When we need to unwind, a good soak in soothing water is one of the things that may come to mind. Whether a nice dip in the sea or a pool, relaxing in a tub, or even just standing under a running shower, water can be very calming and therapeutic. It can melt away your stress and clear your mind.
That’s why water therapy, also known as aquatic therapy or hydrotherapy, is making waves and has become quite a trend. The methods used in this type of therapy make use of water to help reduce stress, soothe tired muscles, boost circulation, and draw many other therapeutic benefits for both mind and body.
Using water for its healing effects has been around for centuries, and many methods used today were developed based on both traditional and modern practices. There are a number of treatments you can try, but here are three common treatments to learn about.
1. Flotation Therapy
Flotation therapy involves floating in shallow water saturated with Epsom salt that makes you more buoyant, allowing you to float more easily. It was originally developed in the 1950s by American physician and neuroscientist John C. Lilly using sensory deprivation tanks he designed, which became quite a controversy. Temperature-controlled pods have since replaced the original isolation tanks, and float therapy has become one of the most popular forms of water therapy.
With flotation or isolation therapy, you are cut off from outside stimulation, including sight and sound. The sensation of weightlessness combined with silence and darkness is said to put you into a deeply relaxed state.
A 2018 study revealed how an hour-long floating session significantly reduced muscle tension and stress in the participants. It put them in what can be described as a meditative state.
Aside from serving as a way to relax, flotation therapy has also been seen to enhance creativity. A study published in 2014 states how using a sensory deprivation tank has been seen to increase the imagination and intuition of participants.
All in all, this form of water therapy can help reduce anxiety, relieve pain, improve cardiovascular health, and increase your sense of well-being. Flotation therapy is definitely worth trying, especially since there are no major risks involved. It may be quite costly though, so this is something to consider.
2. Cold Water Therapy
Plunging in cold water has been touted to have many health benefits. It is in fact a popular practice among celebrities, athletes, and trainers. Also known as cold hydrotherapy, cold water therapy uses water that is around 15 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 degrees Celcius. It may take the form of a brisk shower, an ice bath, an outdoor swim, or a cold plunge, among other methods.
Cold water therapy is believed to reduce inflammation in your body, improve your circulation, increase your energy levels, and deepen your sleep. While there has not been much research to back these claims, science has proven several other benefits of this form of therapy.
Studies have shown that soaking in cold water for short periods can lessen the soreness of muscles of athletes after exercise. It can also help you cool down faster if you feel overheated. Swimming in cold water may also help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression in some people. Research also suggests that cold water therapy may boost your body’s immune system.
If you are healthy and at no risk for heart trouble, cold water therapy may provide you with many benefits. However, immersion in cold water can affect your heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation, so it may cause cardiac stress if you have any heart problems. To be on the safe side, talk with your doctor before trying out cold water therapy.
3. Aquarium Therapy
Not all aquatic therapies involve immersing yourself in water. Even just looking at a tank of water can help ease your anxiety. To be specific, aquarium therapy allows you to focus on fish, coral, and underwater greenery to soak in the calming atmosphere and enjoy its therapeutic benefits.
It is no coincidence that many hospital waiting areas and doctor’s offices house aquariums. Studies have found that these fish tanks can help lower a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. In a particular study conducted in 2016, the heart rates of the participants started to go down just from watching a tank fill with water. Their heart rates further lowered as fish were added to the tank. Another study revealed how walking through an immersive naturalistic exhibit lowered the blood pressure of its participants.
In addition, aquariums can help not only with anxiety and stress but also in promoting restful sleep. The sounds of water coming from the fish tanks can create a soothing ambiance that can help you fall asleep faster.
If stress is a constant problem for you, you might want to consider getting an aquarium for your home. But if maintaining your own fish tank is too much extra work for you to take care of, you can just visit a public aquarium instead whenever you can.
These are just some forms of water therapy that can help you with various health concerns. There are many other hydrotherapy treatments you can read up on that might better suit your situation and needs.
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