Hydrotherapy

Home » Hydrotherapy » Constitutional Hydrotherapy

The constitutional hydro is a series of hot and cold towels applied to the chest and back. This treatment is more involved than other hydrotherapy treatments but is very effective for almost every condition. Naturopathic physicians use this method for promoting overall health and immune system strength. If this treatment is performed in a physician's office, a sine wave (electrical stimulation) may be used to enhance the treatment.

Procedure

1. Take the person's temperature to insure that it is at or above 97º F. If it is lower than 97º F, do NOT perform this treatment.
2. Have the person lie face up on top of a sheet and 1 or 2 blankets large enough to completely wrap the person.
3. Cover the chest from the neck to the waist with two hot wet towels that have been wrung out. DO NOT burn the person. To be sure the towel temperature is appropriate, place the towel against the person�s arm and ask them if it is too hot, before applying it to their chest. If it is too hot, shake towel once or twice to cool it down and again check the temperature against the person's arm.
4. Wrap the person in the sheet and blankets and leave them wrapped for 5 minutes.
5. Lift the blanket and sheet and place a fresh hot towel on top of the other two hot towels (being careful not to burn the person).
6. Flip all three at once so the fresh towel is against the person's skin. Then remove the two original (now cool) towels, leaving the new hot towel in place.
7. Place a cold towel on top of the new hot towel and flip again so the cold one is against the person's skin.
8. Remove the hot towel, leaving the cold one, and wrap the person in the sheet and blanket again. If the person is chilled, add more blankets or use a hot foot bath to warm them. The person should NOT be chilled during this treatment. Keep them warm.
9. Leave the cold towel on for 10 minutes. The cold towel should be warmed. If it is not, warm the person with more blankets or a hot foot bath until the towel is warmed.
10. Lift the blanket and remove the now warm towel.
11. Have the person turn over to lie face down.
12. Repeat the process on their back.

Indications

• Immune enhancement
• Digestive problems
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Cold and flu
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Menstrual cramps
• Cancer
• Varicose veins
• Hypertension
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Psoriasis

Contraindications

• Acute bladder infection
• Acute asthma
• Oral temperature less than 97º F

Hydrotherapy Resources

	Join Our Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted. June 1st is National Cancer Survivors Day Share your survival story and help others in the fight against cancer. Read cancer survivor stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer