Most people have used hydrotherapy occasionally as in ice packs for a sprained
ankle, the hot compress for sinus pain, or the hot bath for a case of the flue with aches and chills. There are dozens of specific hydrotherapy techniques
valued by naturopathic doctors, yet unknown to most people.
Constitutional hydrotherapy is a special technique which greatly improves recovery from many illnesses, both acute and chronic, such as fatigue, arthritis, bronchitis, food poisoning, heart disease, influenza and chronic constipation to name a few. It has been used successfully by thousands of naturopathic physicians for over a century and at one time was standard medical treatment for many illnesses in hospitals and clinics.
Hydrotherapy works so well because |
| it acts to stimulate the body's own healing force. During the treatment the patient lies comfortably on a soft table while hot towels are applied over the upper torso. The person is then wrapped in a sheet and covered with several layers of blankets. Once the skin is warmed, a single cold towel is exchanged for the heated one. The body, well prepared by the preceding warmth, reacts to this temperature change by greatly increasing the blood flow to the skin and the internal organs of the chest and abdomen.
Hydrotherapy researchers have shown that a reflex increase in blood flow occurs in internal organs when the circulation to the overlying skin is stimulated. It is this internal reaction which is responsible for the long lasting and
| | cumulative effects of a series of hydrotherapy treatments. Research has further shown that the beneicial effects on the immune system last for up to 24 hours making this a very effective therapy for any disorder involving immune function.
The benefits of constitutional hydrotherapy include an improvement in sleep, digestion, bowel function, an increase in your energy level and a reduction in chronic pain. We have found that other naturopathic therapies such as herbal medicines, special diets or homeopathy often work better when used in conjuction with constitutional hydrotherapy treatments.
Constitutional hydrotherapy is one of many techniques that enhance the healing process. Ask your doctor for information about hydrotherapy. |
