Studies on hydrotherapy and asthma, cancer, and pulmonary diseases

Can hydrotherapy help any with conditions such as cancer, asthma, and pulmonary disease? Read on and judge for yourself.

A Japanese study lasting 3 years concluded that stable obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be significantly improved by having patients exercise in hot spring water on a regular basis.

The study group was made up of patients suffering from bronchial asthma and emphysema. Respiratory function tests and arterial blood gases analysis prior and post study were compared. Clinical data showed significantly improved small airway clearance, and the patients reported the ability to breathe much easier. The patients who did not participate in the study and received their usual medical treatments, did not report such improvements.

This complementary therapy also helps cancer patients by easing pain associated with the disease and the treatments. Combined with aromatherapy and the use of essential oils, patients report pain relief, decreased anxiety/tension, and a generalized feeling of well-being.

Please, let's remember two important points: (1) Cancer patients often have decreased ability to fight infection. The tubs they use must be very clean. Bacterial infections picked up from a dirty tub can turn deadly!

(2) Use extreme caution with colonic irrigation. The colon may rapture, and electrolystes imbalance may occur!

Two studies also demonstrated the beneficial effects for those suffering from asthma. The studies required patients to participate in swimming training in a hot spring pool-inhalation of iodine salt.

Interestingly, better results were found among the group aged 41-60 years. Clinical data showed beneficial effects (significantly improved lung function test results/ventilatory parameters, patient's subjective reports) in over 85% of the participants.

The researchers also found lower levels of serum cortisol due to a decreased function of the adrenocortical glands. This, in turn, resulted in decreased amounts of glucocorticoids, the usual drugs used to control asthma attack!

As I mentioned in one of my earlier Blog entries, several hydrotherapy recipes will be included in my ebook.

I hope you found this page interesting and informative. Thank you!

Hydrotherapy