HYDROTHERAPY

The application of water by various methods, or hydrotherapy treatment, is another very useful part of naturopathy. The concept of using hot or cold water dates back at least to the Ancient Greeks, and is seen around the world in other old cultures, for example, that of Native Americans. Hydrotherapy treatment had a major revival in Europe in the nineteenth century. There are also around 120 different hydrotherapy treatments available in German health spas.

One of the simplest methods is to use a compress, or foementation, made by wringing out a small towel in water and placing over the required area. By alternating hot and cold compresses the local circulation can be strongly stimulated. A shower can be used to similar effect by changing the temperature, or cool splashes of water after a warm bath may be used. A specific form of treatment in hydrotherapy clinics is the use of sitz baths, a kind of hip bath, which works on the pelvic and abdominal areas, by sitting firstly in a hot bath then transferring to a cold one for a short time. Some of them are not so easily applied for self-help, but it is useful to know that if you are unable to sort out your health problems on your own, then there is a wide choice of professional treatments that may help.