The spinal bath is another important form of hydrotherapic treatment.
This bath provides a soothing effect to the spinal column and thereby
influences the central nervous system. It is given in a specially
designed tub with its back raised so as to provide proper support
to the head. The bath can be administered at cold, neutral and hot
temperatures. The water level in the tub should be an inch and a
half to two inches and the patient should lie in it for three to
10 minutes.
The cold spinal bath relieves irritation, fatigue, hypertension
and excitement. It is beneficial in almost all nervous disorders
such as hysteria, fits, mental disorders, loss of memory and tension.
The neutral spinal bath is a soothing and sedative treatment, especially
for the highly strung and irritable patient. It is the ideal treatment
for insomnia and also relieves tension of the vertebral column.
The duration of this bath is 20 to 30 minutes. The hot spinal bath,
on the other hand, helps to stimulate the nervous, especially when
they are in a depressed state. It also relieves vertebral pain in
spondylitis and muscular backache. It relieves sciatic pain and
gastrointestinal disturbances of gastric origin.
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