The external hydrotherapies fall into three categories - hot water, cold water, and contrast. Chairperson of Physical Medicine at the Bastyr College Natural Health Clinic in Seattle, Washington, Douglas Lewis, N.D., says that heat relaxes while cold stimulates. Hot water produces a response that stimulates the immune system and causes white cells to migrate out of the blood vessels and into the tissue where they clean up toxins and assist the body in eliminating wastes. Therapeutically, hot water soothes and relaxes the body, and through the reflex action of the nerves, it can affect nearly every organ and system of the body.

  Cold water discourages inflammation by means of vasoconstriction (constricting blood vessels), and by reducing the inflammatory agents by making the blood vessels less permeable. Cold water also tones muscular weakness and may be useful in cases of incontinence. Dr. Lewis cautions that, contrary to the popular belief, short cold water treatment may actually increase fever and only long cold water treatment pulls heat from the body for fever reduction.

  Contrast therapies are those that alternate between hot and cold water in the same treatment. They can stimulate the adrenal and endocrine glands, reduce congestion, alleviate inflammation, and activate organ function. Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., of London, England, believes certain contrast therapies are designed to improve circulation in the digestive areas and the pelvis and to improve the detoxifying capability of the liver.

 

 

  Many forms of hydrotherapy are used by naturopathic physicians, alternative practitioners, and physical therapists at clinics, hospitals, and health spas to treat a wide range of conditions. Most therapies can also be performed at home, however the following-hyperthermia, whirlpool baths, and neutral baths-are only available in a clinical setting.

  Hyperthermia(fever-induction therapy) is a form of hydrotherapy that deliberately induces fever in the patient who is unable to mount a natural fever response to pathogens (disease-causing organisms and toxins). Fever is often regarded as an undesirable symptom of illness, but holistic practitioners see it as the body's defense against invading organisms. Fever stimulates the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and interferon (a group of proteins released by white blood cells that combat a virus).

  Laboratory research has proven that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is temperature sensitive and suffers greater inactivation per unit time at progressively higher temperatures above the normal body temperature of 37 degrees centigrade (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Dr. Lewis believes that a hot immersion bath, if done without raising body temperature and heart rate too quickly, can be used as an additional treatment for different diseases: from upper respiratory infections to sexually transmitted diseases, from cancer to AIDS.

  Bruce Milliman, N.D., an Associate Professor at Bastyr College in Seattle, Washington, reports a 70 percent success rate using hyperthermia in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

  Hyperthermia can also be used to remove fat-stored chemicals such as pesticides, PCB's, and drug residue from the body. Zane Gard, M.D., of Beaverton, Oregon, has developed a successful heat stress detoxification program for this purpose. Dr. Gard's BioToxic Reduction Program (BTR) is a medically-managed detoxification program designed to reduce the body's internal "toxic load" of chemicals, heavy metals, medical or street drugs, and alcohol.

 

  Whirlpool Baths can rehabilitate injured muscles and joints, and lessen the stresses and strains of everyday life. Whirlpools are also effective in curing skin sores, infected wounds, edema (swelling), and minor frostbite pain. Physical therapists use it to soothe burn patients and improve the circulation of paraplegic and polio victims.

  Neutral Baths are a full immersion therapy that submerges the body up to the neck in water from 92 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. The soothing nature of the neutral bath calms the nervous system and is effective for treating emotional and mental disturbances, and insomnia. According to Dr. Chaitow, clinical studies reveal that two hours in a neutral bath is effective in reducing excessive fluid retention in patients suffering from mild heart conditions and cirrhosis of the liver. It is also beneficial to the swollen joints of rheumatoid patients. Neutral baths help promote detoxification from alcohol and drug abuse as the neutral bath helps the body rid itself of large amounts of toxin-laden fluids.

 

  There are many natural healing waters that spring from the earth. The balance of minerals in seawater is similar to that of human blood. The water from natural springs carries concentrated levels of sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and sulphur. Bicarbonate spring water can aid cuts, burns, hardening of the skin, digestive problems, and allergies. Sulphur has been known to help arthritis, rheumatism, chronic poisoning, diabetes, skin disease, and urinary disease.