Hydrotherapy is an ancient form of healing dating back to 1500 ÂÑ. Sebastien Kneipp, a German physician, instituted health spas throughout Germany and Europe ‘n the 19th century, popularizing water therapy even further. No one can ignore the soothing and relaxing qualities of a hot bath or the invigorating, stimulating effects of a cold dip in a lake or waterfall.

The thermal heating and cooling effects of water are responsible for its therapeutic effects in healing. It is great at enhancing circulation and hence removing toxic wastes through the mobilization of white blood cells.

Hydrotherapy is effectively used in the treatment of circulatory problems, weakened immunity, colds, pneumonia, nervous conditions, pelvic inflammatory disease, insomnia, prostate, uterine and other organ and glandular congestions, oedema, chronic pain, fatigue and detoxification problems. The use of alternate hot and cold water therapy treatments increases white blood cell counts and causes corresponding increases in IgM antibodies, alpha-2 macroglobulin and C-3 complement, greatly affecting the function of the immune system.

Using hot cloths opens blood vessels and attracts blood, enhancing circulation and improving organ function. Hot baths enhance circulation, aid relaxation and by adding oils, Epsom salts and specific herbs different healing properties can be stimulated. Epsom salts added to bath water can help to draw impurities out of the body.

One night recently, I had a wonderful Indonesian meal that tasted great but unfortunately was loaded with tones of MSG (monosodium glutamate). The next day I felt fatigued, nauseas and I had a splitting headache that wouldn’t go away. I jumped into the spa and poured in half a packet of Epsom salts. After only 20 minutes I felt amazing. As I began to empty the bath water I noticed the colour of the water had a murky, brown tone. The Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) had actually drawn the impurities out of my kidneys and body and deposited these into the water. Nature often provides us with the most simple and inexpensive tools to restore us back to health and wellness.

Hot Sitz Baths involve sitting in a deep bath so the buttocks and pelvis are immersed. Sitz baths are great for pain or any condition in the uterus, urethra or testes. In Thailand I had the pleasure to work at one of the most beautiful health spas in the world. In my travels I visited health spas all over the world and witnessed some incredible stories of self-healing from the regular use of hydrotherapy. Spa baths, hot and cold water plunge pools, flotation tanks, steam rooms and hydro Jacuzzis are all forms of hydrotherapy that enhance the body’s healing potential on both a physical and emotional level.

A simple and effective way to incorporate hydrotherapy into your life is to alternate hot and cold showers, backwards and forwards, ending with the cold water. This simple method increases blood circulation, improves lymphatic circulation, boosts immunity and enhances general well-being and health.

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