Whirlpool baths first appeared during the First World War in France. Local military surgeons thus treated gunshot wounds, phantom pains and other problems of the army. Today, many patients with various problems resort to this method of hydrotherapy. And there are a lot of modifications of the whirlpool baths.
Kinds
According to the technical device, 3 types of whirlpool baths are distinguished:
- Rotary type (mixing).
- Flowing version (similar to the original, invented by the French).
- Turbine type (modern device).
Today in practice they use:
- Common whirlpool baths. They imply a complete immersion of the human body.
- Whirlpool baths for legs and arms (topical application).
In sanatoria, beauty salons, hospitals, modern turbine baths are installed. They are recommended by the American Medical Association.
Design
Such baths are also called pearl baths. This is a kind of hydromassage. Air and water actively affect the human body. At the bottom of the bath is a grate. Through it, air enters the water, which enters there from the compressor.
Passing through the holes of the lattice, the air turns into bubbles, which conduct a “massage” of the body. Moreover, the amount and intensity of exposure can be controlled by setting a certain level of pressure in the compressor.
During the procedure, the water temperature is always maintained at 34-36 degrees. And the air that enters it has a temperature noticeably lower - up to 20 degrees. It turns out a contrast that provokes the activation of all internal processes in the human body.
The main therapeutic and healing factors when taking vortex baths are mechanical and temperature effects. To get the maximum effect, the procedure should last no more than a quarter of an hour. In this case, the muscles must be relaxed as much as possible. To do this, it is enough to take a comfortable position and distract from problems and thoughts.
Benefit
Whirlpool baths have a positive effect on the body:
- Visibly stimulate blood circulation. This allows you to normalize the pressure, remove pain, relieve tension in the muscles.
- Lymph outflow normalizes, all residual effects from inflammation quickly resolve.
- The skin is saturated with oxygen.
- The mood is noticeably improving.
- The body relaxes and rests.
- Rheumatism, arthritis, arthrosis are retreating.
To enhance the effect of the procedure, you can add essential oil or sea salt to the water. And after the bath, it is advisable to smear the skin with a moisturizer. This will protect it from drying out. It is necessary to abandon physical activity within 2 hours after the procedure.
Indications
Very often, doctors prescribe whirlpool baths. Indications and contraindications for their implementation are very extensive. So, it is recommended to conduct similar sessions if:
- need to recover from injury or heavy and constant physical exertion;
- disturbances in the work of the muscle or nervous system of the body are observed;
- there are diseases that are associated with improper functioning of the endocrine glands;
- there are violations in the mobility of the joints;
- atherosclerosis is diagnosed;
- disorders in the activity of the musculoskeletal system are observed;
- blood flow is impaired;
- spinal diseases are present;
- there is varicose veins;
- identified violations of male potency;
- the patient suffers from insomnia;
- ulcers of various kinds are present;
- chronic fatigue syndrome is observed;
- diagnosed with obesity;
- there is chronic constipation;
- the patient suffers from inflammation in the female genital area;
- there is arterial hypertension or vegetovascular dystonia is revealed.
All these ailments can be cured if a course of whirlpool baths is added to the complex of therapeutic measures.
Whirlpool baths for the lower extremities are considered more gentle. They are prescribed if the reception of common whirlpool baths with immersion of the whole body is contraindicated. Additionally, they are shown to those who:
- there is a need for recovery after a fracture or leg injury;
- there is a syndrome of "cold legs";
- joints in the lower limbs hurt.
Swirl baths for hands are prescribed for:
- inflammatory processes in the upper limbs;
- neuromuscular dystrophy;
- suffered fractures and sprains;
- cramping or physical strain.
Whirlpool baths: contraindications
There are cases when it is necessary to refrain from such a procedure. Like any other health-improving measure, a whirlpool bath session has its contraindications. These include:
- oncological diseases;
- inflammatory diseases in the acute stage of their development;
- pregnancy;
- thrombophlebitis in acute form;
- angina pectoris and other heart problems.
Where to try?
Whirlpool baths can be taken not everywhere. Usually hospitals and some spas offer a similar procedure. It is possible to purchase equipment for home use. But you need to remember that the procedure should be carried out only under the supervision of a specialist.
Treatment takes place in courses. The number of procedures and the duration of the break between sessions is determined by the attending physician on the basis of examinations. Reception of a bath can be appointed both daily, and in a day or several days. All individually.
This procedure is very popular in many Caucasian resorts. Going on vacation to Kislovodsk, Zheleznovodsk, Pyatigorsk or Essentuki, it makes sense to ask if there is such a service as conducting whirlpool baths in a particular sanatorium.