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Water is regarded as one of the most precious gifts of nature. It is an essential and major component of all living things on earth. Water is essential to all body functions. Water treatments or hydrotherapy is considered one of the simplest, oldest and the safest method in the treatment of various ailments. Water acts as oil for the joints, controls the body temperature and softens the skin. The hydrotherapy works on the principles of buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure and water temperature. That’s why it provides beneficial results. The principle of buoyancy of water comes into action when treating muscular or joint injuries. The body weight reduces up to 90% in water. This relieves the pressure of weight on the joints and muscles and the feeling of weightlessness provides physical and mental relaxation. This helps to relieve painful joints and also increase the range of movement of the joints. It also releases natural painkillers, called endorphins, into the system.
Hydrostatic pressure offers a form of massage that is soothing and healing. This massaging action gets combined with weightlessness and relaxes tight muscles.
Hot water raises the body temperature and results in the dilation of blood vessels. This increases circulation that enhances the body's healing process. The high temperature increases the production of white blood cells that helps the body to fight against various infections.
The various water treatments beneficial in arthritis are:
- Body Baths and Showers
The both hot and cold baths and showers are highly beneficial. Hot baths and showers are excellent both for relaxing and alleviating joint pain. The heat is relaxing and soothing. The cold baths and showers tones up the muscles, reduce inflammation, fight against fatigue and stimulate the central nervous system. To some people with arthritis a hot water bath early in the morning makes them energetic whereas some prefer a cold bath for the inflamed joints.
- Hot and Cold Compresses
A cold compress helps in reducing the inflammation and eases the aches and pains of the joints. To make a hot compress soak towels in hot boiling water, wring the towel and apply to the painful areas. To make a cold compress fill a plastic bag with ice cubes. Do not apply the cold compress directly to the part. Place a towel over the skin and above the towel place the plastic bag with ice. Cold compress should not be applied for more than 20 minutes and hot compress can be applied for about half an hour. Many people get relief from alternating heat and cold compresses. Hot compresses also stimulate the immune system.
- Cold Friction Rubs
It is an excellent way to alleviate chronic fatigue. A cold friction rub helps in increasing the circulation around the joints. Before the rub, take a hot bath or shower. Dip a clean cloth in cold water and wrap tightly around the hand. In a circular motion rub the other arm, had, leg and foot. Change the hand and rub the other side of the body. At the end rub the chest and abdomen. Dry the whole body in the same circular motion.
- Body Wrap
Body wraps are used to eliminate toxins from the system. The first step in the treatment of arthritis is to relieve constipation. In a body wrap the whole body is wrapped in a cold, wet sheet that is again covered with a woolen blanket. The body is kept wrapped till the blanket dries the wet sheet.
- Foot and Hand Baths
Footbaths are an excellent way to reduce the swelling of feet and legs. People with prolonged standing and sitting hours are the most benefited ones. Hot footbaths draw the blood away from troubled areas. Soak the feet in hot water for at least 30 minutes and in the end quickly rinse the feet with cold water. Hand baths are often recommended to the person with writing jobs, typewriters and yard work.
- Neutral Baths
Neutral baths are best suited for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, menopausal hot flashes and insomnia. In neutral baths whole body is immersed in water up to the neck for about 20 minutes.
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