INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES ISSN: 22775005

Review Article : A Review Chinju Sara Mathew*, Babitha Babu, Chinnu Shaji, Nisha Pothan, Diljit S Kutoor and Elessy Abraham Nazareth College of Pharmacy, Othera, Thiruvalla, Kerala, Thiruvanthapuram, India.

ABSTRACT Hydrotherapy is used in relieving pain such as headaches, back pain and muscle pain, and inflammation associated with . The treatment is also used to improve blood circulation and to tone the skin and muscles. It also helps elevate one’s moods hence used for managing stress and anxiety. Hydrotherapy is commonly used to treat stroke, brain and muscle injuries. Hydrotherapy techniques may also be used before or after surgery procedure to replace the hip, joints and other broken limbs.

Keywords: Hydrotherapy, kniepp system, colon hydrotherapy, balneotherapy.

INTRODUCTION Hydrotherapy is a word that has been used The goals of hydrotherapy are to improve the to describe a wide range of activities of circulation and quality of blood. This is which most pertain to therapeutic and important because blood delivers nutrients to exercise activities carried out in heated and removes wastes from tissues and organs. pools. More recently, If circulation is poor or slow, healing nutrients have recognized hydrotherapy as a cannot be delivered and toxins cannot be physiotherapy treatment carried out in water removed, which causes degeneration of the where the properties of water are utilized to tissues and organs. By improving the quality of achieve specific therapeutic goals. The blood, more nutrients are available for cells to water supports your body weight and aids use and toxins are managed more efficiently. buoyancy, whilst the warmth can allow General therapeutic uses of hydrotherapy muscles to relax and ease joint pain. It can include: also help promote relaxation, decrease  Pain and swelling of injuries stress on joints, increase movement and  Fever stimulate circulation. Hydrotherapy is one of  Elimination of toxins the basic methods of treatment widely used  Antispasmodic in the system of natural medicine, which is  Constipation also called as water therapy, aquatic  Improve immune function therapy, pool therapy, and balneotherapy1. Alternating hot and cold (contrast WATER THERAPY hydrotherapy) is a common hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is the treatment. The hot application expands blood application of water to initiate cure. All three vessels, filling them with blood, and the cold forms of water (liquid, steam, ice) can be used application constricts the blood vessels, therapeutically. Advantages to hydrotherapy forcing the blood to move on to other parts of are:4 the body. Hot and cold water can be applied to  It is almost always available. any part of the body that is inflamed,  It is easy to learn and perform. congested, or injured. Treatment normally  It is painless and has no ill side consists of applying a hot cloth for 3 minutes effects. then a cold cloth for 30 seconds, alternating 3  It is inexpensive and can be done at times in a row. The treatment can be done home. several times a day.4

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The amount of time the hot and cold is applied helpful for detoxification and to calm may vary (e.g., 5 minutes hot, 1 minute cold) psychiatric patients.5 as long as the cold application is of shorter duration than the hot. It is also important to Internal Hydrotherapy end the treatment with the cold application. Internal hydrotherapy includes colonic The hot application should be pleasantly hot. irrigation and enemas. Steam baths are a type of internal hydrotherapy. Colonic irrigation is Caution an enema which is used for cleansing the Do not apply water that is hot enough to burn. entire bowel. It is believed to cure a number of  People have different tolerance levels digestive problems. Douching is another form for hot water on different parts of their of internal hydrotherapy, which directs a body. stream of water into the vagina for cleansing  Tolerance levels can change from purposes. This is generally not the treatment to treatment, depending on recommended form of therapy.7 emotional state, degree of injury or illness, and body temperature.  Water works on the body reflexively. This means that when water is applied to one part of the body, other parts of the body are also stimulated by an arterial (blood vessel) reflex or spinal cord reflex.  Hydrotherapy takes advantage of this reflexive action. For example, if the left foot is fractured and in a cast, an alternating hot and cold treatment can be performed on the right foot. Because of the reflexive action, the left foot obtains the benefits of the hydrotherapy treatment even though it was done on the right foot. This principle is also used when a hot and cold treatment is applied to the feet to MECHANISM OF HYDROTHERAPY treat the throat or sinuses. Hydrotherapy acts through the nervous system. Like medications, it acts on the brain CLASSIFICATION AND TYPES OF centers and their extensions, and then through HYDROTHERAPY the reflex areas. Function is stimulated or Hydrotherapy is generally categorized into two reduced by means of temperatures used and types. the length of their application. Friction accompanying the application of hydrotherapy External Hydrotherapy also adds to and prolongs its effectiveness. This type involves the application of water or Hydrotherapy works on the healing properties ice to the body or immersion of the body in of its thermal and mechanical effects. water whereas temperature-based Hydrotherapy makes use of the body's hydrotherapy involves various effects of cold reaction to the pressure exerted by the water, or hot water on the skin and underlying to hot and cold stimuli, to the sensation of the tissues. Hot water helps relaxes muscles and water itself, to the protracted application of causes sweating, and is very helpful to treat heat. Nerves help the sensation of the skin poor circulation, sore muscles, arthritis, and deeper into the body, it is then vital in rheumatism by using the combination of stimulating the immune system, improving . Cold water hydrotherapy helps circulation and digestion, influencing the in stimulating underlying muscles and blood production of stress hormones, lessening the flow in the skin. Treatments based on body's sensitivity to pain and encouraging the temperature include the application of cold or flow of blood. moist heat to particular parts of the body. In general, heat helps to soothe and quiet the Treatment with moist heat is called body, and to slow down the activity of internal fomentation, and is helpful for conditions such organs. Cold is used to rejuvenate and as flu, arthritis, or chest cold whereas cold stimulate, increasing internal activity within the compresses or ice packs help with headaches, body. If an individual is experiencing anxiety or dental surgery, or sprains. Body packs are tense muscles, heat is recommended in the

