Why not try…. A Hydrotherapy Treatmemt

My husband and I are on holiday. The weather is magnificent – sunny, hot and beautiful. The sky is blue, the sea is turquoise and the sun is scorching. We’ve had some pretty dramatic thunderstorms and torrential rain but nothing to stop us from having a relaxing time with no stresses or cares.

To start the holiday and help us relax we booked in for a couples massage, which started with a hydrotherapy session.

If you have never had a hydrotherapy treatment or don’t know what it is, then let me explain. Water is used to both stimulate your body into action, such as the circulatory system and lymphatic system and it is also used to soothe aching muscles, discomfort and relieve stress.

Cold water is invigorating, helping you to feel energised and invigorated. Which is why a quick blast of cold in your shower each morning is a great way to start your day.

Warm or slightly hot water will be comforting and will help to soothe and ease tired aching muscles.

Hydrotherapy has been used for centuries; think of the city of Bath with its many thermal hot springs or baths. These were said to be healing. There are many hydrotherapy hotels throughout the UK which started out as medical facilities for people to be healed through water.

These therapies are deigned to ease any tension, pain or discomfort in the body. Your body is primed to promote healing from within.

We entered a Swedish sauna and had to lie down and relax for 5 minutes. The heat was immense. I slowed my breathing down until I felt relaxed. It worked and the 5 minutes was soon over.

Up next was a temperature controlled walk. Firstly walking into a freezing cold plunge pool and submerging our entire body under the chilly water. Refreshing! Well more like freezing after the intense heat of the sauna. From there we walked into the next pool which was warm and a delight in comparison.

Our chaperone Ismael collected us and handed us an ice cold face cloth and told us to place it over our face when we went into the steam room to help us breath.

The steam room was intense, this was much harder then the sauna. I struggled to relax but the face cloth helped me to breathe. We were in there for the longest 5 minutes. I was very relieved to leave.

Now that our bodies had been treated to open our pores and start ridding itself of toxins, it was time for the next part of the circuit, The ice shower, well more like an ice scrub. My husband and I had to take a handful of ice and rub it over our bodies. It was freezing as you would expect but the best feeling at the same time. Very refreshing after the intensity of the sauna.

Then began the showers. We had a tropical rain shower which started warm then went to freezing cold and back up to warm. It made you feel clean and invigorated. But it is difficult to relax as you don’t quite know what the next temperature will be.

This was followed by a sensation shower where jets were targeted on different part of your body. It started on our lower legs, our thighs then onto our waist and finally a cool shower on our head which felt pretty cold. Ismael called this the car wash which I can see why.

Finally the one we knew was coming – the bucket shower. We stood facing each other and were anticipating how cold it was going to be, but knew it would only last a few seconds. Deep breath in and we pulled the rope. It took our breath away, but it wasn’t as cold as we were expecting, clearly the other cool showers had prepared us well.

Now our bodies had been prepped. The hydrotherapy pool was next. We stepped into the warm water and felt instantly relaxed.

First we slid onto a metal frame bubble massage lounger. It alone felt comfortable but then it was switched on and bubbles came out of the metal frame all over your body as you lay there. This was bliss.

Next came more bubbles but this time I was standing on a metal plate and holding onto rails at either side of me. Bubble began coming up from the plate and you certainly did have to hold on as it was very strong. All the bubbles were helping to relax your body and relieve stress as well as reduce muscle pain or tension.

We moved onto a high pressure hose called The Swan. This was targeting your back. You stood out from it and moved yourself so the jet worked along your back. It was amazing. This would definitely be helping your body to flush out toxins by stimulating the lymphatic system.

Our final water treatment was a waterfall. This powerful heavy flow was directed onto your head neck and shoulders. It was a lovely massage working each of these areas. This was by far my favourite. I concentrated it onto my shoulders as it was a delicious feeling.

From there we are led out of the pool and onto a double stone massage bed which was warm. We received a short head massage. I could have slept. We were then taken to our treatment room for our actual massage.

After the hydrotherapy treatment I was feeling very chilled out. My shoulders had definitely dropped and I was at peace and ready to begin my holiday.

Hydrotherapy helps you to relieve stress, detoxify your body and boost your immune system. My husband and I enjoyed it and felt the benefit for days to come. It truly was one of the best stress busting muscle relaxing treatment I have had. I can highly recommend it.

Have a look in your area to see what hydrotherapy treatments are on offer. I’m sure there will be something to suit you. It’s a great way to look after you!

Thank you for reading and have a lovely week.

Love Emma xx