The Natural Healing Benefits of Hydrotherapy

Ease anxiety and stress
Sleep better and relieve insomnia
Pain relief from arthritis and fibromyalgia
Increase healing from injury and surgery

Hydromassage The Anti-Stress Prescription

After a strenuous day, we all know how much better we feel when we ease into a warm bath or hot tub. Now there is science to support the effect of hydromassage. According to the book Hot Water & Healthy Living by J. B. Smith, Ed.D, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the parasympathetic branch of our body's system increases hormones that cause the body to relax after stress has passed. There is evidence that shows that warm water immersion seems to reduce the hormones that have been associated with stress. Many people report an energizing effect that can last about four hours. And, in his latest research reported at the fifth World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC), October 2008, Bruce Becker, M.D., Washington State University, states "We found that, with 25 minutes of soaking in a 102F degree hot tub, the autonomic nervous system alters during warm water immersion, producing changes that are parallel to those seen during relaxation and accompanying a reduction in anxiety." Dr. Becker suggests that with the relaxation, warm water immersion may well have a positive effect on working memory and performance of cognitive tasks, including problem solving.

Studies suggest that immersion in warm water (such as in a hot tub which has a constant temperature) before bedtime can ease the transition into a deeper, more restful sleep. This may be due to a temperature shift, since the body's core internal thermostat drops after leaving the water, which signals the body that it's time to sleep. Hydromassage leaves you feeling both mentally and emotionally relaxed.

Healing Effects of Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy in warm water increases circulation. Thus, the blood supply to muscles increases, and more blood flow means there are more nutrients available to help cells and tissues regenerate, and speed up healing. The immersion effects on healing are aided by the buoyancy of water which reduces weight bearing on joints due to gravity. According to the textbook, Comprehensive Aquatic Therapy by Drs. Bruce Becker and Andrew Cole, "immersion in warm water can lead to a faster and longer-lasting recovery. An environment which is less prone to cause pain, and is even pleasurable makes immersion in warm water a unique healing environment." According to a publication from The Arthritis Foundation, Spas, Pools, and Arthritis, "Regular sessions in your hot tub help keep joints moving. Hydrotherapy, like regular exercise, can be the source of many documented health benefits, including the natural pain relief of arthritis, stiff joints and poor circulation, muscle relief after a hard workout, stress relief and improved sleep. Of course, as with any health regimen, you should consult with your doctor to determine if hydromassage is right for you.

Hot Water & Healthy Living, J.B. Smith, www.hotwaterbook.org
National Sleep Foundation
The Sleep Medicine Homepage
The Sleep Well Comprehensive Aquatic Therapy, Drs. Bruce Becker & Andrew Cole

World Aquatic Health Conf. 2007 & 2008 Seminars, Drs. Becker, Raglin. www.nspf.org
National Aquatics and Sports Medicine Institute (NASMI), Washington State University

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