Hydrotherapy
By Jessica, April 20, 2008
Hydrotherapy involves the use of water to treat disease and sooth pain. Hydrotherapy helps to promote recuperation and healing because of its thermal effects on the skin. The deep impulses felt by the body in response to hot and cold water and water pressure lead to a wide variety of health benefits including increased energy levels, improved digestion and circulation, a stronger immune system and reduced stress. There are many ways to apply hydrotherapy; baths, saunas, steam rooms, wraps and packs etc.
Hydro and hydrothermal therapy has been used to treat disease and injury for centuries. The ancient Greeks, Roman and Egyptians civilizations believed in therapeutic baths, and water was used in traditional Chinese and Native American healing systems.
Hydrotherapy can also relieve painful joints. Gentle exercise in water will help to gradually improve joint mobility, muscle strength and fitness. Hydrotherapy and hydrothermal therapy are believed to tone up the body, boost the immune system and aid pain relief.
The feeling of weightlessness when the body is submerged in a bath or whirlpool encourages relaxation. Water in motion in a whirlpool will boost blood circulation and relieve tight muscles as it stimulates the skin. Water also results in massage-like benefits as water gently kneads the body.
Hot water generally soothes the body, easing pain and stiff muscles to reduce anxiety and encourage relaxation. Cold water will invigorate the body and internal organs. A cold shower will help to increase energy levels, rejuvenating the body and mind.
Hydrotherapy is used to ease stress, anxiety, arthritis, osteoporosis, back and neck pain, muscle injury, weakness, fatigue and improve post-operative rehabilitation.
To discover more hydrotherapy spa facilities across Ireland, use our Spa Search to find everything from Hydrotherapy pools, to spas with Saunas, to spas with Mud Baths. For those looking to be closer to nature see a list of all spas with Outdoor Hot Tubs or spas with Outdoor Pools.
