From the beginning of civilization, water has been revered as an important healing therapy in cultures around the world. Hydrotherapy treatments are based on the use of water in all of its forms-hot and cold water, ice, and steam-to stimulate healing. Hydrotherapy can be used to increase circulation and lymphatic flow, ease pain, and relieve muscular tension. Forms of hydrotherapy that you can easily use at home include

• Sitz baths.
• Foot baths.
• Compresses.

Sitz baths alleviate congestion in the abdominal organs and stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow in the pelvic region. They take a bit of effort, but are an effective treatment for menstrual cramps, cystitis, and fibroids. Use sitz baths as often as desired, or at least every other day when treating a chronic condition such as uterine fibroids.

• You'll need two plastic tubs that are large enough to comfortably hold your buttocks. The purpose of this treatment is to focus the hot and cold baths on your pelvic region to stimulate circulation, so the water should reach only to your navel, leaving your upper body, legs, and feet out of the water.
• Fill one tub with water as hot as you can tolerate. Fill the other tub with ice cold water. You'll only need to fill the tub halfway or less with water-you'll be able to determine how much water you need by sitting in the tub. It usually takes a bit of experimentation to get the amount of water and the temperature just right. The hot tub should be approximately 105-110 degrees F, and the cold tub should be between 55-65 degrees F. You may need to add ice cubes to the cold tub to obtain the desired temperature. Add 7 drops of essential oil to the hot bath, mixing the oil into the water with your hand. Use lavender or marjoram for menstrual cramps; sandalwood or juniper for cystitis; and ginger for uterine fibroids.
• Begin by lowering your buttocks into the hot tub--the water will feel uncomfortably hot at first. Sit with your upper body and legs out of the tub, and make sure that your pelvic region is covered up to your navel with the water. Stay in the hot water for three minutes, and then immediately move to the cold tub for one minute.
• Alternate between the hot and cold tubs three times, remaining in the hot tub each time for three minutes and the cold tub for one minute. Finish with the cold tub, towel off briskly, and rest for a few minutes, focusing your attention on the healing flow of energy circulating throughout your pelvis.

Alternating hot and cold foot baths help to stimulate lymphatic flow and also relieve tired, aching feet and legs. They are especially helpful for varicose veins. Use these foot baths as often as desired.

• You'll need two buckets large enough to hold both of your feet, and ideally deep enough so that the water will reach to  the middle of your calves to help to stimulate lymphatic flow.

• Fill one bucket with water as hot as you can tolerate (approximately 105-110 degrees F). Fill the other bucket with ice cold water (approximately 55-65 degrees F-you may need to add ice cubes to obtain the desired temperature). Add 7 drops of rosemary essential oil to the bucket of hot water to further stimulate circulation.

• Sit in a comfortable chair and immerse both of your feet in the hot water for three minutes. Immediately plunge your feet into the bucket of cold water for one minute. Repeat the cycle three to five times, ending with the cold water plunge.

Hot ginger compresses stimulate increased circulation and are helpful for treating uterine fibroids and menstrual cramps. Use ginger compresses as needed for easing menstrual cramps, and at least every other day for uterine fibroids.

• Grate a handful of fresh ginger root, place in a piece of cheese cloth, twist to make a ball, and tie with a piece of string.
• Fill a large pot with one gallon of water, squeeze the juice from the ginger into the water, and drop the ball of ginger into the water. Cover the pot and heat the water, but do not boil it.
• Turn off the heat. Make a compress by folding a cotton hand-towel in half lengthwise. Dip the towel into the hot ginger water, keeping the ends dry to prevent burning your fingers.
• Wring the compress out and place it over your abdomen, being careful to not burn your skin. You might need to let the compress cool for a few seconds before placing it onto your skin.
• Cover the compress with a thick, dry towel to retain the heat. When the hot towel cools to body temperature, replace it with a fresh hot compress.
• Continue placing hot compresses over your abdomen until  your skin turns bright red, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.