What is Constitutional Hydrotherapy?
Constitutional hydrotherapy is a treatment that combines hot and cold towel applications to the chest, abdomen and back with low-voltage sine wave stimulation to the back and abodmen. The treatment enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to vital organs and it supports elimination of metabolic wastes and environmental toxins. Constitutional hydrotherapy is a powerful, safe, and non-invasive way to support the body’s natural healing process.
A one hour treatment can up regulate the body’s immune system by stimulating cells in the abdominal lymphatic tissue, heal digestive issues by enhancing peristalsis and enhancing the function of the stomach, gallbladder and pancreas, improve circulation including lymphatic circulation, and calm anxiety and calm the entire autonomic nervous system. It may sound simple but the alternating hot and cold towels drives a therapeutic effect to almost every system in the body. The added sine wave stimulation directs the blood flow to specific organs.
Physiotherapy Devices Used in Treatment
Sine Wave: The sine wave unit stimulates muscles and spinal nerves. This device is used to improve circulation, improve digestive function, improve immune system function, reduce swelling, improve muscle function, and reduce pain. We place the sine wave pads on the back and abdomen and stimulate the spinal nerves that control the digestive processes. This activates the digestive organs and strengthens digestion, improves digestive enzyme output, and calibrates the digestive tract muscular rhythm, aka. peristalsis. Patients feel a mild tingling on the back and may feel a gentle tug in the abdomen as the organs are activated. Sine wave is different from a TENS unit.
High Frequency Micro-Current: High frequency works as a form of ‘cellular massage’, and is gentle and effective. This is applied similar to ultrasound treatments – with a handle holding a treatment head. The current is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, oxygenates the blood, speeds the repair of joints, soft tissue and bones if they are injured, relaxes muscle spasm, reduces pain and recharges the nervous system. We use high frequency for asthma and respiratory infections, over injured sprained ankles, broken bones, inflamed organs such as bladder or prostate, to encourage tissues to heal.
Source: Lectures in Naturopathic Hydrotherapy by Wade Boyle, N.D. and Andre Saine, N.D. c.1988.