DIY Hydrotherapy Techniques to Improve Detox, Energy and Immune Function

In this series we will dive into Nature Cure, a philosophy of healthcare based on the principle that returning to nature itself is the ultimate source of healing, especially related to the healing powers of sunlight, air, water, etc. It is in alignment with the concept of Vitalism, which holds that there is an innate and intelligent healing force within every being that once unblocked and supported, will restore and maintain health. If we expand beyond our individual stories, when we work within the natural laws, we maintain not just our own health, but inevitably that of our planet, as that which is alignment for us, is in alignment for the Earth as a whole. The Nature Cure approach to wellness is ultimately sustainable and regenerative, as it requires clean waters, adequate sunlight, real food, movement, and access to nature; all of those things that have unfortunately gone awry, and yet, can be restored should we choose to as a collective.

So let’s begin our discussion of Nature Cure with one of the foundational treatment modalities: Hydrotherapy and the Healing Power of Water. Hydrotherapy employs water, and more so various applications of different temperatures of water, to stimulate this innate healing force, referred to in Eclectic traditions as “The Vis”. Through wise application of water, one can affect circulation, metabolism and immune function. Adequate circulation is vital for so many things: oxygenation of the tissues, removal of waste, delivery of immune cells, delivery of necessary nutrients, hydration of joints, nerves, skin, and so on. So often, our dis-ease states are related to an inability to let go; whether we are overburdened with metabolic waste, environmental or biological toxins and their inflammatory byproducts, or even emotional weight and tension. The act of supporting our inner waters to flow, allows both release of that which needs to go, and creates the space to receive that which supports our health and wellbeing.

Warm and cold applications have opposing effects on the body, put simply, warm applications dilate and relax, cold stimulates contraction. Warm applications dilate surface vessels, relax muscles, increase body temperature and induce sweating. Cold applications contract surface vessels and increase visceral circulation, decrease body temperature, reduce inflammation and induce thermogenesis (the production of heat in adipose and skeletal muscle). Thermogenesis stimulates Brown Adipose Tissue, which increases the number of mitochondria and thus increases the capacity for energy production. Warm therapies increase circulation to and oxygenation of the mitochondria, enhancing the efficiency of energy production. Cold Immersion and even Cold showers have been shown to have antidepressant effects, while warm water can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, thus the benefits not surprisingly go beyond the physical.

To upgrade and optimize the benefits of these practices, we can add in an element of contrast, as in using both hot and cold. Alternating between hot and cold creates a pumping action, which in some ways imitates exercise (albeit in a much more passive sense). This can be particularly useful for those patients healing from chronic illness who are unable to exercise or sit in a sauna. Much of the hydrotherapy techniques from the Nature Cure tradition are centered around hot/cold contrast. Some commonly used practices are Constitutional Hydrotherapy, Herbal Baths, Sauna and Steam Rooms, Cold Friction Rub and Cold Plunge. The appropriate treatment depends on the individual, the state of health, age, overall vitality and sex. In general, the more fragile the health, the gentler the treatment. Constitutional Hydrotherapy for instance, when facilitated by an experienced practitioner, can be wonderful for those in more fragile states of health, or those who need to start detoxing very gently.

So what are some ways to incorporate the benefits of contrast hydrotherapy into your daily rituals? Here are a few simple techniques to try:

• Alternating Hot and Cold Showers:
  • This is the simplest one. Essentially you alternate between warm water (as hot as is comfortable for you) and cold (as cold as you can stand).
  • You want to have longer warm, and shorter cold, something like 2-5 minutes of warm, 15-30 seconds of cold, repeating 2-3x throughout your shower.
  • You want to always end on cold as this contracts the more superficial vasculature and thus flushes towards the lymph ducts and visceral circulation (organs).
• Cold Friction Rub (Post Sauna or Epsom Salt Bath):
  • Fill a bowl with water and ice cubes, place a washcloth or small towel in the bowl.
  • After you are adequately warmed, wring out the wash cloth as much as possible and scrub vigorously all over your body. If the towel warms up, soak and wring out again so that it maintains its cold.
  • You can do this at the end of your bath or sauna session or else intermittently throughout, repeating the therapy 2-3 times every 5-10 minutes depending on the length of your session.
• Magic Sock Treatment: This is done at bedtime, and is fabulous for stimulating our immune system, and particularly for colds & lung congestion. This can even be done on children. Often I will recommend my chronic illness patients to do a series of these 3 nights in a row every two weeks or so to give the immune system a boost as we clear pathogens and support healthy immune response.
  • Supplies:
    • 1 pair thin cotton socks (Ideally organic with no dyes)
    • 1 pair thick wool socks (or Some Wool Alternative, winter or ski/snowboard socks are perfect)
    • Warm bath or warm foot bath
  • Directions: This therapy should be timed for when you are about to go to bed or take a nap.
    • Take the thin pair of cotton socks. Depending on your level of vitality and cold tolerance, you can either:
      • Soak the socks in water, wring out as much as possible and place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. (Coldest)
      • Get a bowl of Cold water with ice cubes, And place the socks in the bowl. (Moderate)
      • Simply rinse the socks with coldest water you get out of your tap.
    • Warm your feet first. This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful if your feet are not warmed first. Warming can be accomplished by soaking your feet in warm water for at least 5-10 minutes or taking a warm bath.
    • Dry off feet (and body) with a dry towel.
    • Take the cold pair of cotton socks, if using the freezer method, get the socks out of the freezer for the 5-10 minutes of the warm foot bath to make them easier to put on. If using either of the other methods, thoroughly wring out the socks before putting them on. The focus is “cold” not “wet”.
    • Place cold wet socks on your feet. Cover with thick wool socks. Go directly to bed and cover yourself warmly with blankets – avoid getting chilled.
    • Keep the socks on while you rest, for a minimum of 30 minutes. If you use the socks overnight you will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry in the morning.

As we know from the explorations of Masaru Emoto, author of “The Hidden Messages in Water”, water carries and holds vibration, intention and transmits information. It makes intuitive sense, as well as physiologically, that the medium of water, can work to restore our natural state of health. Take a moment to ask yourself: What is the state of my inner ocean? Am I imbibing clean water? Is there adequate movement? Where is there stagnation and Why? What messages do I hold within my tissues? And what intentions would I like to program within myself, within the waters that make up ME.

Happy Healing!