Types of Water Applications for Health Purposes

Water can be used in many different ways depending on the health need and condition of the person. Among the most effective techniques are direct localizes application, water streams, full or partial bath, sponging, steam for cleansing and detoxifying, and wet cloth wrappings to name a few.

Local Heat: Apply heat to specific area of the body such as a joint, chest, throat, shoulders, spine. Use hot moist compress or hot water bottle.

Local Cold: Apply cold to specific area of the body. Use cold compress, ice bag, ice pack, ice hat, or frozen bandage.

Cold Compress that Heats the Body: A cold wet cloth covered with a dry cloth, or a water-resistant covering, will create internal heat and warm up the area. This is called a cold double compress.

Tonic Friction: Water sponging and washing combined with some form of friction, from a hand to a rough washcloth, produces a tonic effect in the body. Use a cold mitten, cold sponge rub or wet sheet rub.

Sponging: Use alcohol, water, or witch hazel applied to a sponge to wash the body.

Baths: Immerse the body in cold, hot, or tepid water. Use footbaths, sit baths, full baths, or herb baths. Any part of the body may be partially bathed, such as an arm bath, eye bath, or finger bath.

Pack: A pack is the larger form of the double compress. May consist of a poultice of clay, flaxseed, or mustard.

Showers: Several kinds of water steams can be directed against the body.

Steam: A vaporizer can cleanse the upper respiratory system. A steam room or sauna increases body perspiration and releases many stored toxins. Cold steam, as from a humidifier moistens dry rooms in winter and is important in preventing cold and sinus headaches.

Reference: Buchman, D.D. (2002). The Complete Book of Water Healing.