Hydrotherapy is an inexpensive and infallible method for treating major and minor diseases. Water has countless remedies properties to relieve us from pain and several ailments. This article will discuss two commonly used hydrotherapeutic procedures - spinal bath and wet or dry fomentation with hot water.
Spinal bath -
The spine is a very important part of our body. The spinal bath strengthens, stimulates and nourishes the spine, thus indirectly benefiting the whole nervous system and the entire body.
Requirements for spinal bath - A spinal bath tub, a bath towel and a blanket. A tub specially designed for the spinal bath is marketed. The tub is wider at the top than at the bottom.
1. Fill the tub to a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm).
2. Lie down in the tub with the arms and the legs outside the tub. In this position, the entire spinal column with the exception of two or three vertebrae of the neck will be under the water level.
3. Wet the bath towel, fold it lengthwise, and place it as a support for the neck and the head on the slanting wall of the tub. When the head is allowed to rest on the towel, the whole spine will come in contact with water.
4. After taking up this position, cover the whole body except the head with a blanket, to protect the body from the outside draughts.
5. The bath should last for about 10 to 15 minutes in winter, and 15-20 minutes in summer.
Wet or dry fomentation with hot water -
Fomentation is very useful for relief of localized pain or for improving the circulation in a part of the body where for some reason the circulation has become sluggish.
Requirements for wet or dry fomentation - Hot-water bag or bottle
Method of wet or dry fomentation -
1. Cover the painful region with cloth dipped in hot water.
2. Subject the region to the action of steam from a special kettle, or apply heat by means of a hot-water bag or bottle. This results in sedation of the muscles, improvement in circulation and reduction of swelling. As a consequence, pain is relieved.
3. After the fomentation, the part subjected to the treatment must be wiped with a cloth soaked in cold water.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health guide professional before embarking on any health program.
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