The Health Benefits of Hydrotherapy
30th Mar 2021
Water has been used for forms of relaxation and rehabilitation for hundreds of years. Hydrotherapy is the use of hot and cold water and can be a powerful way to treat illness, control pain and induce deep relaxation.
In ancient times, people would wallow in natural hot springs for their healing potential. Nowadays we turn to a hot, scented bubble bath to ease those niggling aches and pains and relax after a busy day, but a trip to a spa hydrotherapy pool can have extraordinary health benefits.
Hydrotherapy pool water temperature is typically about 33 – 36°C, which is significantly warmer than a normal swimming pool (usually no warmer than 28°C). Along with a selection of water features, including air tubs, swan-neck fountains, air loungers and water jets, hydrotherapy pools provide unique benefits including:
1. Rehabilitating injured muscles
2. Reducing muscle tension and relieving pain
3. Boosting the immune
4. Detoxifying and cleansing the body
5. Relieving stress
When you immerse yourself in warm water, you receive a number of health benefits: your body temperature increases and you perspire. The skin’s pores open, blood vessels are diluted and blood is diverted to the skin — hence the flushed, rosy-faced look. This sweat process encourages the body’s toxic wastes to be eliminated via the open pores.
Hydrotherapy also uses water massage via water jets directed onto your body. This type of massage increases blood circulation and delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the soft tissues. The lymphatic system is also activated giving a generous boost to the immune system and massage on cellulite prone areas helps to break down the fatty deposits and lessen its appearance.
Another health benefit is in the release of endorphins — the body’s natural hormones which give us a sense of well being. They also block pain and boost the immune system. And let’s not forget the mental benefits achieved during this therapy including stress relief and a spring clean of the mind which helps you to sleep well.
Professor Marc Cohen, Board Member of the Global Wellness Summit, Co-founder of the Bathe the World Foundation and Founder of the Extreme Wellness Institute, stated in his recent article 'The benefits of hydro-thermal therapies for building health and resilience' that
"Hydro-thermal therapies such as hot baths, cold plunges, saunas, steambaths and mud-wraps improve public health, reduce the risk of chronic disease and boost the immune system’s ability to resist viral infections. Hydro-thermal therapies also confer psychological benefits and improve sleep, relieve stress, and foster interpersonal connection and connection with nature."
These extraordinary health benefits are just some of the reasons why hydrotherapy has been around for so long and is so popular here at SenSpa*.Not to forget that your muscles will be wonderfully relaxed and ready for a traditional massage with one of our qualified Thai spa therapists.
So when you’re next in the spa, whether you are seeking relaxation, detoxification or a great massage, try out the hydrotherapy areas and you will leave feeling de-stressed and relaxed, and able to sleep like a baby.
*Whilst hydrotherapy provides a number of important health benefits, pregnant ladies should not subject themselves to strong water jets, nor those with an underlying injury unless under the supervision of a trained professional. Anyone with an underlying health condition should also consult their doctor first.