Hydrotherapy

The term hydrotherapy is the use of water to prevent and treat diseases. Hydrotherapy is used primarily by medical masseurs and naturopaths but it is also in academic medicine. The effects of hydrotherapy on the body are varied. Cold water, for example, causes contraction of blood vessels and, in response, stimulation of blood flow. Proper use of water can boost metabolism and exert a positive effect on respiration, heart activity, the digestive system and nervous system. The most common forms of hydrotherapy baths, ablutions, Kneipp therapy, water jets, poultices, wraps and steam baths. The effect of these treatments can be influenced by additional factors, such as water temperature, duration of application, the size of the area of the body and stimulation such as massage or underwater additives bath.