Hydrotherapy is the use of water and its various properties to promote pain relief as well as physical and mental well being. Hydrotherapy has been used since the ancient times as recorded in Roman, Greek and Egyptian history. In this post we explain how hydrotherapy is meant to work, what it can treat and how a hot tub can be used as a tool in hydrotherapeutic practices.
How Does Hydrotherapy Work?
Hydrotherapy makes use of water in its various forms to promote physical and mental relief from pain. There are a number of ways that water can be used to this end including using hot and cold temperatures, varying pressure types and including different types of additives to the water. Our bodies respond to these various stimuli and allow therapeutic benefits to result.
What Are The Benefits Of Hydrotherapy?
The four main benefits resulting from hydrotherapy are stress reduction, pain relief, immune system reinforcement and detoxification:
● Stress Reduction
By allowing endorphins to be released in the body, hydrotherapy can reduce stress and lessen anxiety. As in the case of a hot bath at the end of tough day, heated water can stimulate the lymphatic system and increase blood circulation leading to the release of endorphins. This, in turn, diminishes stress and adds to a sense of well being.
● Pain Relief
Ice and cold water can enhance pain relief when applied to burns, cuts and bruised body parts. On the other hand, warm or hot water allows muscles to relax, blood to circulate and endorphins to be released. At any temperature, water can relieve strain on weight bearing muscles, joints and bones to decrease tension and the resultant pain.
● Immune System Reinforcement
By increasing blood circulation and lymphatic system flow, warm water helps our bodies to flush away toxins and allows our immune system to function properly.
● Detoxification
Hot water, including steam, allows our bodies to produce sweat which can aid in toxin elimination. The lymphatic system is also stimulated while blood circulation is increased leading to detoxification of the body. This can benefit both the inner organs and the skin.
Using A Hot Tub For Hydrotherapy
A hot tub is an excellent apparatus to enable hydrotherapy. The combination of heated water and jet propulsion systems allow the body to be massaged and warmed which increases circulation of the blood, flow in the lymphatic system and release of endorphins. This can result in relaxation, stress reduction and physical pain relief.
Benefits Of Hot Tub Hydrotherapy
A hot tub can provide relief from a wide range of ailments including those associated with skeletal issues such as muscle tension, joint pain and arthritis. Pain from diseases associated with circulation issues such as diabetes can be lessened, while skin conditions can be improved. Mental issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia may also be reduced with the hydrotherapeutic use of a hot tub.
Including A Hot Tub In Your Life
By adding a hot tub to your lifestyle you will not only receive many physical benefits, you’ll also find many psychological advantages as well. A hot tub can increase the well being of both your family and your friends while creating a focal point for individual and social respite. To learn more about how hydrotherapy and hot tubs can improve your life, download a hot tub buyer’s guide now.