Hydrotherapy - page

Hydro- and Thermal therapy

Hydro- and Thermal therapy

Hydrotherapy
Wet Pack
Sauna.

 

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy was practised during the Roman, Chinese and Japanese empires. It can be carried out successfully and easily using the ordinary shower head. The method does not strain the circulation as much as bathing. Beginning with the feet, using first warm water, the cold water - not too long, just a few seconds - that's it! Rub the feet warm with a rough towel. If this has been well tolerated, then continue with the lower leg. Beginning with the top side of the right foot, up to the knee, then the left foot, etc. The next step is to the hips, then the arms in similar manner. Finally, the whole body. First, always warm, then cold water and always from the beginning again.

Effect:

  • warm phase: improved circulation
  • cold phase: vascular (veins, etc.) contraction, dilation of the capillaries - giving reddened skin
  • hydrotherapy equalises impaired blood circulation and trains the heath balance / warm regulatory system
  • improves nerve function, lessens pain and cramps
  • lessens raised hormone production and increases production by deficiency in glands
  • elimination of different / various substances by / through the skin, detoxifying and relieving the metabolism
  • stabilising the circulation
  • improved tissue tension, elasticity and lymph circulation
  • soothes spastic bronchial muscles, cold impulse raises the respiratory -frequency and -volume
 In the presence of mucous, the lungs get less oxygen, which in turn means reduced blood circulation to the specific areas. Hydrotherapy is just the right method in this instance.
Contra indications by CF could be:
General bad health, or congestion of the lungs (Cor pulmonale).

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Wet pack

Wet pack are part of hydrotherapy and herbal therapy.
It's history is old. Cave people knew the therapeutic effects of cold water.
They treated sprains for example in the nearest stream. They experienced in this way a lessening of the swelling and haematoma by the inhibiting effects of the cold water. A wet pack requires time, not just while being applied, but also the time it needs for its after effects. During a wet pack, the person should be under supervision. Regular enquiries as to the well-being are necessary. If the person does not feel well, it should be stopped / removed immediately.

Effects:

  • influences circulation; according to the type of wet pack, it withdraws heat ( circulation- reduction by narrowing of the blood vessels) or circulation improvement (blood vessel dilation) through heat or cold impulses / stimulus.
  • Excretory effect: the skin is an organ of excretion; wet packs have a cleansing effect by stimulating the clearing function of the skin
  • Calming, relaxing
    Through heat and the related relaxation, deeper breathing is often instigated. Applying a wet pack is also a form of giving attention.

Hot chest pack with lemon

Effect:

the lemons have a contracting effect and in this way support the system in getting rid of swelling and inflammation.

Area of application:

  • tonsilitis
  • coughing / bronchitis
  • pneumonia / croup (with doctors /GP agreement)

Material / Requirements:

  • half an organic lemon
  • one basin, knife and fork
  • one glass
  • inner cloth (25-30 cm width)
  • woollen cloth (4 cm wider than inner cloth)
  • water basin
  • towel

Preparation:

¾ l of boiling water in basin. Then the lemon is cut the following way, under water, in order that / so that the aromatic oils don't escape: hold the lemon under water by the fork, making cuts in the skin. Press out the lemon with the glass, still under water. This water is then poured onto the inner cloth that has been laid out on the towel. The towel is then wrung out. The back or chest is carefully tipped with the warm inner cloth to test its heat. If pleasant, the inner cloth is wrapped round the back and the woollen cloth over that, not too tightly. The person is covered with a blanket.

Duration of application:

½ to ¾ hour, as long as the person has a feeling of well-being and the wet pack remains warm.

Mustard pack

This is my favourite, has a strong effect and used improperly, can be dangerous - causing skin burns and/or circulatory collapse. To ensure proper usage read book by Maya Thueler...

Book recommendation Book recommendation:
Wohltuende Wickel, von Maya Thüler, Maya Thüler Verlag, Worb; ISBN 3-908539-01-3.

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Sauna

The oldest record of sweating in a room with glowing hot stones is 2500 years old. The Roman stone-sweating-bath, now known as sauna, puts less of a stress on the circulation than a hot bath.


Effects

  • strengthens skin blood supply, increasing sweat secretion
  • increased secretion by the mucous-membrane in the bronchi
  • the bronchi dilate, respiratory resistance is lowered
  • cramps relax
  • relaxation of the muscle
  • improved tension of support tissues and better mobility
  • inner secretions and metabolism are stimulated
  • stimulation of the immune system
 regular use influences pulse, blood pressure, skin function, kidney function, metabolism and immunity for the better.


Indications for saunas could be:

  • painful muscle / muscular back pain
  • chronic bronchitis
  • asthma
  • increasing performance
  • general 'hardening' of one's system


Contra-indications for sauna in CF:

  • acute infections
  • lung congestion (Cor pulmonale)
  • hyperactive immune system

Book recommendation Contact address for further informatins: Deutscher Sauna-Bund e.V., Kavalleriestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld.

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