From Russian bathhouses, to Mexican hot springs…. from Finnish dry saunas, to Turkish baths – people all around the world love physical interaction with water. Water, the tiny molecule made up of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen (H20), can heal our bodies and minds during what’s known as a hydrotherapy session. Don’t know anything else about hydrotherapy? Then it’s time for Hydrotherapy 101. It’s never too early or too late to learn about the healing benefits of water, and how it can be used as a feast for your senses.
Hydrotherapy 101, What Can We Tell You
Hydrotherapy is a fun, yet relaxing form of water therapy that benefits so many people in so many different ways. The term hydrotherapy is derived from two Greek words, “Hydro” meaning water, and “Therapia” meaning therapy.
Hydrotherapy is used in spas in different variations, types, and techniques. You might come across a water therapy circuit, see people doing aquatic exercise, or you may have used a steam bath or sauna in the past. Nowadays you can even have an aquatic massage, a massage that takes place in water. These are all examples of hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy uses the principles of water to allow relaxation and healing of the body and mind to occur.
Cold water hydrotherapy is known to:
- Reduce muscle damage
- Reduce inflammation
- Relieve pain
- Improve your mood
By contrast, hot water hydrotherapy is known to:
- Relieve stress
- Relax tight muscles and joints
- Promote better sleep
- Produce clearer skin
- Improve cardiovascular health
A hydrotherapy circuit, with its combined modalities has even more benefits:
- Reduction in muscle spasms
- Increased joint motion
- Strengthening of weak muscles
- Increased circulation
- Weight loss through detoxification
- Improvement of balance and coordination
- Quicker workout recovery
Alternating temperatures, and different hydrostatic pressures – such as those utilized in a professional hydrotherapy circuit – will promote an increase in circulation and flexibility in the body, and a defined clearing of the mind.
The cycle of hot-cold temperatures causes one’s body to rest, something most people desperately need.
And because of how the body responds to hydrotherapy by increasing circulation, water therapy improves the immune system. This is a dynamic way to fight illness, and another amazing benefit.
Hydrotherapy Gives You a Mind Like the Ocean
Have you ever wished to be still like water, to have a moment with a clearer life, all because of quiet? Would you like to have the time and space to develop a mind that is vast like the ocean?
As part of your hydrotherapy 101 you may wish to be enlightened as to how hydrotherapy can lighten a load off your mind. Some time spent in a hydrotherapy circuit could be your savior!
It has been noted by experts that water-based activities improve mental health, reducing anxiety and depression. Additionally hot tub hydrotherapy is an effective management tool for psychological well-being and stress management. The power of water is amazing, and the variables of its uses within a hydrotherapy circuit, trigger physiological responses in the body that foster healing.
Hotel Mousai Houses an Ancient Bath Ritual
The Hydrotherapy Circuit at Spa Imagine, a world-class spa at Hotel Mousai in Puerto Vallarta, is a place where time does not exist. You can sense, feel, or imagine that your mind is like the great Pacific Ocean, situated right in front of the hotel.
The whole spa is stunningly beautiful, but when you get shown the six-cycle hydrotherapy circuit you will realize it’s a geothermal marvel in itself.
The circuit is inspired by ancient bath systems, which cycled through different baths, working from warm to hot, to cold, to relax and treat the body differently.
You are free to move between all of them at will, but it’s recommended to try going from warm to hot to cold to experience the full benefits.
The hydrotherapy circuit at Spa Imagine is part of our signature experiences, allowing for total relaxation. It is an exceptional water journey through sensations designed to relax you prior to your spa treatment.
The Six-Cycle Hydrotherapy Circuit
Lose yourself in a journey of 6 different water sensations:
Steam Room
You can take care of yourself by eliminating all toxins out through your skin pores in the elegant marble steam room. Flush out the bad stuff in a beautiful enclosure.
Sauna
Immerse yourself in another universe in the finest pine-finish sauna with partial views to the ocean. Warmth and heat will relax your body as you take in the cool, reflective silence.
Pressure Massage Shower
Cool the body after the sauna or steam room with a lukewarm power massage to pummel the shoulders and upper back.
Six-Cycle Vitality Pool
Six mini-massage stations in a warm water plunge pool to target different areas of the body: feet, shoulders, upper back, lower back, and full body. It is the flow of water, smooth and free, strong and secure, soothing and gentle, that will have you returning for a second or third round!
Large Whirlpool
Bask in a large Jacuzzi as you unwind level with the clouds and birds. Enjoy the heat and relish the bubbles.
Cold Plunge Pool
The ice-cold plunge water pool will energize your skin and revitalize your body. The crisp shock to the system is invigorating, and the burst of energy that cold water provides will have you refreshed like never before.
Bottle Good Vibes with Water
One of the best ways to resuscitate your mind and body on vacation is to visit the spa for a whole day, taking full advantage of the state-of-the-art hydrotherapy circuit, and afterwards treating yourself to some pampering. After soaking in the different water mediums, a full-body massage with elixir oils is recommended to leave the skin soft and smooth. Or a facial to release tension in the scalp and jawline, and help facial muscles relax.
At the end of the day, we as a human community would perish without proper bathing, relaxation, camaraderie, and of course nowadays, disconnection from our excessive digital tech world. All of this and much more can be found at Spa Imagine.
We hope you have enjoyed our Hydrotherapy 101 and we hope that water becomes part of how you decide to pamper yourself.
