TREATMENT DATABASE

CAUTION: Some naturopathic physicians use hot water hydrotherapy to artificially create a fever (102 degrees). This form of hydrotherapy is contraindicated in ME/CFS patients. Most ME/CFS patients have some form of dysautonomia, which will only be made worse by exposure to heat. In addition, those patients with upregulated immune systems run the risk of relapse by inducing a fever. Patients with tachycardia or any other cardiac symptoms should avoid all forms of heat exposure as heat places a strain on the heart.

Hydrotherapy is the use of water for healing. The idea of using water to heal the body is not new. For centuries, people have immersed themselves in therapeutic baths as a means to prevent and cure illness. The ancient Romans and the Incas built sumptuous tiled baths, which to this day stand as proofs of the importance these civilizations placed on the restorative powers of water. Healing waters can be found all over the world, from Lourdes in France to the Ganges River in India. Spas and hot springs have long been popular in the United States as well. Saratoga Springs, New York, and Hot Springs, Arkansas, still enjoy a reputation for restoring health and vigor.

USES IN ME/CFS: Warm-water baths can help reduce pain associated with lactic acid buildup in muscle tissues. The water temperature should be at about body temperature. Many people have reported that warm-water baths help loosen tight muscles, reduce leg pains, and in general create a feeling of relaxation.

Immersion in cold water has been beneficial for some patients. The effectiveness of this strategy is most likely due to the fact that the body, when immersed in cold water, automatically shuts down the blood supply to the skin, shunting it instead to vital organs. The additional blood supply to the brain, liver, and other organs affected by ME/CFS could theoretically have a profound impact on reducing symptoms. Dr. Myhill, however, cautions against cold water baths. She theorizes that cold water works because it gives the adrenal glands a huge “kick.” If the adrenal glands are not working properly,  the patient will feel awful.

Both Dr. Paul Cheney and Dr. Charles Lapp have used tepid-water hydrotherapy with good results. Vertical immersion up to the neck in water at about the temperature of a heated swimming pool has reduced symptoms in a number of Dr. Cheney's patients.

The rationale behind this novel form of hydrotherapy is that the increased pressure at the feet forces lymphatic flow to reverse itself, up the body to the thoracic duct (just below the left clavicle), where it is infused into the bloodstream. The presence of the extra lymph tissue signals the immune system that cytokines are already circulating, and the immune system automatically down regulates. In patients experiencing the effects of excess cytokine production, down regulation of immune system chemicals can provide tremendous relief. The increased pressure also forces blood into vital organs.

Treatment rating for Hydrotherapy