What is constitutional hydrotherapy?
A classic “Nature Cure” naturopathic modality that originated in Europe and has been used for centuries. Involves a series of hot and cold towels applied to the chest, abdomen and back in conjunction with mild electrical stimulation to the back and abdomen. Application can be individualized to the patient’s preferences and vitality.
How does it work?
Procedure lasts roughly 60 minutes and a series of at least 6 sessions is recommended. Alternating hot and cold water relaxes and constricts tissues and blood vessels, respectively. Coupled with muscle contraction of electrical stimulation it enhances the movement and quality of blood within the tissues. Stimulates the largest parasympathetic nerve known as the vagus nerve, which connects your gut (enteric nervous system) to the brain.
Increases the movement of lymph and the elimination of metabolic wastes through the skin, liver, lungs, kidneys, and colon.
What are the beneficial effects?
- Reduces inflammation and chronic pain.
- Tonifies organs of digestion, absorption, and elimination.
- Modulates & strengthens the immune system (increases immune cell levels).
- Stimulates the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous toxins.
- Restores nervous system equilibrium by shifting an individual from sympathetic (fight, flight, freeze) to parasympathetic (rest, digest, restore) => reducing stress and enhancing sleep.
What conditions is constitutional hydrotherapy helpful for?
Because of its ability to improve the quality of blood, overall nutrition of the individual, and boost the immune system, constitutional hydrotherapy may be useful in almost any condition. It has been found to be particularly helpful for chronic pain, digestive tract problems (reflux, Crohn’s, IBS, UC), respiratory problems (chronic asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy), infectious diseases (colds, flu, lymphangitis, chronic infections), female reproductive problems (PMS, dysmenorrhea, infertility,) immune deficiency (HIV), circulatory problems (varicose veins, hemorrhoids, Raynaud’s disease, HTN), toxicity, and chronic fatigue.
What do I need to do in preparation of the procedure?
We advise you to remove metal jewelry and piercings, especially near the site of electrical application.
Ideally, in the 24 hours prior to the treatment, the patient has had three square meals (balanced in protein, carbohydrate, and fat) and adequate water. The patient should not consume a large meal or sugary foods or refined carbohydrates immediately prior to the treatment.
After treatment drink plenty of water and if you are tired allow yourself to relax and sleep.
What are the contraindications for not doing constitutional hydrotherapy?
Serious illness or extremely low vitality (elderly, very young children), high fever, low oral temperature (< 97 F), acute bladder infection, acute asthma, cardiac disease, moderate or malignant hypertension, heat-insensitive skin (as in neuropathy, etc.). Also, metal implants and pacemakers, IUDs, metal piercings, open wounds, active bleeding including menstruation, pregnancy, blood clot, malignancy or metastatic cancer, hematoma or fracture near sine wave application sites.