Guest Author - Adrienne Dumas

Hydrotherapy is the use of water for healing in body, mind and spirit. Water, steam and ice may be used for healing as well as the varying temperatures of water, and they have been used for healing for many centuries. Below is a list of how hot, warm and cool showers and baths can effect your health as well as your appearance and your emotional well being.

Cool Water - Taking a cool shower or bath can do the following:

 Improve your energy level, even in those who have chronic fatigue syndrome.
 Increase circulation for people who may normally have cold hands and feet.
 Bring some relief to menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
 Help to restore moisture to your skin (hot water can sometimes dry your skin).
 Taking a cool shower right after a bath can bring an added rush of energy. You can also try alternating between hot and cold during a shower for the same effect.

Warm Water - Taking a warm shower or bath can do the following:

 Help you to relax physically as well as emotionally.
 Help to alleviate insomnia by relaxing you before bedtime.
 Helps to heal tired and aching muscles by relaxing them and boosting blood circulation.

Hot Water – Taking a hot shower or bath can do the following:

 Help you to release the tensions of the day.
 Help you to relax physically as well as emotionally.
 Help to alleviate insomnia by relaxing you before bedtime.
 Helps to heal tired and aching muscles by relaxing them and boosting blood circulation.
 Hot water is the best way to cleanse and remove germs and mildew from your skin. For better skin care try alternating between hot, warm and cool water during a bath or shower to fully cleanse your skin and keep it from drying out. It is suggested to keep hot baths and showers to a minimum of five to fifteen minutes and then to alternate to a cooler temperature.

Here are some tips for experiencing the best from hydrotherapy:

 To reduce muscle tension it is suggested to take a neutral bath (warm) that is close the temperature of your skin (between 92 and 94 degrees).
 Take a cool shower right after you finish a hot or warm bath. This will give a rush of energy as well as help to keep your skin from becoming too dry.
 Try skin brushing before getting into a bath or shower. Brushing your skin before a shower or bath will make the water feel much more smooth on your skin as you enter a bath or shower and can help you cleanse your skin much better as well (removing dead skin before you bathe).

Sauna’s and Steam Baths:

A Sauna and a steam bath are other forms of hydrotherapy that can be used. These tend to eliminate toxins through the skin and can help improve the respiratory system as well as relax tired, aching muscles. It is recommended that you not spend more than 15 – 20 minutes at a time in a sauna or during a steam bath and to use a cold cloth on your face frequently to prevent overheating.

A Relaxing Bath Experience

To experience the benefits of hydrotherapy you can try the following below:

 Draw yourself a warm or a hot bath that is a comfortable temperature for you. You can check the temperature with your hands before entering the bath.
 Now add some essential oil to your bath such as lavender oil. Lavender oil is a great essential oil to use in bathing to help you to relax more. Simply drop 2-3 small drops of lavender oil into the bath.
 Bring a nice cold drink to keep with you as you bathe. I suggest something like ice-cold lemonade or some cold spring water with a bit of lemon in it.
 Now sit comfortably in your bath and allow your body to fully relax before you begin to wash up. Lay back in the bath and let the water wash over your whole body.
 After about 5 – 10 minutes begin to cleanse your body with a loofah and body wash or some soap. Continue with your normal cleansing routine.
 After you have finished cleansing your skin, face and hair, let the water out of your tub. Then stand and take a quick three-minute shower using cool water. You may want to add a bit of body oil to your body and allow the cool water to help your skin soak it up.
 Leave the shower and wrap yourself in a long warm towel. Gently massage some lotion onto your skin and get dressed for the day or put your pajamas on for the evening. You may now desire to refresh yourself even more by drinking a large glass of water.