Hydrotherapy & Heat Rooms: Benefits, Practices & Wellness Uses

Hydrotherapy and heat rooms have been used for decades to sooth and calm both physical and emotional pain. Referred to as 'The Water Cure', hydrotherapy uses warm water and air to relax and massage the body. Heat rooms can be dry, wet, warm or hot spaces that you sit or lie in to sooth nerve endings and increase blood circulation. Below, we answer some frequently asked questions about these much-loved wellness therapies.

What can hydrotherapy pools do for the body?

Hydro pools offer pain relief by reducing muscle tension. They do this this by supporting your weight through buoyancy, meaning pressure can be taken off the body. This release of tension makes it ideal for sufferers of arthritis, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions. It’s a method often used by physiotherapists during rehabilitation, due to the fact that water-induced pressure can increase flexibility. The support this kind of environment gives to the muscles and joints sees users with an improved range of motion, increased strength and better balance. That said, you don’t have to be in recovery to benefit from this wonderful tool. Use it after a workout or for general aches and pains such as muscle spasms, stiffness, tension or pins and needles.

What can hydrotherapy pools do for the mind?

The sound of water and waves are commonly used as forms of relaxation by encouraging the production of alpha brainwaves. These are the same waves that provide the body with the sense of peace you get from meditation. You're left feeling lighter and less likely to ruminate. The fact that these pools are often found in beautifully lit spas, among calming smells and in serene surroundings means that people come away with reduced stress levels. Relaxation prompts the mind to release endorphins, which act like natural pain killers and can aid in the recovery of some common mental health issues.

What can heat rooms do for the body?

Steam rooms and saunas can reduce your chance of lung disease and stroke and boost the immune system. Also known as thermal suites, they’re an amazing way to remove toxins through sweating, thereby detoxing the body and improving the look and feel of skin. Additionally, the heat dilatates the blood vessels to increase blood flow and allow extra oxygen around the body, meaning your organs will function better. The increase in heart rate makes us sweat, meaning we burn calories faster, too, so it's a great support for a fitness journey. Like most heat therapies, you’ll get the same benefits of reduced stiffness and cramps while improving flexibility. Thanks to essential oils or herbs that open up the airways and hydrate the respiratory tract, they work wonders for those with sinus congestion, asthma and allergies, as well.

What can heat rooms do for the mind?

The warm surroundings can feel a little like being wrapped up in a blanket, making it a great option for those suffering with anxiety, panic attacks and low mood. Thermal rooms' ability to reduce muscle tension and lower blood pressure means you’re more likely to overcome fatigue and get a better nights rest, so better sleep patterns and deeper sleep are also benefits. Heat rooms also bring your body back up to standard by producing white blood cells and activating defense mechanisms, actively encouraging the body to repair itself and doing wonders for the brain and the immune system.

Hydrotherapy pools and thermal suites are easy to find at our carefully chosen Spa Retreats, which you'll find in incredible locations around the world. Click here to explore the full collection.