Water's therapeutic value has been recognized for centuries. In modern medicine, practitioners use water for a variety of conditions and diseases such as constipation, anxiety, hemorrhoids and arthritis. When administered by a licensed professional, water treatment therapy is considered to be a safe and effective procedure. Using water medicinally is known as hydrotherapy, and the procedures can take a number of forms.
Colon Hydrotherapy
Colon hydrotherapy treatments are usually administered in enema form. Colon hydrotherapy is most commonly used as a treatment for constipation and consists of a small amount of water being released into your rectum. There are also a number of alternative types of colon hydrotherapy, which are often called detoxification programs that release an excessive amount of water in the rectum. The Mayo Clinic does not recommend using colon hydrotherapy for detoxing on a regular basis.
Steam Treatment
Steam hydrotherapy treatments can be administered in a number of ways. Some examples include steam from a humidifier, sweat lodge, steam room, hot shower or a sauna. Steam water therapy treatments are commonly used to moisten the upper-respiratory tract, ease the pain of a sore throat and loosen phlegm so it can be coughed out.
Hot Water
Hot and warm water are effective because of their ability to make the blood vessels expand. Hydrotherapy using hot water can ease the pain associated with inflammation and improve circulation in the body. For systemic relief, a patient may use a large bathtub or hot tub to soak the body, or a simple compress may be used to help relieve localized pain. According to the American Cancer Society, anxiety and stress can be relieved by using hot water hydrotherapy techniques.
Ice Packs
Ice packs are frequently used in hydrotherapy procedures, according to the American Cancer Society. Reports by the American Cancer Society also indicate that ice packs can be used to effectively reduce inflammation, pain and swelling that is associated with arthritis, infections and bodily injuries.
Sitz Bath
A sitz bath is a noninvasive form of hydrotherapy that has been found to be extremely effective, according to the Mayo Clinic. During a sitz bath treatment, the patient sits in shallow pools of cold or hot water. The water may contain additives such as bath salts or essential oils. A sitz bath may help people with urogenital infections, menstrual problems or hemorrhoids.
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