With the extra morning time, I added a hydro technique to my usual shower routine. Post conditioning rinse I took the removable shower head out of its support and turned the water temperature to the coldest setting. While it is not necessary to have a detachable shower head, it does make this particular procedure easier. I sprayed the water from my right heal to the back of my knee and back down, then repeated on the left side. Yes, this was incredibly cold and borderline painful, but immediately after I got a fantastic warming sensation. I followed this by spraying the top of my foot up to the front of my knee and back down, repeated on the left side, then sprayed both my arms in the same manner. Classically you finish this treatment by air-drying after wiping as much water as possible off your skin. I towel dried because of the need to dress myself, but perhaps will take the time over the weekend.
The second part of the hydrotherapy experimental day included a barefoot walk through the snow. A standard treatment through the snow is 3-5 minutes. I made it about 45 seconds before I cried uncle. Not surprisingly I experienced pins and needles tingling, redness, along with soreness running up my legs and very slight nausea. Once socked up my feet began to warm very quickly. I don't feel as though my energy level noticeably changed after the walk, but noting the redness and warm I can safely say that blood flow through my legs certainly increased.
Hydrotherapy, or Water Cure as it was originally coined by the early naturopaths, is a form of treatment and preventative measure using water. The fundamental principle at work here is that circulation of blood can be used to bring nutrients to and waste products away from injured tissues. General increase in circulation also supports the bodies vitality. Application of water therapy can be done on any part of the body with varying water temperatures.
