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Hydrotherapy the Secret to Better Health. (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Water plays a vital role in sustaining life, covering nearly 70% of the Earth’s surface and forming around 60% of the human body. While its importance for hydration is widely known, experts say its therapeutic value is often overlooked in everyday wellness discussions.
According to the experts the use of water for healing purposes is witnessing renewed interest in modern healthcare and wellness practices.
The use of water for healing is not a new concept. Historical records show that Roman bathhouses served as centres for relaxation and recovery. Similarly, traditional Indian systems such as Ayurveda and naturopathy have long used water-based therapies for detoxification, pain relief and overall health improvement.
Today, these age-old practices are being revisited as scientific research begins to support some of their claimed benefits.
Recent studies indicate that hydrotherapy may help manage conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic pain. A 2024 review in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology suggests that water-based therapy can complement conventional medical treatments by improving mobility and reducing discomfort.
Other research highlights that warm water immersion may help lower cortisol levels and reduce muscle tension, while cold-water exposure has been linked to improved mood and immune response, according to the a 2025 study published in Frontiers in Immunology.
Across India, wellness hubs in Kerala, Pune and Rishikesh are increasingly offering hydrotherapy treatments such as ice baths, underwater massages and contrast water therapy. These are now being positioned not just as luxury experiences but as part of preventive healthcare routines.
The Ministry of AYUSH’s 2024 guidelines have also acknowledged the role of naturopathy-based water therapies in structured wellness programmes.
Experts say hydrotherapy can also be practiced at home with minimal effort. Common methods include alternating hot and cold showers, steam inhalation, warm water baths and Epsom salt foot soaks.
Experts noted that while hydrotherapy is not a replacement for medical treatment, it offers a simple, accessible way to support relaxation, recovery and stress management in daily life.
