Do-It-Yourself Hydrotherapy: Making Exercising Easier

Increasing Circulation, Healing, Energy and Relaxation

Lately it’s been getting colder, making the idea of stepping outside my door in the morning to exercise less and less exciting. Several years ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and even though I’m happy to say it’s cured, the memory of how cold I used to get in the fall is a hard one to let go of.

So, to motivate myself and reinforce the behavior of getting outside every morning, I’ve been rewarding myself with at home hydrotherapy. A hydrotherapy and massage teacher with 28 years of experience shared this method with me, and it’s so easy and so simple that it’s easy to underestimate – until you’ve tried it, and then there’s no going back.

First thing in the morning I do 20 jumping jacks or mountain climbers to warm up my muscles, and then run or cycle for 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how much time I have that day. It’s important for the metabolism and sympathetic nervous system that I don’t eat or drink anything except plain water. If you’re currently diabetic, be aware of your blood sugar levels because they may drop as you exercise.

Afterward, I get my long awaited reward that has pulled me forward like a carrot dangling in front of a horse. I run a bath with a temperature between 104°F and 108°F. This may seem hot but below 104°F and we don’t get the same health benefits. The bath should be 3 inches deep to start. If you have numbness in your feet (neuropathy) it’s very important that you start with lower temperatures (try 100) and that you use a thermometer. If not you run the risk of burning yourself.

Magnesium is important for diabetics

Aromatherapists recommend adding eucalyptus for people with a history of diabetes, and lavender for even deeper relaxation. You can also add 1 cup of Epsom salt, which reduces inflammation, speeds up healing, is a source of magnesium, and has several other benefits. Most diabetics have a magnesium deficiency, so using the Epsom salt can prevent some complications, and help the body regulate insulin levels. It may drop blood sugar levels, so if your levels are low after the exercise it’s a good idea to eat before taking the bath. If you have thin or sensitive skin, start with half a cup of Epsom salt and see if it irritates your skin.

I start by sitting up in the bath, and I massage my legs while I adjust to the temperature. Personally, my shoulders and back are more tight than my legs, so after about 5 minutes of sitting up I slide in, lie on my back, and meditate for 10-15 minutes. I find that the best ideas I have all day come to me in those 10-15 minutes. Then I get out, have breakfast, and start my day!

The benefit of all this is:

Energy, relaxation, vibrant health, and a sense of well being that lasts all day.

For those of us who aren’t used to exercising, it’s a great reward that will take the edge off of the initial soreness. Most people know that there is a staggering list of benefits associated with getting daily exercise, and anything that makes it easier is an important tool, especially for people with diabetic symptoms. By rewarding yourself for exercising, you will become more likely to do it! For more information on something called operant conditioning, listen to this podcast. You can use it to reprogram yourself to exercise more, and even enjoy exercising!

The hydrotherapy opens up the blood vessels and allows everything to flow more freely, which can eliminate pins and needles and cold extremities.

It speeds up the elimination of toxins and lactic acid, speeds up the healing of tissue, calms the mind, and relaxes the muscles. For people without existing heart conditions it strengthens the circulatory system and can reduce blood pressure.

Between the exercise and the bath it’s under an hour out of my day, and when I start my day off this way I know that I’ll feel energized and enthusiastic all day, no matter what life throws at me.

Disclaimer: If you have any serious health conditions, check with a health professional before trying this. If you do try it, start conservatively.