Why Everyone Needs A Bit Of Hydrotherapy

By Author: Leo Reynolds
Total Articles: 15
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The therapeutic benefits of water were recognised thousands of years ago when people first found comfort in bubbling, hot mineral springs.
By about 500BC the ancient Greeks began to understand the properties and benefits of water therapy. In particular Hippocrates, the Greek physician recommended water therapy to assist in the relief of medical conditions such as jaundice & rheumatism.
Today, this tradition is known as Hydrotherapy, this word derives from two Greek words ‘Hydro' meaning water and ‘Therapeia' meaning therapy.
Hydrotherapy works by using three basic elements: buoyancy, heat and massage. The human body is only about one-tenth of its weight in water, therefore muscles and ligaments can relax because they're not supporting your normal weight.
The heat and massaging effect of the water motion stimulates the touch receptors on the skin, it boosts blood circulation bringing increased oxygen and nutrients to soothe tired, aching muscles and promotes general well being.
In addition to the relaxing effect of the water, Hydrotherapy is also widely thought to rid the body of ...
... toxins which cause joint pain and inflammation thereby relieving symptoms of conditions such as Arthritis and Back pain and assist with anxiety, stress and troubled sleep.
Water healing is one of the oldest, safest and most cost effective treatments available and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Spas or hot tubs recreate the ancient hot springs effect by keeping the water at a constant temperature, usually around 38 degrees. Then, using a series of different jets and blown air, it recreates the swirling bubbling effects that are so beneficial.
Spas and hot tubs come in a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. They are available in a variety of colours and most have a selection of external woods to blend in with any existing environment.
The seats they have in them range from reclining loungers to massage and relax your full body, to more upright seats which contain jets aimed at various different muscles across your back, shoulders and neck, thereby allowing you to move around to obtain the best possible therapy.
Some of the many optional extras available include a stereo to enable you to relax with your favourite sounds, some have CD capability, some just radios and some ipod compatible. Speakers are a usually a mix of above and below water, to give you that complete surround sound experience
Most spa or hot tubs come with LED lighting as standard. This travels through a spectrum of colours creating ambience and atmosphere to go with your mood. In addition to lighting you can add scented tablets to the water again creating ambience dependent on your mood.
The maintenance of a spa is fairly simple. As long as you look after the water a spa will provide safe relaxation for everyone. A lot of systems use what is known as ‘spafrog', this is inserted into a special holder and left it to do its work, replacing it when necessary usually after about 6-8 weeks depending on use.

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