Jet Lag - Water Therapy

Drink 1 glass of water for each hour in the air. This prevents dehydration and helps overcome the trauma of jet lag. Do not drink alcoholic drinks while flying; they have twice the impact at air level that they do on the ground. Also avoid caffeine and sodas containing caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

Before the plane lands, splash your face with cold water and brush your teeth. This energizes and revives the entire systems, If you are tired, fill the sink with cold water and plunge your hands into the water for a minute or so.


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

Ice Bag and Therapeutic Uses

A wrapped ice bag is the most effective initial therapy for most injuries, especially sports injuries. In order to avoid freezing or frostbite, place a layer of fabric between the skin and the ice bag. Then immobilize the injured part by bed rest or elevation. You can easily remember the three related injury procedures with the word ICE with stands for Ice, Compression, Elevation.

The total length of time for ice therapy varies by injury, severity, and possibility of recurrent hemorrhage. Most professionals use ice bags plus compression in 20- to 30- minute sessions, usually two times a day. But sometimes shorter times are used for up to four times a day. Most injuries respond to ice with in 24 - 48 hours, while some require up to 72 hours of periodic ice attention. Do not apply cold continuously, but rather periodically. Also rub the body part briskly with the hand between applications of ice.

Some therapeutic uses:

• Stop bleeding
• Relive joint pain
• Relieve pain after injury
• Reduce head congestion (apply to head)
• Numb an area
• Check congestion
• Protect heart during heat application on other parts of the body or for heart problems
• Prevent swelling of sprain or contusion
• Check inflammation

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

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.