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Other common
name(s): water therapy, balneotherapy, hydrothermal
therapy
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
Hydrotherapy is the use of water as a medical treatment,
either internally or externally.
Overview
Hydrotherapy has been proven effective in various ways. It is
used as a means of physical therapy, both to promote relaxation and to
relieve minor aches and pains. However, there is no evidence that any
form of hydrotherapy is effective in preventing or treating cancer.
How is it promoted for use?
There are many medically accepted uses of hydrotherapy. Each
involves water in the form of ice, liquid, or steam. Some of the more
common examples of hydrotherapy include using water to clean wounds,
use of warm moist compresses, ice packs, whirlpool or steam baths, and
drinking water in order to prevent or reduce dehydration.
Warm compresses expand blood vessels, which can temporarily
increase circulation, help to relax muscles, and reduce pain. Warm
water in the form of a bath, Jacuzzi, or hot tub also provides
relaxation and stress relief. The water vapor produced by a humidifier
can reduce the discomfort of minor sore throats and colds. Warm water
vapor from a sauna, hot shower, or "sweat lodge," can warm and moisten
the nose and breathing passages. Hydrotherapy in the form of ice packs
is used to reduce inflammation and swelling. The coldness constricts
blood vessels and reduces circulation to the area, thereby decreasing
fluid and swelling. The use of water for heating and cooling the body
is also called hydrothermal therapy. Dehydration, which can be a
serious medical problem, is treated by giving water or liquids, either
by mouth or intravenously.
Hydrotherapy is also used in physical rehabilitation and
exercise. When performed in water, exercises can cause less strain on
the bones and joints. The water also offers resistance to movement,
which helps build muscle strength.
Some claim that warm water baths or cleansing baths boost the
immune system, invigorate the digestion, calm the lungs, and stimulate
the mind. Streams of warm water directed at different parts of the body
are claimed to help headaches, nervous disorders, paralysis, and
multiple sclerosis, as well as liver, lung, and gallbladder disease.
Some proponents claim one form of hydrotherapy, which involves
frequent enemas, cleanses the bowels and helps cure cancer (see our
document, Colon Therapy).
What does it involve?
In most types of hydrotherapy, water is either directly
applied to the desired area (an ice pack or a warm compress) or the
body is immersed in water (a hot tub or bath). Internal means of
hydrotherapy can include drinking the recommended amount of water
daily, receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion, and getting a large
amount of water in an enema.
In some alternative remedies, a stream of warm water is
directed over a part of the body, such as the foot, back toward the
heart. Or a person may be wrapped in a cold wet sheet and covered with
blankets while the sheet dries. Other types of hydrotherapy may involve
bathing or soaking in water that contains mud, herbs, aromatherapy
oils, Epsom salts, Dead Sea salts, or other materials. Colon therapy
involves introducing fluid into the colon and pulling it out again.
What is the history behind it?
Hydrotherapy has been used throughout history by many diverse
cultures. Even the Old Testament mentions the healing powers of mineral
waters. By the time of the ancient Greeks, the use of water as a
healing agent was well-established. The early Roman and Turkish baths
are still popular tourist attractions today.
The modern use of hydrotherapy is linked to Vincent
Preissnitz, who established the "Graefenberg cure" in the 1800s for
treating almost every ailment. This treatment involved the use of water
in every conceivable way, often alternating between hot and cold water.
Today, Native Americans use sweat lodges as a remedy. They
believe sweating is a form of cleansing and purges poisons from the
body. This belief is similar to the Scandinavians’ use of
saunas. Several of the springs first used by Native Americans have been
converted into resorts and remain popular today. President Franklin D.
Roosevelt's use of one such spring brought worldwide attention to the
use of hydrotherapy.
What is the evidence?
Hydrotherapy has not been proven effective in slowing the
growth or spread of cancer. Available scientific evidence does not
support claims that alternative uses of hydrotherapy, such as cold body
wraps or colon therapy, can cure cancer or any other disease.
Hydrotherapy is an accepted form of symptom treatment for many
conditions, although many forms of it have not been studied carefully.
It is often reported that hydrotherapy in many forms can promote
relaxation. Some types of hydrotherapy are actually well-proven
conventional therapies, such as ice packs for slight sprains and hot
compresses for sore muscles. Hydrotherapy can be useful for patients
with severe burns, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord injuries, and bone
injuries. An analysis of studies done on hydrotherapy for lower back
pain suggested that it might be helpful, although further studies are
needed. Physical therapy is sometimes given in a pool, where the water
can help to support the person’s body weight and reduce
impact on joints. Warm compresses or warm water soaks may be used in
mainstream medicine to help treat local skin conditions, such as
infection (see our document, Heat Therapy).
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
Most forms of hydrotherapy are considered safe. However, colon
therapy can cause perforation of the colon, which can lead to death.
People who are frail, elderly, or very young may become dehydrated or
develop blood chemistry imbalances in very warm water or saunas. People
with diabetes, numbness, or poor sensation may be at higher risk of
scalding or burns from hot soaks or compresses.
Those with poor circulation or problems such as
Reynaud’s disease or frostbite may find them worsened by cold
water and cold wraps. Bacterial infection due to improperly cleaned
whirlpools and hot tubs has also been reported. Fungal skin infection
has resulted from mud baths. Excessively hot or cold water applied
directly to the skin for long periods of time may cause pain and tissue
damage.
Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or
delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health
consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Burns SB, Burns JL. Hydrotherapy. J Altern Complement Med.
1997;3:105-107.
Cassileth B. The
Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to
Alternative and Complementary Therapies. New York, NY:
W.W. Norton; 1998.
Hydrotherapy, balneotherapy. Aetna InteliHealth Web site.
Accessed at
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/34968/362192.html on
June 2, 2008.
Pittler MH, Karagülle MZ, Karagülle M, Ernst
E. Spa therapy and balneotherapy for treating low back pain:
meta-analysis of randomized trials. Rheumatology
(Oxford). 2006;45:880-884.
Ruiz de Casas A, Herrera A, Suárez AI, Camacho FM.
Skin infection with Fusarium in an immunocompetent patient [in
Spanish]. Actas
Dermosifiliogr. 2006;97:278-280.
Tejirian T, Abbas MA. Sitz bath: where is the evidence?
Scientific basis of a common practice. Dis Colon Rectum.
2005;48:2336-2340.
Note:
This
information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions,
precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as
medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for
consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical
situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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