Hydrotherapy is known for its affect on blood flow, which can ultimately help you with headaches, stiff joints, and other aches and pains. So how does Hydrotherapy affect your blood flow?
The answer to that question lies in understanding the principals of hot and cold water applications. Using hot water application causes your blood vessels to dilate increasing blood flow, which relaxes nerves and tissues. Whereas the use of cold water causes your blood vessels to constrict slowing blood flow and stimulating nerves and tissues.
Hydrotherapy’s affect on your blood flow is also determined by the techniques employed, which often include either full body submersion or a specific area(s) of the body. The type of Hydrotherapy technique and water temperature used ultimately determines the affect on your blood flow.
Some Hydrotherapy techniques manipulate blood flow through several hot/cold water techniques. For example, soaking your feet in hot water draws blood toward your feet while a cold head compression draws blood away from your head. This technique is often used in treating headaches by drawing blood away from the aching head reducing congestion and providing relief.
Improving blood flow at the source of your pain or discomfort brings more oxygen and nutrients and eliminates waste in the area being treated. Ultimately, using hydrotherapy can help you promote healing, relief pain, and increase mobility.
Hydrotherapy to promote healing and pain relief. New Vegetarian & Natural Health; Summer2001/2002, p62, 2p









