Showers include all applications of water or steam that are administered under pressure. Showers are divided into cold, neutral, warm and hot. Hot showers and extended showers are preferred for rheumatic disorders. Showers can be rain or fan, with a gentle low pressure, and used in various temperatures.
For the athlete, warm showers after training or competition have a generally loosening and relaxing effect, in addition to being cleansing. Cold showers have a tonic effect on the blood vessels and are a good way to conclude warm showers. Steam showers can be used to improve muscular recovery after competition. The steam shower is also suited for the treatment of residual damage, such as occurs in contractures, scars and rheumatic disorders.
In a steam shower, the steam is sprayed onto the skin at a mild comfortable pressure and a temperature of about 110°F. The person giving the treatment should keep a distance of six feel from the client, as the steam can otherwise scald.
Cold Shower
The shower is used as cold as, and as long as, the client can tolerate it. The endurance to cold will increase as the procedure is prolonged.
Contraindications : Cardiovascular instability.
Effects : Overcomes fatigue, tonic effect, reduces elevated body temperature.
Hot Shower
A light spray-rain shower for two to five minutes with temperature from 100°F to 104°F eases neuralgic pain and comforts the body.
Contraindications : Any form of swelling, lymph oedema.
Effects : Prepares client for a cold treatment, alleviates pain, soothes irritated skin.
Neutral Shower
A light gentle-spray shower for four to six minutes in lukewarm (92-97°F), body-temperature water relaxes the body by contracting the circulatory blood system. The reaction is similar to that with a long neutral bath.
Alternate Hot and Cold Shower
Always begin with the hot shower and do not shock the body. The alternating temperature has the most body hardening and conditioning effect. Equal amounts of hot and cold water or unequal amounts can be applied with emphasis on hot water.
Swiss Shower
This cascading vertical body spray shower has nine or more sprays. It creates a gentle or vigorous rain shower from the ankles to the shoulders from above. It is commonly used before and/or after a herbal body wrap, skin exfoliation and massage therapy. The treatment provides relief from symptoms of tension, insomnia and stress. A true shower treatment is actually a full body alternating-temperature hydro-massage performed by the effect of the shower heads.
Indications : Chronic back pain, insomnia, vascular instability.
Contraindications : Cardiovascular insufficiencies, venous disorders, thrombosis, varices.
Temperature : 103°F to 70°F, to 103°F to 65°F, and so on.
Vichy Shower
The Vichy shower therapy was originally created for clients with apoplexy, paraplegia, quadriplegia and cardiovascular insufficiencies. The Vichy shower is a horizontal shower bar with shower nozzles arranged so that the entire body, lying on a table, is covered with a gentle water stream. The Vichy shower therapy is a form of hydro-massage with a temperature of about 105°F or contrast temperature (warm-cool) application. For optimal vascular results, the client is brushed with a soft bristle brush.
Indications : Chronic fatigue, mild hypertension, lymphatic congestion, skin exfoliation and cleansing.
Contraindications : Vascular instability, open skin ailments, lymph oedema, pregnancy.
Washing Down With a Wet Cloth or Mitten
Ablution, performed with a wet cloth, is the midlest form of Kneipp water application. Ablution differs from usual cleansing procedures. The washing procedure is divided into whole and partial body washings. Treatment should take place in a draught-free, warm room. A coarse linen washcloth is recommended for the procedure. Water should be applied evenly to the body parts being washed. The stimulating effect of the washing (especially on the skin’s circulation) is very good. Use one part vinegar to two parts water.
Effects : Enhances blood circulation, relaxes, activates the production of heat in the body. The toxic substances in the blood will be increasingly eliminated and even prevented in the limbs.
Washing of Upper Extremities, Chest, and Back
Indications : Stress syndrome, dysfunctional thermoregulatory system, rheumatism, colds, fever.
Contraindications : Oversensitivity to cold.
Effect: Toughens the skin, improves circulation, stimulates metabolism.
Equipment : Coarse linen washcloth.
Procedure : Dip a coarse linen washcloth in cold water. Wash the right arm—first the exterior, from the shoulder to the hand, then the interior to the armpit. Move to left arm— same procedure. Stroke across the chest and then clockwise across the abdomen. The back side is rubbed down with several strokes. Ablution should be performed as quickly as possible. Do not dry. Have client dressed in pajamas and assist him or her into a warm bed.
Water additives : Vinegar.
Washing of Lower Extremities, Buttocks
Indications : Stress syndrome, dysfunction of body’s thermo-regulatory system (rhemuatism, cold, fever), poor circulation, insomnia, varicose veins, thyroid overactivity.
Contraindications : Oversensitivity to cold, bladder or kidney infection, inflammation or infection of the female pelvic organs.
