There are several therapeutic hydrotherapic treatments and the two common among them are spinal bath and foot baths (cold foot bath and hot foot baths). In this article you will learn the methods and benefits of spinal bath and foot baths. Both these water baths have several health benefits and act as a natural healing process for many diseases.

Spinal Bath

Spinal bath is done in a special tub prepared for the very purpose. This bath is done in hot, cold or neutral temperatures. The patient is made to lie in tub which contains about two inches of water for about 10 to 15 minutes. This bath is used to soothe the spinal cord and indirectly influences the central nervous system.

Spinal bath is also beneficial in hypertension, irritation, excitement and in almost all disorders of the nervous system, including mental diseases as hysteria, epilepsy, insanity and insomnia. This must be done for about half an hour. When the nerves are depressed, the hot spinal bath is advised. It is useful in muscular back ache and pain due to vertebral disorders. It is beneficial in gastric disorders and sciatic pain where the patient gets pain along the sciatic nerve.

Cold Foot Bath

In cold foot bath, the patient’s feet are immersed in a tub or bucket containing water at 7º C to 12º C for about 5 minutes to 10 minutes. Friction is usually done during foot bath. Cold foot bath is not given in the conditions of inflammation of liver, kidneys and genitourinary organs.

Hot Foot Bath

In hot foot bath, the patient’s feet are immersed in a tub or bucket containing hot water for about 20 to 30 minutes. His body must be properly covered in order not to loose the heat. He needs shower bath after this treatment.

Hot foot bath makes the involuntary muscles of the body active especially uterus, bladder, intestines, abdominal and pelvic organs. It removes the sprains, contractions of the ankle joints, cerebral congestion and colds. It promotes menstruation.

Precautionary Measures

1. These hydrotherapic treatments must be done 3 hours before meals.

2. The thermometer must be used to record heat of water during the treatment.

3. Use clean and pure water for the treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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