Hydrotherapy is one of the foundational therapies of naturopathic medicine. It was used and developed by the "founding fathers" of the profession, including Benedict Lust, Henry Lindlahr and O.G. Carroll. Medicine has long recognized the mechanical effects of water temperature on blood flow (e.g. that hot water will relax a tight muscle or that cold, as in the form of an ice pack, can limit swelling and inflammation in a tissue area). Naturopathic hydrotherapy expands upon this, with the goal being to normalize the quantity of blood circulating through a given area or tissue during a given period of time, as well as to improve the overall quality of blood in the general circulation.

Water works on the body reflexively. This means that when water is applied to one part of the body, other parts of the body are also stimulated by reflex action. For example, if the left foot is fractured and in a cast, an alternating hot and cold treatment can be performed on the right foot. Because of the reflexive action, the left foot will obtain the benefits of the hydrotherapy treatment even though it was done on the right foot.

Types of Hydrotherapy

Hot Foot Bath
A hot foot bath is the immersion of both feet and ankles in hot water for 10-30 minutes and is an excellent way to draw blood from inflamed or congested areas of the body. This form of treatment is recommended for foot and leg cramps, sore throat, cold, flu, nausea, insomnia, and chest or pelvic congestion.

Another form of this is the alternating foot bath, where the feet are alternatively placed in cold and hot water. This technique is used to increase blood flow to the feet and help reduce swelling and pain in that area. It is also used with congestion headaches as well as numerous local problems of the feet and legs.

Sitz baths
The "sitting" or "hip" bath applies the principles of hydrotherapy to stimulate circulation in the pelvic area. The usual practice is to use alternating hot and cold baths. Sitz baths are useful in vaginal infections, chronic urinary tract infections, pelvic congestion, pelvic inflammatory disease, hemorrhoids, fissures, prostatitis, constipation, postpartum, improving neuralgias and insomnia.

Baths and Showers
A hot bath or shower can encourage relaxation, reduce stress and flush out toxins. Adding essential oils or herbs to the bath can enhance the therapeutic benefits. Cold baths and showers can be energizing and stimulating; a rinse of cold water after a hot shower can invigorate, boost the immune system, and improve blood flow. By using alternating hot and cold water in showers one can take advantage of both effects.

Constitutional Hydrotherapy
Constitutional hydrotherapy is a series of hot and cold towels applied to the chest and back. This treatment is more involved than other hydrotherapy treatments but is very effective for almost every condition. It is used for promoting overall health, detoxification, digestive enhancement and immune system function. Constitutional hydrotherapy is generally considered to be one of the most effective and powerful forms of naturopathic treatment.

Learn more about the Constitutional Hydrotherapy services offered at Algoma Natural Healing Clinic.

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