Aches and pains are common in humans – from growing pains to aches related to arthritis, there are a number of things that can cause people of all ages to hurt. Back in the day, your mother may have sped up recovery by drawing you a bubble bath… and, as it turns out, she may have been onto something. Hydrotherapy is the use of water to treat muscle ailments, and studies reveal that warm water is related to a reduction in pain. While pool-related therapy is beneficial to many struggling with pain, as is the case with those afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, you can actually reap the benefits of hydrotherapy from the comfort of your own tub.
A Full Soak
A full body soak involves immersing yourself in water up to your chest – this is, amazingly, an incredible way to combat insomnia. Why is this? Relaxed muscles can lead to a relaxed mind, meaning warm baths offer an incredible natural remedy for insomniacs. You’ll also enjoy these benefits:
- Soaking helps to ease muscle strain
- Arthritis and hemorrhoidal pain are reduced
- Warm baths increase circulation
- Steam can clear out your sinuses and provide cold and flu relief
- Warm baths also provide relief with urinary and bladder problems.
A Sitz Bath
A sitz bath is a soak up to the hips. Interestingly, this style of bathing evolved from an old school European custom to a modern therapeutic treatment that provides relief without causing dizziness, something that full soaks may do to a select population. This style of soak can provide relief to those with irritable bowel syndrome pains, and this bath also provides the following benefits:
- Provides relief to menstrual pain
- Lessens inflammation in the abdominal area
- Eases hemorrhoidal discomfort
- Sitz baths increase blood flow, helping to fight off infections
- Relieves internal discomfort in the kidneys and intestines
A Foot Bath
There are plenty of benefits that come with soaking tired tootsies. This style of bath is known as ashiyu in Japan, and it can be enjoyed in public bathhouses. You can, of course, soak up to the calves to promote circulation. You may also reap these benefits:
- Foot soaks relieve discomfort with varicose veins
- Reduce swelling around feet
- Prevent infection by eliminating bacteria around blisters
- Eliminate aches (like headaches) in other parts of the body
There are many benefits to hydrotherapy. Here are Leaf Home Safety Solutions, we’ve tricked out our bathtubs with additional therapeutic features like massaging air and water jets, a heated seat, and an aromatherapy system, all of which you can learn about here. It is incredible just how many benefits we can enjoy in our own bathroom, which leads into the age old question – do you prefer a bath or a shower? Join the conversation on our Facebook page!
