www.womanthismonth.com 77 March 2014 An exhausting day of work always calls for a warm bath. Soaking in the tub, with the added allure of mood-lifting music or a good page-turner, is soothing ‘me time’ for many of us. Did you know that the temperature and pressure of water have been used for therapeutic purposes by ancient Persians, Egyptians and the Japanese? Noted Greek physician Hippocrates believed bathing in spring water cures illnesses and the Romans went all out, building public baths for themselves. Hydrotherapy, which is also called aqua therapy, goes way beyond the domestic bathtub. Read on to get the juice on this simple, natural treatment. Enjoy and unwind Our expert: Suphavidree Nasomchai, spa manager, Dessange “A hydrotherapy session involves relaxing in a tub of warm water with automated water jets,” says Suphavidree. “These water jets can be programmed to provide a soothing, massaging sensation all over the body, or for specific problem areas, like the lower back or the legs. The temperature of the water and the force of the jets can be adjusted to your liking.” A typical 30-minute session stimulates the blood flow and the release of endorphins, thus relieving stress, pain and muscle soreness. Present-day hydro-tubs have a mood lighting feature in which the colour of the water changes at quick intervals or is kept in a particular shade. “Hydrotherapy is beneficial for certain skin conditions. It opens up the pores of the body and proves to be a good cleansing ritual. For example, a milk bath helps in extreme dry skin ailments like eczema,” Suphavidree says. In conjunction with saunas and steam rooms, this form of therapy induces sweating, thus flushing out impurities from the skin. Hydrotherapy is different from a Moroccan bath or a hammam; it does not involve the use of soaps and scrubs to exfoliate the skin, but relies purely on the massage provided by force of warm water. “Everybody, except those with open wounds and pregnant women, can partake in the benefits of a hydrotherapy session,” she adds. Medical benefits Our expert: Alex Manatolo, chief therapist, Taaheal Physiotherapy Complex Hydrotherapy is an important part of the comprehensive treatment of physical ailments, like sports injuries, lower back and neck pain. It is also helpful for general fitness; for instance, to improve cardiovascular conditions, control diabetes or reduce obesity. “Hydrotherapy utilises the features of water to help a patient get better,” Alex explains. “Buoyancy, the upward push of water that helps a body float, reduces the effect of one’s body weight by 50 percent. Secondly, the hydrostatic pressure that water offers and the friction with water molecules are a useful form of resistance, providing the patient with a gentle, but effective form of exercise.” Exercising in water allows for shortening, or concentric contraction of the muscles. The force of gravity does not affect movements in water. This helps avoid muscle spasms and micro-tears in the injured muscle. A typical 30-minute session stimulates blood flow
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