(Last Updated on : 31/08/2013)
Bath therapy is a valuable therapeutic agent since time immemorial. In all major ancient civilisations, bathing was considered an important measure for the maintenance of health and prevention of disease. Water has been regarded as an important remedial agent to several diseases such as diarrhoea
, ulcerative colitis, fever
, jaundice, constipation
, and other such ailments. The ancient Vedic literature in India contains numerous references to the efficacy of water in the treatment of disease. There are numerous spas and "Bads" in most European countries where therapeutic baths are used as a major healing agent. Water exerts valuable effects on the human system. It equalises circulation, boosts muscular tone and helps in digestion and nutrition. It also tones up the activity of perspiratory gland and in the process eliminates the damaged cells and toxic matter from the system.
The common water temperature chart is; cold 10 degree Celsius to 18 degree Celsius, neutral 32 degree Celsius to 36 degree Celsius and hot 40 degree Celsius to 45 degree Celsius. Above 45 degree Celsius, water loses its therapeutic value and is destructive. There are several types of Bath therapy which helps in curing gastritis
, hyperacidity, indigestion
, jaundice, constipation, diarrhoea, dysentery
, pleurisy, pneumonia
, fever, cough and so on. The various types of bath therapy are Enema, Cold Compress, heating compress, hip bath, spinal bath, full wet sheet pack, cold foot bath, steam bath, immersion bath and Epsom salt bath. These bath therapies are an effective method of cure to several ailments. There are certain methods, duration and process which are to be followed in each therapy.
There are also certain precautions which are necessary while taking these therapeutic baths. Full baths should be avoided within three hours after a meal and one hour before it. Local baths like the hip bath and foot bath may, however, be taken two hours after a meal. Clean and pure water must be used for baths and water once used should not be used again. While taking baths, temperature and duration should be strictly observed to obtain the desired effects. A thermometer should always be used to measure the temperature of the body.