Hydrotherapy Health Dictionary

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  2. Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy: From 4 Different Sources

The use of water in the treatment of disease. Improves function of the entire circulatory and nervous system. It may take the form of a poultice, douche, pack, sauna, fomentation, shower, immersion or colonic irrigation. Use goes back to Hippocrates and the Ancient World. In Europe, it was re-discovered by Father Sebastion Kneipp (1821-97). Water may be used as steam cold or hot packs . . . even ice! Cold water has the effect of drawing away blood from the seat of inflammation. It opens pores, dissipates heat and causes the body to sweat out impurities. Alternation of hot and cold water by a Sitz bath tones and soothes pelvic structures.

Herbs used in Hydrotherapy: Chamomile, Rosemary, Clary-sage, Bergamot, Thyme or Lavender. Peppermint, Red Clover flors.

Foot Freshener. Soak feet in hot water for 3 minutes. Follow, by plunging them into cold water for 1 minute. Repeat 15-30 minutes. Finish-off with cold. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia
The use of exercises in water to aid recovery from injury or improve mobility. Cold baths after an injury can reduce swelling and bruising.

(See also heat treatment; ice-packs.)

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
Treatment using water in the form of baths, douches, etc.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. the use of water in the treatment of disorders, as by exercising in remedial swimming pools as part of the *rehabilitation of arthritic or partially paralysed patients.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Hydrotherapy, Colon

 Irrigation of the low bowel.

When elimination of body wastes is held up by a chronically-overloaded bowel general health may suffer. A constipated colon, with accumulations of hard faeces, obstructs peristalsis and loses its ability to evacuate effectively. Toxaemia follows, with gross interference of digestion of food.

As contents putrefy, toxins are re-absorbed, poisoning the blood. Such self-induced disease may lie at the root of sluggish liver function, skin disease, blood pressure, and aches in muscles similating rheumatism.

To clean out a clogged colon, injection of a herbal tea into the rectum not only proves effective but brings about a healthful purgation and release from tension. 2-3oz herb is brought to the boil in 1 gallon water, simmered for one minute, and allowed to cool. The tea is strained when warm and injected.

Enema herbs include: Soapwort, Chamomile, Marshmallow, Catmint, Raspberry leaves, Chickweed. Alternative: 20-30 drops Tincture Myrrh added to boiled water allowed to cool. ... hydrotherapy, colon


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