental and physical fatigue is relieved, leading to renewed energy and motivation.

3. Pain in shoulders, neck, and back usually caused by strain is relieved.

4. Muscles become firmer, improving the figure.

5. Circulation is improved, thus increasing oxygen supply to the cells and improving skin tone.

6. Metabolism and digestion are improved by relaxing abdominal and intestinal muscles.

7. Deep relaxation is induced and insomnia helped.

8. Elimination of waste material is improved.

9. Flabby muscles can be toned when combined with good nutrition and exercise.

How does it work?
Hydrotherapy is a treatment that takes full advantage of all the beneficial aspects of water. These effects cannot be achieved by merely sitting in a bath tub or home spa. A good hydrotherapy tub will have at least 100 air jets and 40 water jets. Be careful; some of the older models have substantially less.

Heat: the heat of the water helps the muscles to relax quickly. It also increases circulation and dilates blood vessels near the surface of the skin to aid in the elimination of toxins.

The mechanical action: The pressure and movement of water massages the muscles, aiding their relaxation and helping to tone them. Blood circulation is stimulated and lymphatic circulation is enhanced.

Biochemical effect: Minerals help the muscles relax through biochemical action. The negative charge of the mineral water and the positive charge of the skin facilitates ion exchange. This aids absorption of minerals and release of toxins through the skin. Toxin elimination is further enhanced as heat dilates the pores of the skin and the superficial blood vessels, bringing more blood to the skin. Herbal preparations or essential oils may be added for analgesic effects or to increase cleansing cellular detoxification.

There is nothing that can compare to a hydrotherapy session. Once you’ve had a session you’ll be hooked. Most people report that they emerge feeling great, highly relaxed and utterly pampered!

Index by Author | Index by Topic | Service Directory | Calendar of Events | Horoscopes

Email: Phone: 713.526.8822 or 1.800.640.5191

Mail: P. O. Box 540444, Houston, TX 77254

Hit Counter