Some individuals assume that hydrotherapy is just a rehabilitative treatment for patients suffering from sports and other injuries; but hydrotherapy schools aim to change that notion: In a hydrotherapy school, students are taught how water-based therapies can have a relaxing and rejuvenating effect on people, and how, as a complementary medicine, hydrotherapy can help to improve blood circulation; reduce pain; ease muscle tension; increase weight loss and bring about an overall sense of well being. Used for centuries, hydrotherapy is not just simply comprised of whirlpools and pools. Students who attend a hydrotherapy school quickly learn that hydrotherapy involves much more than that! Historically, we can probably trace the roots of hydrotherapy back to ancient Egyptian times when Egyptian royalty would bathe in hot spring waters filled with essential oils and flowers. The Native American Indians use a form of hydrotherapy as well to "cleanse" their bodies through "sweat houses." (In a sweat house, water is poured over hot rocks in order to produce steam.) Of course, much more history and philosophy remain to be learned at a hydrotherapy school. In addition to philosophy, theory and clinical training, hydrotherapy school students learn about the assortment of hydrotherapies that are used today to treat and prevent illnesses. Sometimes used in combination with massage therapy, hydrotherapy involves the use of aquatic therapies; cold compresses (e.g., icepacks); hot compresses; colon therapy; hot stones; humidifiers; saunas; Sitzbaths; swimming pool rehabilitative exercises; hot tubs; water replenishment; whirlpools; and yes, even sweat houses. Also, in a number of hydrotherapy schools, students may be given an optional course in essential oils, which can be used in conjunction with massage and hydrotherapy. Students attending a hydrotherapy school will efficiently learn how to define hydrotherapy and its historical, philosophical and theoretical foundation. They will also learn how and when to use hydrotherapy applications, such as cold compressions, icepacks and heat. Upon gaining a working knowledge of hydrotherapy, successful graduates may earn a certificate or diploma in hydrotherapy and may go to work in spa and aromatherapy clinics; rehabilitative sports centers and other health-related spas and facilities. If you are thinking about enrolling in a Hydrotherapy School to attain your education in hydrotherapy, feel free to visit the Natural Healing Directory at SchoolsGalore.com for more information. 08/24/2006 - Hydrotherapy Schools and the Healing Values that they Teach By C. Bailey-Lloyd in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc., Managing Organization for SchoolsGalore.com |
