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.

Constitutional hydrotherapy treatments can improve many health issues including…

  • Boost your immune system

    Beneficial for immune imbalances including acute infections, cancer, chronic viral illness, lyme disease, autoimmune disease, environmental hypersensitivity. Research shows 10,000 more circulating white blood cells after one treatment.

  • Increase circulation

    Vitalizes the cardiovascular system through stimulation of the microcirculation. Beneficial for cardiovascular disease, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and hypertension.

  • Heal digestive issues

    Beneficial for IBS/SIBO, reflux, abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Constitutional hydrotherapy activates the migrating motor complex and supports the organs of digestion.

  • Calm anxiety

    Balances the nervous system through thermal activation and through biologically compatible sine wave. This helps calms anxiety and stabilize mood.

  • Support detoxification

    Encourages detox through stimulating the liver, gallbladder and kidneys. It also supports the eliminative processes by activating the lymphatic system.

Hydrotherapy Sessions

Treatments typically last about an hour. Treatments are often scheduled one per week for four consecutive weeks to receive the greatest benefit, depending on the needs of the patient.