What is hydrotherapy?

The therapeutic use of water has been recorded since ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek civilizations. Hydrotherapy or "water cure" has been used for centuries to promote healing. There are many different types of hydrotherapy techniques, but in this blog you will learn how to do home treatments to help treat colds and flus.

How does hydrotherapy work?

Heat expands and cold contracts blood vessels. The resulting change in temperature in an area of the body accelerates blood flow and improves circulation. This improved circulation sends disease fighting white blood cells through the bloodstream to boost immunity & remove congestion. 

What is hydrotherapy used to treat?

  • Colds& Flus

  • Pneumonia

  • Constipation

  • Digestive disorders

  • Chronic pain

  • Liver disease

  • Asthma

Chest Hydrotherapy: Home Treatment Instructions

Things you will need:

  • 2x washcloths/hand towels

  • 1x large towel

  • Access to hot & cold water (and a microwave if desire)

  • Sheet and blanket to wrap the body 

  • Timer

Instructions:

  1. Patient should disrobe and wrap snuggly in sheet or blanket. Be sure patient feels warm before treatment.

  2. Place 1 washcloth under running hot tap water.

  3. When the washcloth is thoroughly wet and hot, wring it out well (the washcloth shouldn’t be dripping wet before use). An alternative method is to soak the washcloth in water, wring it out, and then place it in a microwave for several minutes to heat it up.

  4. Place the hot washcloth on the patients chest and abdomen. Make sure the washcloth is not too hot and burns the patients skin). Once the hot washcloth is on the patient place the dry towel on top and quickly wrap the patient up with the sheet and blanket. (I would always call this “burrito time!” when wrapping my kids up this way…since they would look like a giant burrito in the end :-))

  5. Allow the washcloth to remain in place for 5 minutes.

  6. Meanwhile, prepare the 2nd washcloth for use. Place the washcloth under running cold tap water. When its thoroughly wet and cold, wring it out well.

  7. After the 5 minutes, unwrap the patient and remove the hot washcloth and replace it with the cold washcloth. Place a dry towel on top of the new cold wash cloth and quickly wrap the patient up with the sheet and blanket (“burrito time!”).

  8. Allow the washcloth to remain in place for 10-15 minutes. Enough time for the patient to “warm” up the cold washcloth. ***The patient shouldn’t feel cold during treatment.

  9. This process can be repeated again on the chest or have the patient flip over and it can be repeated on the patients back.

About the author

Since 2005, Dr Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. 

Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. To contact the office call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.