Hydrotherapy in Naturopathy: Hip Bath, Spinal Spray and More

Hydrotherapy uses water at different temperatures, in different forms, to work on circulation, digestion and the nervous system. It is a core part of naturopathy. This guide explains the main hydrotherapy treatments, what each is traditionally used for and how they feel.

The idea behind hydrotherapy

Cold water makes blood vessels near the skin narrow and then, as the body warms, open again. Hot water relaxes muscles and draws blood to the area. Neutral water, close to body temperature, is calming. By choosing the temperature, the part of the body and the time, a doctor can use water to stimulate or to relax.

Hip bath

You sit in a specially shaped tub with water up to the navel, while your feet stay outside.

• Cold hip bath: traditionally used for constipation, digestion and to tone the pelvic area.
• Neutral hip bath: soothing, often used for irritation and to calm.
• Hot hip bath: used for some pain and cramps.

A session is usually 10 to 20 minutes. You rub the abdomen gently during a cold hip bath, and walk or rest afterwards to warm up.

Spinal spray

You lie face down while a spray of water runs along the spine. Neutral spray is calming and is often used for stress and sleep. Cold spray is stimulating.

Immersion bath

The whole body, up to the neck, is in water. It can be cold, neutral or hot, and is prescribed with care.

Enema

A gentle water enema clears the lower bowel. In naturopathy it is often given in the early morning, especially at the start of a stay and on fasting or juice days.

Foot and arm baths

Hot water for the feet and arms, often with a cold compress on the head. Traditionally used for headaches, cold feet and some breathing complaints.

Sitz bath and asthma bath

A sitz bath uses two tubs at different temperatures. The asthma bath is a specific hot and cold sequence used in naturopathy for breathing complaints, alongside, never instead of, your inhaler.

Steam and sauna

Steam bath and sauna open the skin and encourage sweating. Your doctor will set the time, and you will be given water before and after.

Who should be careful

Hydrotherapy is prescribed, not chosen from a menu. Tell the doctor if you have heart disease, high or low blood pressure, diabetes with nerve damage in the feet, pregnancy, or skin infections. Some treatments are not given during menstruation. Very hot or very cold treatments are avoided for older guests and anyone who is frail.

Hydrotherapy at Shree Narayandham

Our hydrotherapy section offers enema; cold, neutral and hot hip baths; immersion baths; cold and neutral spinal spray; asthma bath; sitz bath; hot and neutral foot and arm baths; steam and sauna. The doctor prescribes them after your consultation, and they are included in the residential tariff. Read more on our naturopathy page.

Common questions

Is a cold hip bath uncomfortable?

The first minute can feel sharp. Most guests get used to it within a day or two.

Can I do a hip bath at home?

Yes, once you have been shown how. Our doctors give you a plan to continue at home if it suits you.

Next step

Call +91 98810 68109 or book a consultation.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Please read our wellness disclaimer.