Hydro-Massage Therapy: An Alternative Treatment for Insomnia

by Martin Reed Patient Advocate

If you deal with
and you are ready to look into
alternative treatments, you might want to seriously consider hydro-massage therapy. It is a treatment that uses high-pressure water jets, versus hands, as massage tools. Additionally, the jets are more powerful than what you would find in a standard Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub. The temperature of the water is also warmer.

Traditional hydro-massage methods involved immersion into water. However, some units now feature waterproof membranes that prevent the water from directly touching your skin.

Before beginning hydro-massage therapy you should talk to your physician if you are recovering from an injury or surgery, are pregnant, or if you have high blood pressure.

The Basics of Hydro-Massage Therapy

Hydro-massage is used by many for the treatment of insomnia. It reduces mental stress and physical tension. It also promotes restful sleep. This may be due to the fact that the body's internal temperature rises during treatment, then falls afterwards. This drop in internal body temperature is a cue to the body and brain to prepare itself for sleep.
It's also believed that hydro-massage relieves stress on the muscles and joints, which can reduce nighttime discomfort and puts the body in a relaxing state.

This form of water therapy, when done for extended amounts of time, can also reduce stress and anxiety - which is the cause of insomnia in many individuals. Hydro-massage therapy reduces stress by helping to reduce the amount of cortisol and other hormones that are secreted in the body. When these 'stress' hormones are high, they stimulate the nervous system which can lead to insomnia.

People who suffer from insomnia due to
chronic pain
often find that hydro-massage therapy positively benefits both their insomnia and their pain issues. Whether pain is caused by fibromyalgia, arthritis, or other conditions, the treatments improve circulation and bring healing to problem areas. Improved circulation means more oxygen and vital nutrients can be delivered to tissues. In addition, water immersion reduces the body's weight, reducing stress on the joints and limbs making sleep easier to obtain.

The use of hydro massage as a natural remedy for conditions and ailments dates back to ancient Greece. It was brought into other countries by the Romans, and as they conquered countries the benefits of massage and water bathing grew in popularity. Modern hydro-massage therapy as we have come to know it began in the mid 18th century. More advanced tools and equipment developed over time making it now possible for most anyone to have access to the therapy - whether it is in a medical, spa, or home setting.

Martin is the creator of Insomnia Land's free online sleep training course for insomnia. Over 2,500 insomniacs have completed his course and 98% of graduates say they would recommend it to a friend.

Martin Reed
Meet Our Writer
Martin Reed

Martin is the creator of Insomnia Coach, an eight-week course that combines online sleep education with individual sleep coaching. His course helps clients improve their sleep so they can enjoy a better life with more energy and start each day feeling happy, healthy, rested, and refreshed. Martin also runs a free sleep training course that has helped over 5,000 insomniacs. He holds a master’s degree in health and wellness education and studied clinical sleep health at the University of Delaware.