Hydrotherapy and Spa

Most viruses are highly susceptible to an increase in temperature and will be damaged or even killed from overheating long before a human body is affected. Some of the viruses affected by the steam in a steam shower are rhinivirus, which is responsible...

The term “Hydropathy” comes from Greek and stands for “water cure”. Yet, this term is a deceiving one, because the water is only the means through which other agents are activated. In fact the hydrotherapy is based on heat, cold or on the action of curative herbs. Because water is only the vehicle for these agents, scientists have suggested that the procedures specific to hydrotherapy should be grouped under a more suggestive name, that of hydrotherapy or hydrotherapeutics.

"Cast Thyself Into The Enfolding Arms Of The Angel Of Water For She Shall Cast Out From Thee All That Is Unclean And Evil." - The Dead Sea Scrolls- 3rd century BCE to 640 AD.

It constitutes an intrinsic part of our daily life and we couldn’t survive without it. Amongst its countless benefits to our health and our planet, WATER is the ultimate natural detox tool.

Hydrotherapy is the use of water to heal and ease a variety of ailments and the water may be used in a variety of different ways. The healing properties of water have been recognised since ancient times, notably by the Greek, Roman and Turkish civilisations but also by people in Europe and China. Most people know the benefits of a hot bath in relaxing the body, relieving muscular aches and stiffness and helping to bring about restful sleep. Hot water or steam causes blood vessels to dilate, opens skin pores and stimulates perspiration, relaxing limbs and muscles.

The use of the bath is, as might be anticipated, an exceedingly old custom. The fullest details we have with respect to the bathing habits of the ancients apply to its development under the Romans. Their bathing establishments consisted of four main sections, the undressing room, with an adjoining room in which the bathers were anointed; a cold room with provisions for a cold bath; a room heated to a moderate temperature that serves as preparation for the highest and lowest temperatures the bather might experience.

The ritual of cleaning oneself by means of applying water in accompaniment with various other supplements like soaps and cleansers is referred to as bathing. It is necessary to note that while bathing is the commonest mode of cleaning the external parts of the body for essentially hygienic purposes, bathing is also a significant feature of various religious rituals and also can be used for therapeutic purposes. For example, hydrotherapy refers to a form of bathing by means of which one can attain therapeutic benefits.

For centuries, hot springs have offered numerous health benefits for everything from arthritis to indigestion. Sulfur, for instance, is credited with relieving nasal congestion, while sodium bicarbonate and calcium are said to enhance circulation. A number of studies have also indicated that soaking in hot mineral spring waters lessens the pain of arthritis. For instance, a study published in the August 1995 issue of the Israeli medical journal Harefuah reported patients bathing in the Dead Sea salt experienced improvement in knee pain.

This form of therapy goes back to early civilisation and has rapidly evolved into the use of mud packs, saunas and steam baths, physical exercises, inhalation of water vapour, and drinking mineral water; all these come under the general name of balneotherapy [1].

The process involves particular types of water, which have healing properties; these include, sulphur springs and concentrated salty water, such as found at the Dead Sea. Hot springs, which are high in Radon (a radioactive substance) are also said to possess particular healing properties.

Modern Spas invoke the image of luxury and soaking in a 'spa' tub with beauty treatments. However, traditional natural spas have been around for thousands of years and were used for healing arthritis, skin diseases and other health related problems by ancient medical practitioners in India, Romans and even by Maori tribes of New Zealand.

Ayurvedic Health Spas have gained popularity and remain a magnetic source for people looking for alternative treatments for chronic pains.

Facial Clay Masks are part of a complete skin care regime and should be included at least twice a week in your daily skin care regime. There are however clays, and then there are high quality, premium cosmetic/beauty clays.