Effects : Toughens skin, reduces insomnia, stimulates metabolism, promotes digestive process. •
Equipment : Coarse linen washcloth, cold water.
Procedure : Dip a coarse linen washcloth in cold water. Wash the right leg — first exterior front. Move to the left leg front. Then wash the right leg back. Move to the left leg back. End with the soles of the feel. Ablution should be performed as quickly as possible. Do not dry Have client dressed in either a nightdress or pajamas and assist into a warm bed.
Water additives : Vinegar.
Washing Down of Arms and Legs
Indications : Fever, acute infections.
Contraindications : Oversensitivity to cold, cold hands or feet.
Effects : Reduces fever, increases perspiration, improves circulation, refreshes.
Equipment: Coarse linen washcloth, cold water.
Procedure : Assist client into bed, then dip a coarse wash with cold water, Washing down begins with Tower par ol the legs or lower part of the arms. Ablution should be performed as quickly as possible. Do not dry. Cover client
Water Additives : Vinegar.
Every wrap has it’s own specific effect on the system. However, all wraps relax muscles, break up and absorb body toxins, and stimulate the whole organism. The major function of the wrap is to stimulate the skin, which in turn influences the body temperature, the nervous system, blood circulation, and the immune system. The effect of the wrap depends on its duration.
Types of Wrap :Chest wrap, throat wrap, lumbar wrap, shawl wrap, foot wrap, short wrap, calf wrap, leg wrap, hand wrap, wet socks.
Wrap Material : Coarse linen cloth (interior cloth) lies on the skin, moist. Cotton cloth (middle cloth) dry on the edges, two centimetres wider than the interior cloth. Wool blanket (exterior cloth) dry on the edges, one centimetre smaller than the middle cloth.
Rules about Body Wraps
1. They can be administered cold, tepid, or hot.
2. Additives such as vinegar, argillaceous earth (clay), salt and dried herbs are effective.
3. Digestive tract should be cleared prior to wrap.
4. Hot wraps must be applied as hot as possible, while avoiding burns.
5. The wrap tnusl be removed as quickly as possible.
6. After the wrap, the client should rest for thirty to sixty minutes.
7. The client should not read or watch television.
8. All wraps must fit snugly around the body.
9. Each cloth is wrapped in the same manner.
10. The room temperature where the wrap is applied should be 64°E
11. Avoid draughts during the treatment.
12. Full body wraps should not be administered after meals.
Heat Retaining Cold Wrap
The cold wrap stays on until it has warmed up and has increased the circulation in the wrapped area without increasing perspiration. The wrap stays on for about an hour. The linen cloth must be wrung out thoroughly.
Perspiraton Increasing Cold Wrap
The wrap stays on until the client perspires profusely after one and a half to two hours. After perspiration begins, the wrap stays on for another fifteen minutes.
Heat Absorbing Cold Wrap
The cold wrap is used for reducing excess heat in the body (e.g., during infection or high fever). The wrap stays on until it is warm, usually twenty to thirty minutes. If the body temperature remains high, repeat the procedure.
Dry Blanket Wrap
The dry blanket wrap is for creating perspiration, including the elimination of liquids. It is a valuable therapy for chronic rheumatism (the dry pack, unlike the hot moist pack, does not make you feel weak). This very simple wrapping produces a powerful reaction.
Indications : Chronic rheumatism.
Contraindications : Fever, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, cardiac weakness.
Effect : Induces perspiration.
Equipment : Linen sheets, wool blankets, large, coarse towel.
Procedure : Prepare the table with two blankets, one on top of the other. Prepare a hot water bottle. This is especially useful for a weak client, or one who will need a boost in heating the body. Prepare a hot herbal tea: peppermint, thyme, sage or red raspberry. Assist client into hot bath or hot foot bath. Client should remain in bath fifteen to thirty minutes. Apply a cold compress to the forehead. Tuck the blanket around the body. To increase perspiration, apply hot water bottles to the soles of the feet and the sides of the body. Allow client to rest in a warm, well-ventilated room for thirty minutes. Apply a cold compress to the head. Sponge thebody with cold water, or immerse the entire body in a full cold bath for thirty seconds to one minute. Vigorously dry the body witli a huge coarse towel, and allow the client to rest again.
Cool Moist Blanket Body Wrap
This wrap is the most effective and powerful of all the water therapies. While the directions for this pack may seem complicated at first, it is actually only a long, double body compress in which the legs are separated by a layer of cloth. This wrap is exceptional in helping the client to overcome fevers and a three-quarter or half pack may be used several times a day. It is also very helpful for most chronic diseases and in detoxifying the body.
Indications : Elevated body temperature, nervousness (for tonic or sedative wrap), oncoming cold or flu, skin ailments.
