Hydrotherapy & Your Health

Hydrotherapy literally means “water therapy”

Father Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th-century monk, is said to be the father of hydrotherapy. He believed the healing properties of water optimize health by helping the body eliminate waste. There are many different types of hydrotherapy treatments but my favorite at-home is the application of hot and cold compresses. The body reacts profoundly. Hot water causes blood vessels to dilate or open and increases blood flow, allowing the body to remove waste from tissues. The cold application initially creates contraction or slight closure of the blood vessels, which pushes stagnant blood away, making room for renewal. Alternating hot and cold water improves elimination, decreases inflammation, and stimulates circulation.

The “how to” with Hydrotherapy

Magic Socks Treatment

These treatments are best when repeated for 3 consecutive nights. This is great for kid’s health.

Indications: Sore throats or any inflammations or infections of the throat, neck pain, ear infections, headaches, nasal congestions, upper respiratory infections, coughs, bronchitis, sinus infection, fever, or teething

Supplies: 1 pair of cotton socks and 1 pair of wool socks

Directions:

• Take the pair of cotton socks and completely soak in cold water. Be sure to wring the socks out so that they are not dripping.
• Warm feet up. It is nice to have a warm bath first and then do the wet sock treatment.
• Dry feet off.
• Put cold wet socks on and then the wool socks.
• Keep socks on overnight or during nap times. The socks should be dry by the morning.

Effects of the hydrotherapy:

This treatment acts to reflexively increase the circulation and decrease the congestion in the upper respiratory passages, head ( headaches) , and throat. It has a sedating action and many people will report sleeping better during treatment. This treatment is also effective for pain relief and increases the healing process during acute infections.

xx

dr. heather