Naturopathic Constitutional Hydrotherapy in Portland, Oregon
Constitutional Hydrotherapy is a treatment that combines hot and cold towel applications over the chest, abdomen, and back with low-voltage sine wave stimulation. The treatment enhances the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to vital organs and aids in eliminating metabolic wastes and environmental toxins.
Constitutional hydrotherapy is a technique that is known to improve recovery from a long list of both minor and chronic illnesses. It normalizes circulation, soothes the nervous system, stimulates the digestive processes, and strengthens the immune system. Constitutional hydrotherapy is a subtle treatment with very powerful effects and almost no risk when performed by a qualified naturopath.
Health Benefits of Constitutional Hydrotherapy
The use of water for the treatment of various ailments is nothing new to the medical industry. In fact, hydrotherapy has been practiced for centuries. There is evidence dating back thousands of years indicating that ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures used water to treat a variety of health issues. Warm running water was popularly used for relieving stiff joints, while full immersion was known to help settle the nerves.
There are many naturopathic healing properties of water. Currently, hydrotherapy is an integral part of both natural and traditional medicine. It is widely used in naturopathic medicine, as it has a long list of benefits for health and well-being.
Boosts Immune Function: During a hydrotherapy session, circulation and blood flow will increase, causing white blood cells to be moved through the body more efficiently. This strengthens immunity, aiding in a person’s ability to fight colds and other illnesses.
Improves Digestion: Hydrotherapy improves digestion and is known to relieve stomach issues. Treatments typically aid in the relief of irritable bowel syndrome, digestive problems, constipation, and indigestion.
Relieves Muscle Pain: Immersion in warm or hot water raises a person’s body temperature. This increases blood flow and circulation, in turn, alleviating pain. The result is pain relief and quicker healing of injured tissues and damaged joints or muscles. Additionally, the weightless feeling a person experiences under water relieves muscle tension, supporting sore ligaments, and easing their movement.
Diminishes Stress: Hydrotherapy treatment can be an effective tool for relieving stress by helping to reduce blood pressure. Furthermore, hydrotherapy may also slow down the body’s reaction to anxiety by helping the body release endorphins.
Other naturopathic health benefits to hydrotherapy include:
- Regulation of body temperature
- Increased oxygen exchange in the lungs
- Improved relaxation
- Enhanced ability to heal
- Treatment of acne
- Relief from headaches and colds
- Better sleep
In general, heat from hydrotherapy soothes the body and slows down the activity of internal organs. Conversely, the cold sensation is used to stimulate and invigorate internal activity in the body. Treatments last for about an hour and fifteen minutes. Hydrotherapy appointments are often scheduled once a week for four consecutive weeks, depending on the needs of the patient.
Constitutional Hydrotherapy at Heart Spring Health
The ability for hydrotherapy to heal is based on its mechanical and thermal effects. During a hydrotherapy session, the body reacts to hot and cold stimuli, pressure from the water, as well as the sensation of the water itself. Nerves carry these sensations deeper into the body, where they stimulate the immune system, counteracting the production of stress hormones, improving in circulation, aiding with digestion, encouraging blood flow, and alleviating pain sensitivities.
Hydrotherapy is effective because it stimulates the body’s own healing abilities. Every cell in the body is stimulated through hydrotherapy in order to excrete waste, optimize nutrition, and allow all parts of the body to work more effectively. Constitutional hydrotherapy gets its name because it changes the constitution of each individual cell.
The application of a hot towel relaxes muscles and causes the body to sweat. In natural medicine, this can be used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, circulation issues, and sore muscles. Cold water hydrotherapy is typically used to stimulate blood flow in a person’s muscles as well the skin. In addition to relief from physical ailments, hydrotherapy is also a great option for relaxation, aiding with anti-anxiety, and promoting an overall healthy state of mind.
The naturopathic doctors at Heart Spring Health’s are trained in hydrotherapy treatment. A member of our team will help you determine how the healing power of water can best help you. Contact our Portland natural health clinic today to find out more about the many benefits to hydrotherapy and schedule a consultation.