Traditional Hydrotherapy

from Hydrothermic Remedies...

"As the name implies, salt is used with friction to make the skin glow with a fresh supply of blood." Hydrotherapy for the Home, p. 14.

Foot Bath water: 40°C

Effects:

• A Tonic Friction

Definition

The application of wet salt with rubbing to the patient's skin.

Physiologic Effects

1. Stimulate circulation, in the skin especially
2. Peripheral vasodilation without heating or cooling (from mechanical irritation of the skin)
3. Mild euphoria (sense of well-being)
4. Increase nerve activity

Indications

1. As a peripheral vasodilator for patients who do not react well to heat or cold.
2. Poor General Circulation
3. Frequent Colds from a poor immune system
4. Low Blood Pressure
5. General Weakness, Exhaustion and low endurance
6. Diabetes
7. Chronic Indigestion

Contraindications or Cautions

1. Avoid any skin lesions and rashes
2. Not used in acute diseases
3. Must not be used so frequently as to produce skin irritation

Equipment

1. 1-2kgs (2-4 lbs.) coarse salt
2. Stool (not used if patient is standing for treatment)
3. Basin or bucket
4. Drape sheet and towels
5. Hot Foot Bath or bathtub with water at 43°C (110°F)

Procedure

Important Considerations

• Give treatment in a bathtub or shower stall (person sitting on low stool or standing).
• Have room warm and work quickly so patient does not chill.
• Have salt just wet enough to be sticky and be careful not to have it too dry or too wet (too wet decreases friction); should be moist enough to cling to skin.
• Make sure you wash off all salt when treatment is over.

Preparation for Treatment

• Moisten salt with water.

Treatment

• Person stands or sits with feet in tub of water at 40°C (105°F); drape person with a sheet, exposing only the part to be treated.
• Operator wets person's arm with water from tub.
• Apply wet salt and rub until skin is pink. Arms: start at fingers and work up to the shoulder; Legs: start at toes and work up to hips.
• Proceed with body segments in order: arms, legs, chest and abdomen, hips and buttocks.
• Remove salt by Spray, Pail Pour or Shower, or dip in bath tub.
• Dry and fan person.

Completion of Treatment

• Make sure patient is dry and warm.
• Remove equipment.

(Thanks Carly)

from Dr JH Kellogg's Hydriatic Techniques...

Tonic and Derivative in

• Debility
• Inactive Skin in
  • chronic Indigestion
  • Chronic Nephritis
  • Diabetes
• Where cold is contraindicated

Contra-indications

• Eczema and most skin conditions
• Acute diseases
• Too frequently to produce irritation

from Dr GK Abbott's Prescriptions...

Vigorous Peripheral Circulatory Tonic that does not require great reactive ability

• Mild: use fine salt;
• Extreme: use course.
• Wash off with Pail Pour or Shower so combine with other Tonics.