Procedure : Prepare a hot water bottle. Prepare the table with protective material by laying two large blankets so that the ends are lower than the sides of the bed. Then place a large, dry white sheet on top of the blankets. (You will later lay a cold wet sheet on top of the dry sheet.). Have a perspiration-inducing drink, such as peppermint tea, ready. Have containers of cold water for the cold compress ready. Have hot water bottle ready (it will warm the client’s feet).
Prepare the damp wet sheet by plunging a large white cotton sheet into cold water and wringing it out so that it is damp and not too wet. Keep it in a sink, to either apply directly after the bath while client is standing or to place on the bed on the dry sheet when the client emerges from the bath. Prepare a full hot bath or a hot foot bath. A full hot bath is preferred for total relaxation, sedation, and perspiration induction. You can increase the detoxification effect by adding up to five cups of mineral salts, a cup of essential pine oil, or a cup of essential meadow flower oil to the bathwater. Apply a cold compress to client’s forehead. Have client enter the hot water or lake a hot foot bath. Furnish herbal drinks.
The bath may last from fifteen to thirty minutes depending on comfort. Perspiration starts. Assist client out of the bath. The original classic wrap method is to place the wet sheet from the sink on the table before the client enters the bath. Wrap the client’s body in large towels, discard the towels, and quickly help the client lie down on the bed on the cold damp sheet with arms raised. As rapidly as possible, bring the right half of the wet sheet over the trunk and right leg. Tuck it in, and lay the loose folds between the legs. Lower the arms. Bring the left half of the sheet over the front of body. Cover shoulders, trunk, arms, and left leg.
Turn client on left side, and tuck the sheet under the right side. Tug the cotton sheet tightly so that no air can emerge. It should be snug, but not tight. Do not let two skin surfaces touch. The sheet is between the skin and the blanket. Fold the blankets snugly over the client’s body in envelope fashion. If the client feels weak, place a hot water bottle on feet to speed the warming-up reacion. Additional light covers may also be added to speed the reaction. They can be applied from chin to ankles, but do not cover feet.
Tuck in around shoulders and remove extra blankets as soon as the heat reaction occurs. For a very anxious client who can not bear the thought of being wrapped, use a less extensive wrap up to the armpits. The arms are left free. End the application by washing the body with diluted vinegar (ablution). Do this in sections so that client does not chill. Completely dry the skin. Since this is a detoxifying perspiration-inducing technique and is not energising, client should rest and drink a lot of juice.
Hot Moist Blanket Body Wrap
This linen wrap is applied in the same way as a damp sheet wrap except that the linen sheet or blanket (preferred) is dipped into hot water, 110°F. Wring dry, as the wet blanket loses heat very quickly. The value of the hot moist linen wrap is that it induces perspiration very quickly, and thus helps eliminate metabolic waste. It also decreases internal congestion.
Indications : Chronic joint and muscular rheumatism, gout, chronic neuralgia, sciatica.
Contraindications : This wrap should not be used for heart patients, persons with diabetes or arteriosclerosis or elderly persons.
Effects : Induces perspiration, detoxifies.
Procedure : Prepare an ice bag, several hot water bottles and linen sheet to steep in the hot water. Prepare the table with a protective metallic blanket or sheet. On top place a large blanket. The blanket should overlap the edge of the table and reach to the neck and over the feet like an envelope. Fold a linen sheet in thirds, then lengthwise. Holding the ends, immerse it in an extremely hot water bath. Use rubber gloves to wring or squeeze out all of the water. Place the wrung-out sheet over the dry blankets on the bed and place the client on the table. Client should lie on his or her back with arms raised. Apply a cold compress to the forehead and place an ice bag, wrapped in a dish towel, on the heart.
Wrap the wet blanket over the right side of client’s body. Bring arms down and quickly drape the left side of the wet blanket over the front of the body. Wrap the dry blanket(s) over the wet one, tucking it in at the shoulders and the feet. The metallic blanket sheet underneath the dry blankets will help retain the heat longer and cause additional perspiration. Place a series of hot water bottles at the feet, and along the sides of the body. Client should drink large amounts of water and herb drinks. Replace the forehead compress often so that it is always cold. This pack can be applied for five to twenty minutes, depending on client’s health. This wrap relaxes and soothes the muscles and helps to eliminate toxins.
Calf Wrap – Cold Temperature
Indications : Acute fever, local inflammation, venous inflammation, high blood pressure, overexertion after standing or walking for a long time, insomnia.
Contraindications : Acute bladder or kidney infection, sciatica, onset of fever, cold feet.
Effects : Reduces inflammation, reduces pain, relaxes, lowers blood pressure.
Equipment :
1 coarse linen cloth 12 in. x 30 in.
