• Introduction: What is Hydrotherapy
• What is Constitutional Hydrotherapy Treatment (CHT)?
• What can I expect during my constitutional hydrotherapy session?

Introduction: What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a simple but effective therapy that uses applications of hot and cold water to directly affect the fluids of the body: blood and lymph.

Blood: Hydrotherapy can help regulate flow and improve the quality of blood. Enhancing blood flow to organs of elimination (such as skin, liver, kidney and intestines) detoxifies the blood, resolves stagnation, eliminates cellular waste products, as well as increases the amount of oxygen, nutrients, red cells and white cells.

Lymph: This is yellowish fluid that delivers nutrients from blood to the cells and carries away waste products. Lymph is part of the lymphatic system that is an essential part of the immune system that helps the body fight infections and cancers. The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels, lymph nodes, ducts and specialized organs of the immune system. The lymph nodes and organs act as filters that detect, destroy and remove invading organisms or abnormal cells from the lymph fluid. During an infection, lymph nodes may enlarge and feel tender or inflamed as they are actively fighting a foreign body. Once lymph has been filtered through the lymph nodes it re-enters the bloodstream

Hydrotherapy works by changing blood and lymph circulation. By alternating hot and cold applications, we create a pump effect that increases overall circulation, boosts the immune system and encourages healing.

What is a Constitutional Hydrotherapy Treatment (CHT)?

This is a series of hot and cold compresses along with a mild electrical stimulation applied to the chest, abdomen and back for the treatment of a wide range of conditions:

• Digestive problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease and Ulceratie colitis
• Respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic colds and coughs
• Female productive concerns such as PMS and infertility
• Immune deficiency problems such as cancer and auto-immune conditions (Lupus, scleroderma, MS etc)
• Adrenal or thyroid conditions
• Chronic pain conditions
• Circulatory and cardiovascular problems
• Anxiety, panic attacks, depression

What can I expect during my constitutional hydrotherapy session?

The naturopathic doctor will be placing a series of hot and cold towels to your front torso area (chest and abdomen) and back. Hot towels will be left on for a few minutes followed by a cold towel that will left on until your body heats it up (this is excellent for improving circulation and immunity and moving wastes out of the cell).

Before and after the treatment we will test your urine. The differences between the “before” and “after” samples will indicate how well your body responded to the hydrotherapy.

You may also be given a caffeine-free herbal tea to drink to help increase detox or body temperature.

You will be asked to undress to the waist (for female patients, you may bring a bathing suit top or extra bra if you wish), the rest of your clothes won’t get wet. Half of your hydrotherapy, you will be lying on your back. The second half you will be lying on your stomach.

Total treatment will take about 45 minutes.

After your treatment it is important that you go home and rest. It is not recommended that you do strenuous exercise, eat a large or heavy meal or consume caffeine or alcohol. Be sure to keep hydrated.

You may have a better night’s sleep after your hydrotherapy. Some people feel more energized after or the day after their hydrotherapy session.

Hydrotherapy is performed as part of a series of treatments. Usually it is recommended to get weekly treatments for 4-6 weeks or longer. Packages are available.