Hydrotherapy is a form of alternative medicine that is often undertaken for those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Hydrotherapy is a form of therapy that works by using the movement of water, as well as its warmth and even its turbulence to perform a number of useful healing functions in the body. Hydrotherapy, which first came out of the Popular Health Movement started by Frances Wright in 1830, is a method of reducing stress, decreasing discomfort from a number of health problems and encouraging healing after surgery. Hydrotherapy is very prevalent as a form of therapy in Europe but North America is also coming around to understand its many pluses to health.

Hydrotherapy has been successfully used in the treatment of many ailments and disorders and has brought relief to those who suffer from back, neck and knee injuries; asthma sufferers; arthritis sufferers as well as those with hyperthermia, pulmonary disease, swollen ankles and varicose veins. The gentle motion and swell of water is extremely good for those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome as water has long been shown to have a great deal of therapeutic benefits. Water in an of itself is relaxing and for that reason is an excellent option for CFS patients.

Hydrotherapy is used in many ways today. It is often used in clinical type settings for healing but it is also used in health and wellness spas to encourage relaxation of the body and mind. Qualified professionals such as naturopaths massage therapists or physical therapists are always present during the hydrotherapy sessions to guarantee that no problem arises. There are a number of methods used in hydrotherapy and they include everything from steam baths to hot or cold compresses, to colonic irrigation to icing sprains to whirlpool soakings to a variety of water douches for the arm, neck, back, chest and knee.

Hydrotherapy can also be as simple as using water to heal yourself at home. Both baths and showers provide healing to the human body and it does not have to be in a fancy setting. It is advisable to have warm baths as opposed to hot baths and make sure you fill the tub so that your shoulders will be submerged. A reasonable temperature for a bath is 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit or thereabouts). A relaxing soak in the tub is especially beneficial when you are suffering from a low-grade fever, a respiratory problem that includes a stuffed up nose, a sore throat and a cough and a bladder infection. Any kind of illness can be detrimental to a CFS sufferer so the more you do to keep yourself healthy, the better it is for your health on a long term basis.

Sitz baths are hydrotherapy cures that are basically just water treatments that are designed to help the lower portion of the abdomen. As well there are vapor baths and footbaths. A sitz bath needs to include enough water that the lower part of your body will be completely submerged in water. A sitz bath starts with warm water and then is followed by cold water. This contrast of water temperatures is particularly beneficial for those who have developed headaches due to their chronic health condition. 

Tags: hydrotherapy, cfs, sitz baths, fatigue