What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy, also known as water therapy, uses water to treat the body. It can be used in many forms including baths, wraps, constitutional hydrotherapy, compresses, heat packs, etc. Herbs can be paired with water therapies to help create a greater positive impact. One example of this is tea (adding an herbal sachet to boiling water). The temperature of the water, length of time used, and the type of therapy used all have varying effects on the body. If you have ever had a muscle ache and used a hot towel on it or taken a good soak in the bath to help relax it, then you have used water therapies.
What It Helps With:
Research has shown hydrotherapy can help with pain management in conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It has even shown potential as a therapy to help autistic children with social interaction and overall behavior improved. Research also demonstrates it stimulates cellular immunity meaning it can boost the immune system’s activity to help fight off illness and infections. It can also promote relaxation which helps with stress management in a more natural way.
Naturopathic doctors receive training in hydrotherapy as part of their post-graduate work (click here for more information on ND’s education requirements) to help support their clients’ health. Dr. Blandford took additional training in Bad Worishofen, Germany at the Sebastineum, learning Sebastian Kneipp’s techniques. Kneipp started refining his water treatments in 1849 and became known as the Father of Modern Hydrotherapy. To find out more, schedule your FREE 15-Minute Consultation with Dr. Blandford.