Hydrotherapy involves the use of water (including the sound of water) for soothing pains and treating diseases. Today, hydrotherapy is used to treat musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, ankylosing spondylitis, or spinal cord injuries and in patients suffering burns, spasticity, stroke or paralysis. It is also used to treat orthopedic and neurological conditions in dogs and horses and to improve fitness. Hydrotherapy involves the use of water, either internally or externally, to maintain health and prevent disease. According to its mineral content, water taken internally can have a laxative, diuretic, phlegmatic (phlegm producing) or diaphoretic (perspiration-inducing) effects.
Used externally, water has the power to improve blood and lymph circulation, relax tension in the tissues, alleviate pain and calm the nervous system. Salts, flowers, essential oils and herbs are incorporated into various baths and tonics depending on the needs and health conditions of the clients. The most common forms of water therapy include sitz baths, warm water baths, colon hydrotherapy, sauna, steam bath, Turkish bath, a water massage called Watsu, compresses and wraps.
