Baths which are taken with intentions to endow body with natural healing benefits are known as Bath Therapy. Therapeutic baths assists in equalization of blood circulation, augments muscular tone, promotes digestion, eliminates toxins, repairs damaged cellulites and boosts the activities of respiratory glands. There are a number of types of Bath therapy which are valued for their remedial properties. The following are the types of Bath therapy which are regarded effective in the cure of several diseases.

Hip Bath - Since medieval times, the hip baths are acknowledged as the most effective therapeutic method to heal ailments naturally. The basic requirements for the hip bath include a bathing tub especially designed for hip baths and 4-6 gallons of water. Water should be filled in tub to cover only hips and navel. Hip baths can be taken with cold, hot or lukewarm water.

Spinal Bath - The other most important technique in Hydrotherapy is spinal bath. The spinal bath is known for its soothing effects on spinal column. The soothing effects on spinal column assist in relieving the stress of core nervous system. The basic requirement for this therapeutic bath is similar to hip bath.

For optimum results, this bath should be taken for minimum 5 minutes. The maximum prescribed duration for spinal bath is 30 minutes. Cold spinal bath assists in elimination of ailments like restlessness, high blood pressure, anxiety, psychological disorders and irritation. Hot spinal bath is a very effectual natural cure to treat depression, vertebral ache and muscle ache.

Steam Bath - Steam bath is the most common and trusted technique of hydrotherapy. The steam bath is most applied technique to detoxify the body via sweating. The maximum recommended duration for taking steam bath is confined to 20 minutes. A cold shower should be followed immediately after taking steam bath.

A steam bath taken 2-3 times during a week assists in relieving of rheumatism, gout, urinary tract infections, nephritis, severe headaches and skin problems. The steam bath also contributes greatly in weight loss programs. However, patients of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases should consult a doctor prior to opting for steam bath.

Foot Bath - This treatment will increase the body"s heat regulatory system, improve blood circulation, and stabilize the nervous system. Hot foot baths increase blood flow through the feet and entire skin surface, relieving congestion in internal organs and brain. This type of bath also elevates the body temperature, relaxing tense muscles and increasing white blood cell activity.

Immersion Bath - This is also known as full bath. It is administered in a bath tub which should be properly fitted with hot and cold water connections. The bath can be taken at cold, neutral, hot, graduated and alternate temperatures. The immersion bath tub should be filled with water and Epsom salt, which should be dissolved in this water.

Thus these are the types of bath therapy which has helped to cure certain diseases since time immemorial. These types of Bath therapy find special places in Indian Naturopathy.