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shower or bath. For stressed out and tired baths provide relief to tired feet.It is also found feeling, it is recommended to take a warm to be effective against insomnia, headaches, shower or bath followed by a short cold sprains and varicose veins. shower to help stimulate the body and mind. Pain or stress may lead to chemical changes Heating Compress in the body that can cause increased pulse The heating compress is an application of a rate and blood pressure .Regular hydrotherapy cold compress to an area that is initially cooled treatments help in reducing these symptoms by the water and then warmed by the influx of by relieving and relaxing the swollen joints and blood to the area. It is an effective therapy for slowing down the process of stress reaction. sore throat, cold, flu, and sinus congestion This helps to unwind and relax and helps to when it is administered to the throat or deal with pain easily.5, 6 feet.When the feet are treated, it is also known as warming socks or wet socks treatment. TYPES OF HYDROTHERAPY TECHNIQUES Hip or Sitz Bath Kneipp system With this treatment, only the hips are soaked in This technique was developed by Sebastian cold or warm plain water or saline solution to Kneipp and involves the use of cold and hot treat vaginal discharge, uterus cramps, water on the skin. The technique is done in a hemorrhoids, inflammation, constipation, Kneipp bath which helps to improve the prostate problems and other abdominal immune system.Treatments classified under problems. It is more labor intensive than other the Kneipp system include positive hydrotherapy treatments but it powerfully physiological, consensual, segmental and affects the pelvic and abdominal organs. immune system. Additionally, it helps in relieving muscle tension and trauma. Steam bath Steam baths are used to treat bronchitis, Hydro- asthma, skin problems, pain and allergies. It involves use of warm water, which applies chemical, mechanical and thermal massage to Steam inhalation the body. This helps to improving circulation of Here water is boiled in a large pot. Stem blood, relieving pain and tension while relaxing inhalation provides relief from sinus infection the muscle. Hydro-massage relieves pain in and nasal congestion. People with high blood the soft tissues and muscles caused by pressure should avoid steam inhalation. injuries from sports and arthritis. It is also used to treat insomnia, tendinitis, and multiple Full immersion bath sclerosis. In addition, hydro-massage is also Here the person is immersed in water (up to used to relieve and manage stress. shoulder level) for around 20 minutes. The temperature of the water is maintained at Colon hydrotherapy around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.The water may It is a technique that involves infusing warm be plain or it may contain herbs, salts or oils. water into the rectum. The technique is This form of hydrotherapy produces painless and helps in washing out old and relaxation.[6, 7, 8] built-up waste in the colon. Colon therapy aims at improving the overall health of the digestive USES OF HYDROTHERAPY system. Note that, water used in colon The uses of hydrotherapy include: hydrotherapy doesnot contains any drug, chemical or herb.5, 6 For Pain Relief Hydrotherapy has proved to be a highly COMMON HYDROTHERAPY TECHNIQUES effective type of natural therapy which works by stimulating the endorphins which in turn Baths & Showers help to alleviate tension and control pain. Baths and showers can be healthy and healing. A hot bath or shower can encourage For Circulation relaxation, reduce stress, and flush out toxins. Hydrobath has an extraordinary and almost Adding essential oils or herbs to the bath can miraculous ability to improve circulation by enhance the therapeutic benefits. providing nourishment and oxygen to entire cells and tissues. Cold foot bath Here the feet are immersed in cold water (up to the ankles) for around one minute. Cold foot

