New Delhi, March 20 (IANS). Hydrotherapy or hydrotherapy is an important part of naturopathy, which uses different temperatures of water to help relieve body pain, toxins and improve health. Under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, it is linked to ancient Indian systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy.
This therapy strengthens the body’s ability to fight diseases by increasing its vitality. In naturopathy, health is linked to the internal balance of the body. When habits like sleep, nutrition, exercise, prayer or fasting deteriorate, life force weakens and diseases arise. Hydrotherapy detoxifies the body through water, relaxes muscles, increases blood circulation and reduces inflammation.
This treatment is done by methods like immersion in hot water, cold packs, steam bath, exercise in the pool or ice massage on the head. One study looked at the effect of hydrotherapy on migraine patients. 40 chronic migraine patients were divided into two groups. One received hydrotherapy (immersing hands and feet in hot water and ice massage on the head) along with conventional medications, while the other received only medications. After 45 days, the hydrotherapy group had greater reductions in headache frequency, severity, and Headache Impact Test scores. Heart rate variability also improved, which shows improvement in the autonomic nervous system. This provided relief from the autonomic symptoms of migraine.
Hydrotherapy is not just limited to migraines. It has proved effective in many physical and mental problems. It provides great relief from chronic pain, joint pain, back pain and muscle stiffness, arthritis and fibromyalgia. Stress and anxiety go away. Hot water loosens the muscles. Reduces stress hormones and calms the mind. Apart from this, hydrotherapy is also beneficial in neuropathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, obesity and post-surgery recovery.
This therapy removes toxic substances from the body. Helps in dilating and contracting blood vessels and strengthens the immune system. In this, emphasis is placed on the body’s natural healing ability instead of medicines. Hydrotherapy is easy, safe and effective, especially for people who do not get the full benefit from medications. It should be taken with expert advice, as it is also good for providing relief from many chronic, allergic, autoimmune and stress related conditions.
–IANS
MT/VC