Different types of hydrotherapy treatments can offer great benefits. This practice has roots that date back to the 1800s, when Father Sebastian Kneipp proposed that water could remove disease and toxins from the body. Hot springs and mineral springs are prime examples of hydrotherapy techniques.

A number of different cultures have practiced using water to promote health and wellbeing, whether using springs, steam or cold presses. The notion that water has healing properties dates back well before the 19th century and there is good reason that people made the connection.


Hot and Cold Therapy

The process typically involves heat and cold, aspects that are commonly seen in many different forms of alternative and complementary medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine and hot stone massage.

Heat therapy is naturally relaxing, and it also promotes the circulation by dilating the blood vessels.  The improved circulation facilitates removal of toxins and improves oxygen delivery to the cells.

Cold therapy causes surface blood vessels to constrict, which causes the vessels to move away from the surface and move toward the internal organs.  Cold therapy is more stimulating as opposed to relaxing as is the case with heat therapy.