1 cotton cloth 13 in. x 30 in.
1 woollen cloth 12.5 in. x 30 in.
Procedure : Dip coarse linen cloth wrap into cold water and then wring out.
Without wrinkling the cloth, wrap it snugly around the calf. The calf wrap covers the area from the ankle to the knee. Wrap the coarse linen (interior) tightly around the skin. The next layer is the cotton cloth, which should be wrapped with a two-inch overlap. The woollen cloth is then wrapped as the exterior layer. Avoid extending the wool wrap over the cotton cloth. After the treatment, bed rest is recommended.
Duration : Approximately fifteen to twenty minutes or as soon as the wrap feels warm to the client.
Chest Wrap – Cold Temperature
Indications : Acute bronchitis, inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia), pleurisy.
Contraindications : Oversensitivity to cold.
Effects : Reduces inflammation, a short cooling off period causes a re-warming of the body and increases the blood circulation, breaks down bronchial secretion, reduces fever and pain.
Equipment :
1 coarse linen cloth 16 in. x 75 in.
1 cotton cloth 19 in. x 75 in.
1 woollen cloth 17 in. x 75 in.
Procedure : Dip the coarse linen cloth into cold water and then wring out.
The cold moist chest wrap reaches from the armpit to the pelvic crest. The wrap must fit snugly. Wrap the coarse linen cloth tightly around the skin. The next layer is the cotton cloth, which should be wrapped leaving a 1/2-inch overlap. The final layer is the woollen cloth, which should not touch the skin. After wrapping, rest is recommended.
Duration : Forty-five to seventy-five minutes, or as soon as the wrap feels warm to the client.
Chest Wrap – Hot Temperature
Indications : Chronic bronchitis. Contraindications : Fever.
Effects : Bronchodilation, enhances bronchial secretion. Equipment :
1 coarse linen cloth 16 in. x 75 in.
1 cotton cloth 19 in. x 75 in.
1 woollen cloth 17 in. x 75 in.
Procedure : Dip the coarse linen cloth into very hot water and then wring out. The hot moist chest wrap covers the area from the armpit to the pelvic crest. The wrap must fit snugly. Wrap the coarse linen cloth tightly around the skin. The next layer is the cotton cloth, which should be wrapped leaving a l/z-inch overlap. The final layer is the woollen cloth, which should not touch the skin. After wrapping, bed rest is recommended.
Duration : The wrap stays till it feels warm to the client.
Throat Wrap – Cold Temperature
Indications : Acute throat inflammation. Contraindications : Onset of a cold or a fever. Effects : Withdrawing heat.
Equipment :
1 coarse linen cloth 4 in. x 28 in.
1 cotton cloth 6 in. x 28 in.
1 woollen cloth 5 in. x 28 in.
Procedure : Dip coarse linen cloth into cold water and squeeze it out. Wrap the coarse linen cloth tightly around the skin. The cold wrap should cover the neck completely. The next layer is the cotton cloth, which should be wrapped leaving a lyi-inch overlap. The final layer is the woollen cloth, which should not touch the skin. After wrapping, bed rest is recommended.
Duration : Acute processes : When the wrap no longer feels cold to the client, remove the wrap and apply a second wrap immediately. The wrap can be applied twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening].
Lumbar Wrap – Cold Temperature
Indications : Chronic indigestion, abdominal and mucous membrane inflammation, high blood pressure, insomnia.
Contraindications : Menstruation, acute kidney infection.
Effects : Stabilises digestive organs, enhances sleep, relaxes autonomic nervous system, reduces pain.
Equipment :
1 coarse linen cloth 16 in. x 75 in.
1 cotton cloth 20 in. x 75 in.
1 woollen cloth 18 in. X 75 in.
Procedure : Dip the coarse linen cloth into cold water and then wring out. The wrap covers the lower trunk and upper part of the thighs. The wrap must fit snugly. Wrap the coarse linen cloth tightly around the skin. The next layer is the cotton cloth, which should be wrapped with a 1/2-inch overlap. The exterior layer is the woollen cloth, which should not touch the skin. After wrapping, bed rest is recommended.
Duration : Forty-five to sixty-five minutes.
Wet Socks
Indications : Insomnia, varicose veins.
Contraindications : Menstruation, acute bladder or kidney infection, cold feet, oversensitivity to cold.
Equipment : Linen socks, woollen socks.
Procedure : Dip coarse linen socks into cold water, then wring them out. Put on wet linen socks and then put on woollen socks.
Duration : To enhance sleep: fifteen to twenty minutes or as soon as the socks feel warm to the client (can be worn all night). For varicose veins or circulation problems in the legs : the socks should be removed before they become warm.
Herbal Additives : Meadow flower essential oil.