The healing properties of water have been recognised since ancient times, notably by the Roman, Greek, Turkish and Northern European cultures. It is a popular alternative treatment these days, and is used as a technique of physiotherapy for people recovering from serious injuries with problems of muscle wastage.
Many hospitals offer the option of a water birth to expectant mothers, which is an option increasing in popularity because of the benefits of pain relief for the mother and a less traumatic birth experience for the baby. After childbirth, frequent bathing in warm water to which a mild antiseptic or sea salt has been added is recommended to heal skin tears.
Hot Baths
Hot baths are used to ease muscle and joint pain; they also help with inflammation. The addition of essential oils, herbs, seaweed extract or other substances may help heal some skin conditions or minor wounds. A bath with a temperature between 36.5 and 40 degrees Celsius (98 – 104 F), is an excellent way of relaxing the muscles.
Cold Baths
Cold baths improve blood flow to internal tissues and organs and also reduce swelling. An inflamed, painful body part may be immersed cold water in order to reduce swelling. This is not a treatment advisable for people with serious conditions or for the elderly or very young.
Sitz Baths
Sitz Baths are usually given as a treatment for painful conditions with broken skin, such as piles or anal fissure, cystitis, polyps, PMS and menstrual problems. The person sits in a specially designed bath that has two compartments, one with warm, the other with cold. The patient sits in one tub his or her body in warm water and feet in cold water, then alternates every 3 minutes or so.
Steam baths or Turkish baths
These baths are used to encourage sweating, removal of toxins, and opening of skin pores. They have a cleansing and refreshing effect and are usually finished off with a cool bath or shower.
Wrapping
Cold, wet (squeezed out) sheets are used to cover or wrap a person lying down. The person is then covered with a dry sheet or towel, then a warm blanket. This technique is used for feverish conditions, backache, colds, bronchitis, skin disorders, infection, and muscle pain.
Flotation
Flotation involves lying face up in an enclosed, dark tank of warm, heavily salted water. There is no sound, unless some music emulating natural sounds, such as the sea lapping on the shore. This is very refreshing and induces a deep, relaxing sleep.
Sources:
Alterative Therapies, published by Geddes & Grosset, 2001 edition, pages 40 - 45
Fleur Hupston - Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer based in Botswana, Southern Africa. From this unique perspective, she writes travel ...
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