Hydrotherapy

Fomentation

A cloth wrung from hot water, applied to draw blood to an area, relieve pain, and relax spasm — used over sore joints, the chest, or the abdomen.

Cold Mitten Friction

A brisk rub with a cold, wet mitten to stimulate circulation and build the body's resistance — a tonic treatment.

Alternate Hot & Cold

Hot about 3 minutes, then cold about 1 minute, repeated three times and ending with cold — a powerful way to drive circulation to a part.

Sitz Bath

A "sitting bath" for the lower abdomen and pelvic region — helpful for congestion, constipation, and digestive disorders.

Neutral Bath

A long bath at body temperature that calms the nerves — used for tension, insomnia, and to bring down fever gently.

Heating Compress

A cold, wet cloth covered so the body warms it through the night — soothes sore throats and inflamed joints.

Hot Foot Bath

Heat to the feet draws blood away from a congested head — a simple relief for headache and congestion.

Charcoal Poultice

Powdered charcoal, wetted and bound over an area, adsorbs toxins and poisons — used for bites, wounds, and inflammation.

Sweating / Radiant Heat Bath

Baths that induce perspiration to eliminate wastes through the skin — used in rheumatic and toxic conditions.

Enema

Warm water introduced into the bowel to aid elimination and cleansing during illness.

Alternate hot & cold, in brief: hot about 3 minutes, then cold about 1 minute, repeated three times — always finishing with cold.