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For Immunity Headaches Conventional detoxing leads to a stronger Hydrotherapy in the form of moist compresses immune system, which is able to manage is very useful for headaches. controlling infections, bacteria and viruses. This also helps to overcome minor infections Colonic Hydrotherapy for Stomach ranging from the common cold right up to Problems deadly diseases. Hydrotherapy is very effective in relieving stomach problems. Colonic hydrotherapy is Stress very helpful when treating patients with irritable Hydrotherapy helps in breaking stress cycle of bowel syndrome, digestive problems, everyday life and treat stress-related illnesses, indigestion and constipation. which can cause a variety of psychological and physical problems like digestive complaints, Sciatica high blood pressure, anxiety attacks, Hydrotherapy has proved to counteract the depression, headaches, and insomnia. bodily reactions caused by sciatica and reduce pain or ache by using its hot tub therapy. The Complexion body becomes weightless relieving it off the Hydro bath helps in regulating body's constant pull of gravity when submerged in a temperature by improving efficiency of hot tub. perspiration glands. This releases the toxins from the body leading to a healthy glowing Hydrotherapy for Sleep Disorders complexion and also helps reduce fluid Hot bath is very helpful to cure sleep disorders retention and even have a remarkable effect as it effects more accurately if taken before on other ailments such as cellulite. going to bed. The warm water from this bath raises body temperature and helps to sleep Arthritis easily. Staying in a hot bath for more time is Hydrotherapy helps in treating arthritis by not recommended as this could lead to the risk submerging into water either to soak or to of overheating.[2, 3] exercise. This procedure is very helpful to treat stiffness and joint pains. CONCLUSION Hydrotherapy treatments are used by both Back Pain allopathic and complementary medicine to Alternate hot and cold compresses are applied treat a wide variety of discomforts and to the painful area for acute back pain. The hot disorders. Hydrotherapy is commonly used compress will increase blood flow to the area to treat stroke, brain and muscle and relax the muscles while the cold compress injuries.The low-impact nature of helps reduce inflammation. Chronic backaches hydrotherapy makes it one of the most may be benefited from alternating hot and cold successful treatments for bones and showers. muscles. Hydrotherapy stimulates the release of endorphins acting as a natural Hydrotherapy for Acne pain reliever which will further reduce Treatments like hot and cold wet compresses muscle soreness.Water birth involves giving and colon hydrotherapy are proposed to cure birth in a tub of warm water now a popular acne. trend in most developed nations. Hydrotherapy is used in relieving pain such Insomnia as headaches, back pain and muscle pain, Hydrotherapy helps to run the blood back to and inflammation associated with the external areas and away from the head. arthritis.Being immersed in warm or hot Insomnia is caused by too much blood in the water raises the body temperature, brain. Applying hot foot baths, cold-water pack, increasing blood flow around the circulatory alternate hot and cold showers is really system and so alleviating pain. The effective. improved circulation will in turn help to heal injured tissues and rehabilitate damaged Joint Pain muscles or joints. It also helps elevate one’s Whirlpools, Jacuzzis, and hot tubs helps in moods hence used for managing stress and treating muscle and joint pain and to regain anxiety. This is a therapeutic whole body muscle strength. treatment that involves moving and exercising in water that means doing physiotherapy in pool.

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REFERENCES 4. www.indiamedico.com>hydrotherapy 1. Fleming SA and Gutknecht NC. 5. www.hydroreference.com>hydrother Gutknecht. and the apy Primary Care Practice. Prim Care. 6. www.kwphysio.ie/hydrotherapy/ 2010;37:119–36. 7. http://www.healthcommunities.com/hy 2. Davison, Peter G, Loiselle, drotherapy/alternativemedicine/about- Frederick B, Nickerson and Duncan. water therapy "Survey on current hydrotherapy use 8. www.thenaturalpathclinic.org/packag among North American Burn es/ centres". Journal of burn care & 9. www.natural research. 2010;31(3):393–399. therapypages.com.au/hydrotherapy/. 3. https://en.m.wikipedia.org>wiki>Hydr otherapy

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