Hydrotherapy is a name for treatment with water applications. Kneipp and Prießnitz are considered the founders of hydrotherapy, although treatments with water to relieve ailments already existed among the ancient Romans.
Balneotherapy refers to a healing treatment with baths, which is carried out as part of a spa treatment and is usually tied to a place – healing springs or spas.
The procedure
Hydrotherapy uses water in every conceivable way and form. The water is either cold, warm, alternating warm, hot or vaporous. The following forms of hydrotherapy are used:
- Catharsis
- Rubdown
- Baths
- Exercise baths
- Steam treatments
- Pressure jet or flash casting
- Kneipp castings
- Water jet therapy
- Treading water
- Wraps and packs
The effects of hydrotherapy are many and varied. Depending on the disease or symptom, the appropriate form of water application is selected. Cold water makes lively, invigorates the body and mind. Likewise, it counteracts inflammation.Alternating warm water stimulates blood circulation in the body, so the immune system is strengthened and the body is better able to fight or even prevent diseases. Knee or leg watering with cold water also increases circulation and can help reduce varicose vein formation (varicose veins). Warm water has a relaxing effect and is used for soothing baths or warm casts.Kneipp casts are often enriched with herbal additives, which, depending on their composition, can have an invigorating, stimulating and energizing effect or a calming and relaxing effect. Steam and sauna baths alleviate the susceptibility of the upper respiratory tract to infections. A special form of hydrotherapy is colon hydrotherapy for intestinal cleansing and sanitation.
Benefits
Hydrotherapy helps the body cope better with temperature changes. It strengthens the immune system and thus the body’s defense system.
Hydrotherapy can help relieve tension and ease pain, helping you feel good and in harmony with yourself and your body.
