History and Philosophy of Hydrotherapy
It all started when…
In the mid-19th century, two pioneers of hydrotherapy emerged. Vincent Priessnitz and Sebastian Kneipp independently began to articulate a centuries-old practice with amazing success. Patients near and far traveled to Austria and Germany, respectively, to heal ailments for which modern medicine had no cure. They found solace in the simple yet effective applications of cold and hot water to balance and restore the healing power of nature within themselves.
Philosophy of Naturopathic Hydrotherapy
Health and healing are proportional to the normal flow (quantity) of healthy blood (quality)
Both Conventional & Naturopathic Hydrotherapists Recognize the Mechanical Effects that Temperature has on the Quantity of Blood in Circulation:
Hot H2O —> Increased Dilation & Blood Flow —> Muscle Relaxation
Cold H2O/Ice pack —> Decreased Dilation & Blood flow —> Reduced Inflammation & Swelling
Naturopathic Hydrotherapists however, Differ in that we also use Hydrotherapy to Affect the Quality of Blood in Circulation:
Enhances Blood Flow through the Organs of Elimination (skin, liver, kidney, and bowels) —> Improved Detoxification & Drainage
Tonifies Digestive organs —> Enhanced Digestion, Absorption, and Assimilation of Nutrients into Circulation
Increases Blood Flow through the Lungs —> Increased Oxygen Content of Blood
Increases Red & White Blood Cell Counts in Circulation —> Increased Immune Function
Restores Parasympathetic Nervous Activity —> Reduced Stress & Anxiety
Increases Cellular Respiration & Detoxification —> Enhanced Cellular Regeneration