Constitutional Hydrotherapy
Water has been used as a healing medium for thousands of years. Hydrotherapy was popularized in the 1800’s by Father Sebastian Kneipp as the Kneipp Water Cure. His expertise was passed on to many pioneers of naturopathic medicine, one of whom was Dr. Otis G. Carroll of Spokane, WA. From a background as an electrician, he decided to combine electrotherapy stimulation with the external application of hot and cold. He called this “constitutional hydrotherapy”. According to Carroll, a constitutional hydrotherapy treatment was twice as effective as standard hydrotherapy alone.
A session of standard hydrotherapy lasts 4 hours, with alternating hot and cold baths and showers, whereas the constitutional treatment lasts 45 to 60 minutes, and requires fewer sessions to achieve the same results. Dr. Harold Dick of Spokane, WA, also a pioneer and founding father of constitutional hydrotherapy, having studied with Dr. Carroll, investigated the effects of this therapy by examining pre- and post-hydrotherapy blood samples of his patients, as well as performing barium and dye injection studies on the liver and gallbladder. He agreed with Dr. O.J. Carroll that constitutional hydrotherapy changes the very constitution of the body’s cells. It increases cellular metabolism, oxygenation, digestion, assimilation of nutrients, and elimination of toxins from the body. An increase in white blood cells is also seen. This increase boosts the immune system function to attack infectious agents and decrease inflammatory reactions.
Patients of all ages, including infants, can benefit from constitutional hydrotherapy. During the treatment, the patients lies comfortably on a soft table, wrapped in a sheet and wool blankets, while hot towels are applied over the upper torso. The hot towels draw blood flow to the epidermis, causing reddening of the skin. After a period of time, the hot towel is exchanged for a cold one. The cold towel causes blood and lymphatic fluid to retreat into the body core. This increasing blood flow to the internal organs. As the cold towel warms up, blood and lymphatic fluid return to the epidermis.
This benefits blood and lymph circulation through the liver and spleen to stimulate the body’s own healing force (Ref. Dr. L. Watrous). This entire process is combined with the administration of mild electrical stimulation to the muscles. Research has shown that the effects on the immune system last up to 24 hours. For this reason, a series of constitutional hydrotherapy treatments is recommended.
Some conditions that can be treated with constitutional hydrotherapy include, but are not limited to, soft tissue injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, back pain, arthritis, PMS and menstrual cramps, diabetes, depression, bladder infections, anxiety, constipation, infertility and diseases that impair circulation.
Call with any questions or to make an appointment (970) 223-7425
A session of standard hydrotherapy lasts 4 hours, with alternating hot and cold baths and showers, whereas the constitutional treatment lasts 45 to 60 minutes, and requires fewer sessions to achieve the same results. Dr. Harold Dick of Spokane, WA, also a pioneer and founding father of constitutional hydrotherapy, having studied with Dr. Carroll, investigated the effects of this therapy by examining pre- and post-hydrotherapy blood samples of his patients, as well as performing barium and dye injection studies on the liver and gallbladder. He agreed with Dr. O.J. Carroll that constitutional hydrotherapy changes the very constitution of the body’s cells. It increases cellular metabolism, oxygenation, digestion, assimilation of nutrients, and elimination of toxins from the body. An increase in white blood cells is also seen. This increase boosts the immune system function to attack infectious agents and decrease inflammatory reactions.
Patients of all ages, including infants, can benefit from constitutional hydrotherapy. During the treatment, the patients lies comfortably on a soft table, wrapped in a sheet and wool blankets, while hot towels are applied over the upper torso. The hot towels draw blood flow to the epidermis, causing reddening of the skin. After a period of time, the hot towel is exchanged for a cold one. The cold towel causes blood and lymphatic fluid to retreat into the body core. This increasing blood flow to the internal organs. As the cold towel warms up, blood and lymphatic fluid return to the epidermis.
This benefits blood and lymph circulation through the liver and spleen to stimulate the body’s own healing force (Ref. Dr. L. Watrous). This entire process is combined with the administration of mild electrical stimulation to the muscles. Research has shown that the effects on the immune system last up to 24 hours. For this reason, a series of constitutional hydrotherapy treatments is recommended.
Some conditions that can be treated with constitutional hydrotherapy include, but are not limited to, soft tissue injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, back pain, arthritis, PMS and menstrual cramps, diabetes, depression, bladder infections, anxiety, constipation, infertility and diseases that impair circulation.
Call with any questions or to make an appointment (970) 223-7425