Thalassotherapy, a form of water therapy
Since the dawn of civilization, water therapy has been used to not only relax the mind, body and soul, but also to alleviate acute, transient, and chronic conditions. Water therapy, which comes in many different forms, can improve muscle strength and tone, increase cardiovascular function, reduce stress, decrease swelling, enhance circulation, increase strength and endurance, facilitate better range of motion and flexibility, and increase balance and coordination. There are many different approaches to water therapy, some influenced by culture, others by nature, and still others by advancements in technology. The Talk Spas editorial team is big on water therapy and we’ve put together the following list of the best water therapies out there:
Thalassotherapy
Thalassotherapy is a therapy in which the properties of seawater are utilized to benefit the body through the pores of the skin. The therapy is applied in various forms, including: showers of warmed seawater, application of marine mud or algae paste, or the inhalation of sea fog. Many spas make hot seawater and provide mud and seaweed wrapping services. Thalassotherapy is used to help treat stress, cellulite, rheumatism, arthritis and a variety of skin conditions
Sitz Bath
The sitz bath is a highly effective and noninvasive form of hydrotherapy. It involves sitting in a shallow pool of hot or cold water, which rises up to the hips, and may contains essential oils or bath salts. People with hemorrhoids, menstrual problems and some forms of urogenital infections may benefit from the use of sitz baths. It works by keeping the affected area clean and increasing blood flow.
Watsu
Watsu is a form of balletic shiatsu, a therapeutic bodywork for the water. Supported by your therapist, you are moved through a warm water pool in a manner that your limbs are flexed and stretched for ultimate relaxation. Watsu opens up both the body and mind, and helps to release physical and mental tension.
Steam Therapy
Steam rooms have been used for thousands of years for ritual purposes and to relax and detox the body. Steam opens the skin’s pores and allows toxins to be sweat away. Since the skin is our body’s largest organ, this is one of the best water therapies available. Modern steam showers for the home bath, like those made by ThermaSol, make it easy to enjoy and benefit from a steam treatment on a daily basis.
Colon Hydrotherapy
Colon hydrotherapy is a common water therapy procedure in which a small amount of water is released into the rectum as a treatment for constipation. Other forms of colon hydrotherapy may involve the use of very large amounts of water to irrigate the colon and in turn, detox it. The rationale for detox colon hydrotherapy is the concept of “auto-intoxication”; the idea that food enters the intestine and rots.
Drinking Water
Simply drinking adequate quantities of water is a water therapy in itself. Water cleanses both the body and mind from toxins. Drinking 1.5 liters of water daily first thing in the morning is extremely beneficial, with continued ingestion of water throughout the day.
Water is the source of life and water therapies enhance our physical and mental health. The water therapies above are some of the most simple, natural, and effective ways to allow us to live better lives.
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