While an alternating hot and cold footbath is said to promote circulation in the legs, help varicose veins, insomnia, headache and high blood pressure. Put hands or feet in the hot water for one minute, then plunge into the cold for 20 seconds. Then back into hot and cold again until a total of 10 minutes have been spent doing this, ending with the plunge into the ice water. Beneficial for arthritic joints and tired, aching feet, and the alternating hot and cold stimulates circulation. Remember that the application of heat is soothing, easing muscle tension and relieving pain.
Heat also improves circulation by causing blood vessels to dilate.
Cold can either be stimulating or soothing. Water healing is helpful in maintaining metabolic function, and in making us feel much better, and is easily accomplished right in our own homes. The benefits of hydrotherapy have been recognized for thousands of years. Learn what it is and how it works. Inc. PageWise makes no representations about the content published on this site.