Hydrotherapy
Contrast hydrotherapy
23/07/11 10:41
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This is one of the home remedies I discussed during my appearance on Wylde on Health June 17, 2011. Video is up online here (look for June 17th, segment 3).
Contrast hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is simply the use of the healing properties of water! Contrast hydrotherapy uses the effects of alternating hot and cold water to treat a variety of ailments, such as local pain, sub-acute to chronic inflammation, and poor circulation. Alternating hot and cold pumps blood to that area and tones the blood vessels, increasing blood flow in the short-term and improving overall circulation longer-term. Improving circulation can help keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, regulating your own comfort year-round!
The easiest way to start is to introduce contrast into your regular bathing routine (whether bath or shower). This means alternating the temperature of the water between warm and cold in order to increase blood flow to the skin. The greater the contrast of temperatures, the more intense the treatment. Consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or are pregnant.
Directions:
Contrast hydrotherapy can also be done using hot and cold towels or heating pad and cold pack for a more localized effect. It is a great treatment for local pain and inflammation caused by injury, arthritis, overuse, muscle strain, poor posture, or other causes.
This is one of the home remedies I discussed during my appearance on Wylde on Health June 17, 2011. Video is up online here (look for June 17th, segment 3).
Contrast hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is simply the use of the healing properties of water! Contrast hydrotherapy uses the effects of alternating hot and cold water to treat a variety of ailments, such as local pain, sub-acute to chronic inflammation, and poor circulation. Alternating hot and cold pumps blood to that area and tones the blood vessels, increasing blood flow in the short-term and improving overall circulation longer-term. Improving circulation can help keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, regulating your own comfort year-round!
The easiest way to start is to introduce contrast into your regular bathing routine (whether bath or shower). This means alternating the temperature of the water between warm and cold in order to increase blood flow to the skin. The greater the contrast of temperatures, the more intense the treatment. Consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or are pregnant.
Directions:
- Begin shower with approximately 2-3 minutes warm/hot water, concentrating water flow on any affected areas.
- Switch to cold water (as cold as can be tolerated) for approximately 30 seconds.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 at least three times more, for a total of 4 (or more) cycles of hot then cold water, attempting to increase the contrast each cycle.
- The treatment should always end with cold water.
- Dry thoroughly and rest for 10 minutes.
Contrast hydrotherapy can also be done using hot and cold towels or heating pad and cold pack for a more localized effect. It is a great treatment for local pain and inflammation caused by injury, arthritis, overuse, muscle strain, poor posture, or other causes.
Comments
Warming socks
26/06/11 11:14
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This is one of the home remedies I discussed during my appearance on Wylde on Health June 17, 2011. Video is up online here (look for June 17th, segment 3).
This is a great treatment when you are sick with cold, particularly if you have a lot of congestion. Although it may not sound pleasant, your body heat quickly warms the socks and gets your feet toasty warm! Increasing circulation to your feet helps reduce sinus and chest congestion and helps warm your body up, facilitating healing via body heat (see my blog Give me fever for more about this!) and stimulating your immune system.
Warming socks
Directions:
1 Fill a bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
2 Soak a pair of cotton socks in the ice water.
3 Wring out socks and put on feet.
4 Once the cotton socks are on, make sure you are close to the bed and have a dry pair of wool socks handy.
5 Put on the dry wool socks over the wet cotton socks. After putting on the wool socks, avoid walking in the socks as this will cause the wool socks to get damp!
6 Lie down in bed and go to sleep.
This is one of the home remedies I discussed during my appearance on Wylde on Health June 17, 2011. Video is up online here (look for June 17th, segment 3).
This is a great treatment when you are sick with cold, particularly if you have a lot of congestion. Although it may not sound pleasant, your body heat quickly warms the socks and gets your feet toasty warm! Increasing circulation to your feet helps reduce sinus and chest congestion and helps warm your body up, facilitating healing via body heat (see my blog Give me fever for more about this!) and stimulating your immune system.
Warming socks
Directions:
1 Fill a bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
2 Soak a pair of cotton socks in the ice water.
3 Wring out socks and put on feet.
4 Once the cotton socks are on, make sure you are close to the bed and have a dry pair of wool socks handy.
5 Put on the dry wool socks over the wet cotton socks. After putting on the wool socks, avoid walking in the socks as this will cause the wool socks to get damp!
6 Lie down in bed and go to sleep.
