Water therapy, or hydrotherapy, has been used to treat disease, boost immune system function, balance mental health and relieve pain for centuries.

There are many references to hydrotherapy and the healing uses of water, especially hot mineral springs and sea water, in ancient Hindu, Roman, Chinese and Native American teachings. Some springs, such as Lourdes, have been considered miraculous. Bath, the largest city in the county of Somerset, England, is known for and named after its Roman built baths.

At the root of hydrotherapy is the idea that water is the essence of life, water is a major part of the human body and water is the root of our health and well being.

Hydrotherapy includes a variety of treatments, including the use of pools, thermal baths and water circuits, saunas, steam rooms, ‘experience showers’ and more. Therapies can also enhanced with aromatherapy or Epsom salts. Thermal water circuits have a range of jets and water features which massage the body, stimulating the lymphatic system and flushing toxins. Cold plunge pools as well as artificial ice and snow rooms activates the body’s circulation.

Here Are The Top 5 Types Of Hydrotherapy …

1 - Water Circuit Therapy

Water circuit therapy is a type of hydrotherapy that combines multiple forms of water therapy. A water circuit therapy session might include 10-20 minutes in a hot tub to warm and massage tight muscles, 10 minutes in a sauna to encourage sweating and increase circulation, 10-20 minutes in a cool bath to bring down your body temperature and 10 minutes in a cold bath to reduce pain, minimize inflammation and boost your mood.

Water circuit therapy is so effective because it combines two potent forms of therapy: cold water therapy and hot water hydrotherapy.

The benefits of cold water hydrotherapy are known for reducing muscle damage, reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving your mood. By contrast, hot water hydrotherapy is known for its ability to relieve stress, relax tight muscles and joints, promote better sleep and promote clearer skin.

2 - Aquatic Exercise

With aquatic exercise, you reap the benefits of physical exercise without the impact of non-aquatic activity. This is especially beneficial for people with arthritis, sore muscles and joints or injuries. According to an article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) titled “Health Benefits Of Swimming” aquatic exercise is a great choice for older adults, people with chronic illnesses like arthritis and people with heart disease and diabetes. Plus, the CDC reports that people enjoy exercising in the water more than they enjoy exercising on land. To engage in aquatic exercise, you could practice hot tub yoga, consider purchasing a swim spa, or do some basic exercises in your pool, or hot tub. 

3 - Aquatic Massage

Just as aquatic exercise is simply exercise that takes place in water, aquatic massage is a massage that takes place in water. Many spas and health centers offer aquatic massage services, in which you float in a relaxing pool of water while a professional masseuse gives you a therapeutic massage. You can easily get an aquatic massage at home, though. All you’ll need is a hot tub, pool or bathtub and a willing volunteer. If you have any injuries, however, it would be best to see a professional physical therapist before engaging in any aquatic massage at home.

4 - Steam Baths

Steam baths are a form of hydrotherapy that involve immersing yourself in steam rather than water.

According to an article published in Medical News Today, “What are the benefits of a steam room” steam rooms have a variety of advantages such as: 

Improved circulation - this can help to reduce blood pressure, promote heart health and encourage the skin to heal.

Steam rooms also cause users to sweat, which in turn works to wash away dirt and dead skin. Moist heat, such as that found in a steam room, has been shown to reduce pain, preserve muscle strength and relax tired muscles. Just like a normal pre-exercise warm-up, steam rooms can loosen stiff joints and decrease the amount of force needed to move them. Plus, they can also help relieve joint pain, which can be great for people with arthritis.

Last but not least, steam rooms can release endorphins and reduce stress. Since stress is known to have adverse health effects, this may be beneficial to overall health, 

5 - Saunas

Although similar to steam baths, saunas differ in that they use dry heat rather than moist heat. Just like moist heat, dry heat is associated with a number of health benefits. 

According to a Medical News Today article titled “Sauna: Health benefits, risks and precautions" saunas have been used for thousands of years

The Benefits Of Using A Sauna Include

• Pain relief. The dry heat of saunas can relax muscles and joints, thereby reducing pain from injuries, exercise or health conditions like arthritis.
• Reduced stress. Just like steam rooms, the heat of saunas can help to release endorphins and lower stress levels.
• Better cardiovascular health. Research has found that frequent sauna users are less likely to experience cardiovascular events like heart attacks, and even have a lower mortality rate. Saunas may also help to lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
• Improved skin. Since saunas dry out the skin, people with conditions like psoriasis may see their skin improve.
• Asthma relief. People with asthma have reported relief from various symptoms. That’s because the heat of saunas can help to open airways and loosen stubborn phlegm. 
• Plus, saunas have even been found to strengthen the immune system. 

It should be noted that those with heart conditions should always check with their doctor before using a sauna.

To experience the benefits of hydrotherapy yourself, we recommend that you seek out your local resources that provide hydrotherapy treatments. You can also begin using your own showers and baths as the magnificent location for your hydrotherapy treatments.

Create your perfect H2O healing retreat where your health and well being is the primary focus.