by Dr. Marcel Hernandez, ND
In China, Japan, Greece, and in lands before recorded memory, water has found countless uses for health and healing.
In Europe, numerous variations of the “water cure” became popular prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In former times, people journeyed great distances to bathe in and imbibe the water from mountains, wells, and springs said to be imbued with special healing energy.
Even today, many believe that water can absorb their prayers and cleanse body, mind, and spirit of harmful energies.
In the arid lands of the Middle East, water has played both physical and metaphysical roles. Mohammed said that a garden with fountains resembled Paradise on Earth.
Water was required for ritual purification and bathing as part of Islamic daily spiritual practices. Muslim leaders were careful to secure unbroken access to water upon developing a new community.
Water plays a prominent role in the human body – it thins the blood and moves nutrients and oxygen where they are needed.
Even mild dehydration can lower our available energy by up to 40 percent. Water enhances our brain function, helps relieve constipation, and helps prevent formation of kidney stones.
After an injury or surgery, it is critical to drink sufficient water to make sure that cell-repairing nutrients can be carried to the damaged areas.
In our travels, Dr. Connie and I have been fascinated to learn how traditional cultures have used water as part of their spiritual rituals and health practices.
- Our search has taken us to baths in Spain, where we lay on heated marble slabs while streams of hot water were poured over us.
- In another part of Spain, programmable showers with multiple water jets prepared us to enter plunge tubs set to a variety of temperatures.
- In Japan, we visited hot springs whose mineral-rich waters were heated by volcanoes.
- In the Hungarian countryside, we enjoyed mineral baths whose unique blend of mineral elements was reputed to cure cancer.
- In Lourdes, France, we had an early morning bath in the frigid spring where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette.
“Hydrotherapy” is a catch-all term for the practice of using water for its therapeutic effects. Hydrotherapy harnesses water’s power to provide relief and comfort for all manner of spiritual, emotional, and physical pain and suffering.
From the day we opened our doors as naturopathic physicians, we have used of water as part of our therapeutic regimens.
Today, this is perhaps most evident at our Hawaii vacation rental and retreat center, where the guests can enjoy the infrared sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge facilities.
The healing properties of hydrotherapy are based on its thermal and mechanical properties.
- The body reacts to alternating applications of hot and cold water by dilating and constricting the veins.
- Hot water quiets and soothes the body and slows the activity of the internal organs.
- Cold water stimulates the body’s metabolic processes.
- Alternate applications of hot and cold water stimulate the immune system, positively influence the production of stress hormones, improve circulation and digestion, and lower the body’s sensitivity to pain.
- Other benefits of hydrotherapy include powerful detoxification actions; muscular and mental relaxation; metabolic stimulation and digestive activity; cellular hydration; immune system stimulation; and improved internal organ function from increasing the blood supply.
Hydrotherapy may be helpful in treating a variety of conditions, including depression; anxiety, immune system problems; arthritis, colds and flus; chronic and acute headaches; digestive disturbances; joint, muscle, and nerve problems; sleep disorders; stress; chronic and acute pain; fibromyalgia; asthma; bronchitis; high blood pressure; and inflammatory conditions.
Interested in trying hydrotherapy? There are countless hydrotherapy techniques. Here is one that you can try at home.
An easy way to experience the benefits of hydrotherapy is by boldly turning off the hot water for the last 15 seconds of your shower. Stimulation and improved mental clarity are guaranteed.
A word of caution. People with heart problems and the very elderly can benefit from hydrotherapy, but a narrower range of contrast between hot and cold applications must be employed, and they should be monitored by a health care professional.
Experience hydrotherapy at our Peace Garden Retreat Center in Hawaii.
Our next retreat will be the week of June 13 to June 2.
Spaces are limited to 4 to 7 guests.
FOLLOW THE LINK TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW!
For reservation instructions, or to learn more, please contact DrMarcel@DrsHernandez.com or DrConnie@DrsHernandez.com.
May Peace and Happiness Be Ever Yours.
Drs. Connie and Marcel Hernandez
DrConnie@DrsHernandez.com
DrMarcel@DrsHernandez.com
650-796-9631 (voice and text)