Hydrotherapy and Hormones

Welcome to this months wellness reading – focusing on WATER and the Goddess Tauret/Taweret (I have another video for her as  some of you prefer a functional approach to your health – whilst others have a more esoteric philosophy).

Please watch my video (around 7 minutes) but if you don’t have time read on and I can explain some of the benefits of hydrotherapy (also known as thermotherapy)  – a much undervalued but traditional form of natural medicine. Modern day folk associate HYDROTHERAPY with sports physiotherapy treatment or  joint, skeletal and muscle  treatments that use water  as a medium but this is only one form of  hydrotherapy/thermotherapy .  Just for your info – hydrotherapy originated in England (Floyer 1649-1734)  being influenced by both orthodox doctors and naturopaths.  This makes it truly integrative which always makes my heart sing!

Forms of Hydrotherapy 

 Hydration: drinking pure filtered water and water fasts. Whilst you would expect me to be discussing the quality of water I shall leave this for another day!

Cleansing: enemas and colonics, salt glows, sauna’s, steam rooms and ice baths

Thermotherapy:  the true remedial form of hydrotherapy which uses water as a medium for treating health disorders.  These include hot foot baths, sitz baths, neutral baths, alternate baths, steam inhalation and saline nasal washes, heating compresses, ice packs,  blitz showers, wet sheet packs and cold friction mittens  

Therapeutic support: floating water tanks, swimming (in nature or indoors), jacuzzi

During  my seasonal cleanses  I often recommend hydrotherapy techniques including cleansing teas and drinking plenty of fresh filtered or Spring water in addition to  daily dry skin brushing, epsom salt body scrubs, far infared therapy, lymphatic massage and  castor oil compresses . These simple support techniques are all effective but what other forms of hydrotherapy can we consider to support hormonal health?

Hydrotherapy and hormones. Shower blitz, enema’s and colonics

Basically an easy and economical approach these forms of hydrotherapy help oxygen absorption, increase tissue tone, stimulate the senses, energise, boost metabolism, support circulatory symptoms, boost the immune system, lower blood glucose, stimulate the liver, cool the body, encourage bowel movement  and detoxification, support the nervous system, reduce joint pain, muscular aches & pain, reduce inflammation, distension, irritable bowel, digestive disturbance, hot flushes, insomnia, headaches and can aid weight loss

 

 Hot and Cold Shower Blitz

Cold  blast (10-20 seconds).  Very cost effective, apply at the end of your daily shower.  A cold blast helps remove heat from the body (hot flushes), increase red blood cell count, increase tissue tone, stimulate metabolism, calm the nervous system (great for insomnia and anxiety)  and helps toxin breakdown though the liver, spleen and bowels

Alternate hot blast  with cold blasts  (10-20 seconds of each – start with 3 of each and work up gradually  to repeat a maximum of 10 times). A simple method to boost your immunity helping to prevent colds and congestion, support circulation, boost detoxification pathways, support drug and tobacco withdrawal,  low energy, oedema and bloating, nervous exhaustion, eating disorders and depression/anxiety. Placing your whole body in the alternative water temperatures may be too much for you to begin so I recommend you place a limb or part of your abdomen under the water jet until you feel confident.

If you suffer with hot flushes, anxiety or insomnia try placing one of your extremities  such as a foot, hand, forearm or leg under running cold water for around 20 seconds.  This helps reboot body temperature, a pounding heart or  distressed sleep patterns.  Alternatively, if the above will wake your partner then place a pair of cold wet socks in the fridge and if you can’t sleep, wake up anxious or suffer with a hormonal hot flush place them on your feet for a minute or two!

Download  Creation Guide to Thermotherapy for Hormonal Symptoms

ref:Lectures in Naturopathic hydrotherapy –  Wade BoyleND  & Andre Saine ND

 

Enema’s and/or  colonic irrigation.

Benefits: Support phase 1 and 2 of liver clearance so useful for both hormone and digestive imbalances.  A colonic or enema may help  relieve headaches, muscle aches, oestrogen and progesterone imbalances, ovulation pain,  acne, and improve mental and physical sluggishness.  Both forms help clear the bowels of residual toxins, parasites, worms etc and can be an effective form of pain relief.  

What’s the difference between an enema and a colonic?

Both these forms of hydrotherapy help return your digestive system to a more natural, healthy state. The gentle flow of water works in two ways: firstly it cleans out waste matter in the colon, and secondly it stimulates the natural nerve and muscle action of the bowels to encourage proper bowel function.

Unlike an enema, colon hydrotherapy needs to be administered by a qualified practitioner  who will include an abdominal massage to reach the full length of the large intestine. This ensures a thorough cleanse and the maximum benefit.  In comparison, enema’s are administered at home using water, specialised herbal mixtures or coffee and are less intense. Download Detoxification Support to find out how to use an enema

So this month how are you thinking you may connect with water?  Here are some suggestions :

Support a local environmental water group to care for our water

Become mindful around water – try my water visualisation daily or take a walk in nature along a canal, river, stream, lake, pond or sea?

Choose to drink filtered/spring water or activate or cleanse your water in some form

Include a hydrotherapy/thermotherapy technique this month as often as feel appropriate

I hope you have enjoyed this article.  If this floats your boat then you may  also be interested in some of my other blogs:

dandelions, water and the waning moon

Goddess Tauret and the Lions Gate Portal

Nutrigenomics Nutrition MOT Consultation 

Creation Oracle cards 

5 natural remedies for fibroids, endo and womb health

Castor oil and hormone balance

Yoni Steam your way to Hormone Health

Hormone MOT & Lifestyle Consultation

If you are opting for a colonic then I recommend you look at the Colonic Association  or Institute of Professional Colonic Hydrotherapists to find a professional practitioner near you.

 

Disclaimer: Justine Evans ND is a registered naturopath and nutritional therapist.  Her opinions are personal and should not be considered advice.  Justine  does not accept any responsibility towards your health through reading this blog.  If you have any concerns about your health please receive the advice of a health professional before applying any changes to your lifestyle programme.

Justine runs health clinics on line, in Stroud Gloucestershire and Twickenham, Greater London contact@justineevans.co.uk to arrange an appointment