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Hydrotherapy
is an age-old form of healing and stress relief.
It is based on three simple principles: heat, buoyancy and water movement
(or hydro-massage). Heat dilates the blood vessels and increases circulation
in the body. This enables enzymes and endorphins (the body's natural pain
relievers) to work more rapidly and efficiently on areas of the body such
as muscles and joints which have been strained, injured or stressed. Heat
also enables the cells to more easily rid themselves of metabolic waste,
which is replaced by oxygen and the body’s natural nutrients.
Buoyancy
is a simple physics issue: the body weighs 90% less when
suspended in water. Specific gravity is reduced, and pressure on the spine,
muscle groups, ligaments and joints is significantly eased. The benefit
of this lessening of undue force upon the body is dramatically increased
when combined with heat and massage.
Hydro-massage
the delivery of moving water to various parts of the body,
is the final and critical ingredient to this process. When the body receives
a hydro-massage, all body systems benefit. Stress, injury and poor posture
can all cause muscle spasm and pain. Specifically directed jets of water
stimulate and relax trigger points, which are highly sensitive "nodules"
in the spasming muscle. Additionally, massage has been shown to improve
flexibility, increase circulation and provide generally restorative benefits.
Hydrotherapy is more than an unparalleled method of relieving
stress and stress-related conditions such as high blood pressure, headaches
and chronic pain. It benefits every system of the body, including the
skeletal, respiratory, neuromuscular and circulatory systems.
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