Naturopathy is a broad system of medicine built upon simple and reliable principles. One of these principles is that proper circulation to internal organs and tissues is a necessity for pain relief, optimal metabolic function, repair of damaged or infected tissue and for general well-being.
There are many ways to improve circulation and hydrotherapy, the use of alternating hot and cold water, is one of the oldest. Hydrotherapy is a treatment modality that uses water therapy to move stagnant circulation and lymphatic flow throughout the body.
When the circulation is compromised or stagnant, disease can take hold. Hydrotherapy acts to fight disease by stimulating the body’s own healing force. The application of hot water pulls blood into the area bringing in fresh nutrients and immune cells. Cold water pushes blood away from the area of application and helps to clear inflammation.
Naturopaths use hydrotherapy to stimulate the vital force of the body thereby stimulating the speed of the healing process of many acute and chronic illnesses such as respiratory conditions, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, broken bones, skin ulcers, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue symdrome, headaches, cold and flus.
Constitutional hydrotherapy is a special type of hydrotherapy that uses alternating applications of hot and cold in conjunction with electrical stimulation. During the treatment the patient will lie comfortably on a soft table while hot towels are applied to the upper torso. The individual is then covered with a sheet and several layers of blankets. Once the skin is warmed, a single cold towel is exchanged for the heated one and electrical stimulation is applied to the back.
The use of electrical stimulation is assumed to cause smooth muscle contraction of the ducts of the pancreas, stomach, gallbladder, and liver therefore supporting digestive enzyme production and improving circulation. In addition, the stimulation is believed to cause an influx of white blood cells to the lymphatic tissue surrounding the intestinal region. As the cold towel warms up, blood and lymphatic fluid are returned to the skin.
Once warm, the single towel is removed and a dry towel is placed on the torso with electrical stimulation to the digestive region of the body. The process is then repeated on the back, however this time without electrical stimulation.
The benefits of constitutional hydrotherapy include: an improvement in sleep, digestion, and bowel function; an increase in energy level; a reduction in chronic pain; and promotes of relaxation. Hydrotherapy also enhances the immune response, improves overall nutrition, promotes detoxification and helps restore nervous equilibrium. Naturopathic constitutional hydrotherapy works because it helps to optimize the quality of blood, while improving the efficiency of its circulation.
Other naturopathic therapies such as herbal medicines, special diets or homeopathy often work better due to concurrent constitutional hydrotherapy treatments. For the best results, constitutional hydrotherapy should be repeated 3 or 4 times per week for several weeks. The number of treatments needed is in part determined by your specific illness and your healthcare practitioner.