Therapeutic Use of Water

Water is a very powerful natural therapeutic agent that is oftentimes overlooked because of it simplicity and ubiquity plus it is something taken for granted in developed countries. Water in its various temperatures and physical states (liquid, solid and gas) has applications for many health conditions. The peoples of Mesoamerica are no strangers to these health benefits and the application of water as a therapeutic agent survive for example in the use of the temazcal (sweat bath), therapeutic full body baths which may or may not be infused with herbs.

In not so distant times it was customary for most people living in rural areas of Mexico and Central America to take their daily baths in ice cold rivers or lakes early in the morning and it is thought that this daily ritual was vital not only for higiene but also for the restoration and prolongation of overall health. Modern studies in "Hydrotherapy" which is the use of water as a therapeutic agent have demonstrated that short applications of cold (less than 1 minute) stimulate the immune system, stimulate the metabolism and increase circulation.

So remember to not overlook a powerful therapeutic agent that is oftentimes only as far as the bathroom sink.

Astha Nemanha Nuiknew!