What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is the application of water in any form, externally or internally, for the treatment of disease and the maintenance of health. It is a naturopathic modality and is usually prescribed as part of a holistic treatment in combination with diet and lifestyle recommendations, nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, and other therapies.

Water can affect the body in three different ways:

• Thermal effect: this uses water temperature to trigger a body reaction. It is the most commonly used technique, especially using a short application of cold water which can have profound beneficial effects on the body.
• Mechanical effect: this uses water pressure and buoyancy to mechanically compress or support the body. It happens for example when you immerse your body in a large quantity of water (bath, ocean, pool, etc.).
• Chemical effect: therapeutic substances are added to water, such as Epsom salts, medicinal herbs, essential oils, etc. so they can be absorbed into the body through the skin or other surfaces (think of herbal teas or steam inhalation).

When hydrotherapy is used consistently and over time, it tonifies the body by balancing the nervous system and improving circulation. This results in a better supply of nutrients to cells and a better elimination of wastes, with benefits throughout the body such as reduced stress, improved digestion and detoxification, balanced immunity, and reduced pain.

Which health conditions can benefit from hydrotherapy?

Water is a remarkably versatile tool which can be indicated for a large number of health reasons. This is because it can be used at different temperatures, in variable quantities, mixed up with different therapeutic substances, and it can be applied to different parts of the body or to the whole body. But it is important to keep in mind that each treatment is helpful in specific circumstances only, so make sure you seek guidance from a healthcare professional if you are considering using hydrotherapy.

Traditionally, hydrotherapy has been used for most health conditions which cannot all be listed here. For example it has been commonly used for headaches, fatigue, respiratory issues, insomnia, anxiety, depression, digestive problems, bloating, constipation, painful periods, peripheral oedema, back pain, arthritis… and the list goes on.

Scientific research is progressively catching up in this area, and there is now medical evidence that hydrotherapy could be helpful for a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, impaired immune function, respiratory problems, fatigue, fibromyalgia, stress, anxiety, and musculoskeletal pain.

How can you use hydrotherapy at home?

Long term and regular hydrotherapy can support your health at minimal cost, especially when it is part of a holistic treatment including diet and lifestyle recommendations. Here are some safe practices that you can easily include in your routine. For all of them, make sure that you finish by drying yourself off completely and getting covered so you do not get cold.

• Contrast shower: this is a well-known practice that has profound effects on the entire body. Stand under hot water for four minutes, then stand under cold water for one minute. In both cases, make sure your entire trunk is covered by the running water. Build up to the cold progressively. The hot-cold sequence can be performed more than once, but always end on cold.
• Full body bath: this can be done in the ocean, a lake, a pool, etc. With a neutral temperature (28°C-32°C), a long immersion is relaxing and sedative, and can help with nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia. With cold temperatures, a short immersion (30-90 seconds) increases vitality, balances the nervous system, and supports digestion and elimination.
• Water treading: this can also be done in the ocean, a lake, a pool... with cold water. Step into the water until it is knee-high, then march for one to two minutes bringing each foot out of the water with each step. Once done, dry your feet and put on warm socks and shoes/slippers. This supports relaxation and circulation.

If you are interested in learning more about hydrotherapy, or if you would like to add this powerful tool to your self-care practices, reach out to a naturopath who will be able to understand your personal circumstances, and to incorporate individualised recommendations in your holistic treatment plan.

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References

Blake, E. (2008). Naturopathic hydrotherapy. In L. Chaitow (Ed.), Naturopathic physical medicine. Churchill Livingstone.

Boyle, W., & Saine, A. (1988). Lectures in naturopathic hydrotherapy. Eclectic Medical Publications.

Broderick, K. (2020). Naturopathic hydrotherapy. In L. Hechtman (Ed.), Advanced clinical naturopathic medicine. Elsevier.

Doughty, J, & Wahler, V. (2021). Hydrotherapy. In J. E. Pizzorno & M. T. Murray (Eds.), Textbook of natural medicine (5th ed.). Elsevier.

Mooventhan, A., & Nivethitha, L. (2014). Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(5), 199-209. https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.132935

Wardle, J. (2013). Hydrotherapy: A forgotten Australian therapeutic modality. Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine, 25(1), 12-17. https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.301465398001294