Hydrotherapy at home

Hydrotherapy at home

Hydrotherapy—the use of water to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being—is a great way to practice self-care. Not only does it benefit the mind, body, and soul, it is also known to strengthen the immune system, reduce stress, improve blood circulation, facilitate breathing, increase stamina and body strength, and more. Hydrotherapy is one of the easiest therapies to emulate at home. It involves immersion in warm or cool water, or an invigorating contrast of the two. To learn more about hydrotherapy, we have gathered a few helpful information about it such as the benefits of it, is it safe to do it a home and what are the different kinds of hydrotherapy. Boutique spas are offering soaks, compresses, and various forms of luxury hydrotherapy, but the healing powers of water don’t have to set you back a pretty penny. Using water in differing forms and temperatures can provide a number of different benefits for your body and can all be done in the privacy of your own home!

Natural temperature baths. Hop into the tub and submerge your body up to your neck in water that is slightly cooler than body temperature. These neutral temperatures are used to treat insomnia and emotional agitation. Soaking for as little as 15 minutes can offer sedative benefits. The effects of warm water bath: Temperature ranges between 37C and 38C are relaxing, soothing and calming to both the mind and body, creating an indulgent, cosseted sensation. Even a 20-minute dip in a deep bath can encourage your stresses to ebb away, your skin to soften and your muscles to relax. Raising the temperature by just a couple of degrees to between 39C and 40C has a deeply relaxing and sedative effect, but can cause exhaustion if indulged for too long. Immersion should not exceed 15 minutes (five minutes for higher temperatures). The temperature rise initially heightens and then lowers the blood pressure, shunting the blood to the extremities before gradually returning to normal as the temperature stabilizes. The effects of cold-water bath: Temperatures lower than body temperature (34C to 36C) will have the effect of cooling and tightening the body. Immersion in cool water should be kept to short bursts of one to two minutes. A drop of only a few degrees will calm a racing pulse, reduce redness or refresh tired swollen feet. Immediately afterwards, you will often experience a revival of energy and vigor. Locally-applied cold compresses can also be used to relieve inflammation or ease pressure on joints.

Facial Steam Bath. Although it is very difficult to make a sauna or a steam room at home, an easy alternative you could try is a facial steam bath. In a covered pot, boil water with a plant of your preference; it could be thyme, eucalyptus, or rosemary. Sit in front of the pot and uncover it a little bit to inhale the steam. It is important to cover your head with a towel so the steam doesn’t escape. This treatment is an excellent cure for nasal congestion, cleaning impurities, and improving blood circulation. Inhaling steam is great for clearing congested sinus passages, but it is also beneficial in improving circulation in the body. Your skin benefits from steam exposure as well. Steam has been shown to help shed dead skin cells, allowing new cells to provide a natural glow. You may find a hot shower works well for this, but you could also put a pot of water on the oven to boil and breathe in steam that way.

When trying hydrotherapy in the home, don't just turn on the taps and hope for the best - set the ambiance. Invest in aromatherapy bath oils, bubbles and candles. The addition of aromas or bath salts changes the feel of the water and stimulates the senses. You could even buy a little bath pillow to rest your head on. This will make it easier to conjure up your own personal retreat and stop you thinking about the chaos beyond the bathroom door. Most of all switch off, unwind and enjoy.

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