Hydrotherapy may be used locally or over the entire body. The effects of an application vary over the length of time it is applied. It is important to rest following any hydrotherapy treatment for at least the same amount of time as the treatment length.

Hydrotherapy applications produce changes in the body’s environment by thermal and mechanical means. Applications of water at temperatures above or below that of the body produce a thermal effect. The greater the temperature difference, the more pronounced the effect.

Essential oils can be applied in various hydrotherapy modalities. Add 5-8 drops of undiluted, pure essential oil under running water to allow for proper dispertion, Some essential oils that promote a calming effect decreasing the effects of stress and anxiety are:

Lavender - relaxation and stress release, insomnia, anxiety
Bergamot – relaxation and stress release, insomnia, anxiety
Neroli – decreases spasm in smooth muscle
Rose – soothing and centring, anxiety

EPSOM SALTS BATH

- Put 2-4 cups epsom salts in bath tub and add water. (May add essential oil)
- Start with warm temperature and gradually increase to hot as tolerated.
- Take sips of water throughout the treatment.
- A cold compress may be placed on neck if desired.
- Length of soak is 10-20 minutes.
- Add cooler water if any dizziness, nausea is felt or signs of fainting.
- Let water out of tub, sit at edge of tub before standing.
- If desired a cool wash or shower can follow.
- Rest for ½ hour.

WARM FOOT BATH
- Fill bucket with warm water. (May add essential oil)
- Sit comfortably, place feet in water up to mid-calf.
- Gradually add warmer water to increase temperature as tolerated.
- Soak for 5-20 minutes.
- A cold compress may be placed on back of neck if desired.
- Rest is recommended afterwards for 20-30 minutes.
- Can finish with a cold rinse to boost circulation.
- Dry completely and put socks on to avoid chilling.

FULL BODY STEAM
- Take a cleansing shower.
- Sit or lie in steam room.
- Steam should last 20 minutes.
- Finish with a cleansing shower.

COLD ABDOMINAL WASH
- Lay on back with knees bent to relax abdominal muscles.
- Entire treatment should take less than 2 minutes to avoid chilling.
- Place a wash cloth in a small bucket of cold water. (May add essential oil)
- Make clockwise motions on abdomen.
- Apply the wash at least 20-40 times.
- Rinse and wring out wash cloth often.
- Cover abdomen to allow the rewarming process.

HEATING COMPRESS
- Place towel in cold water and wring out well. (May use essential oil)
- Apply the compress (towel) quickly to abdomen and cover snugly with a dry towel.
- Leave on until it feels warm, and then apply another compress (more stimulating) or leave the initial compress on for ½ hour or overnight.
- If compress is not warming up add another dry covering on top.
- Remove compress, wash the area with cold water, dry and cover back up to avoid chilling.

WHEN IS HYDROTHERAPY NOT USED?
- unknown or undiagnosed condition (check with doctor)
- severe or chronic congestive heart failure
- unstable or high blood pressure
- advanced kidney failure or liver disease
- acute arthritis, phlebitis, gangrene, permanent vasomotor paralysis, wounds or lesions
- heat should not be used on acute inflammation, fever, directly over heart
- cold should not be applied to abdomen if diarrhea is present, to spasmed muscles, hyperthyroidism

STOP HYDROTHERAPY TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY if you experience:

Stop the treatment, take cool sips of water or warm herbal tea.

Bed rest is prescribed. Raise the head if skin is red or swollen.