Hot Water Immersion Therapy (HWI) – Dr Neelam Kanwar Rathore

Nov 20, 2024

Hot Water Immersion Therapy (HWI) – Dr Neelam Kanwar Rathore

Abstract -

This is an ordinary full bath administered at a temperature of 38 °-42 °. During the immersion, the general nervous system the heart, and blood vessels, are strongly excited by the powerful thermic impression transmitted inward and by the profound vascular impression made through the dilatation of the surface vessels. Heat production, the oxidation of nitrogen, or the production of urea and metabolism in general.

Key Words – Hot water immersion, thermic, vascular and urea.

Aim – Effect of Hot water immersion.

Physiology –

The first Effect upon going into the hot bath is a goose flesh contraction and blanching of the skin for a few seconds, followed by a gradual relaxation of the cutaneous vessels with reddening. The pulse is at first slow, then gradually quickens. The respiration is only slightly influenced at the beginning, later it is manifestly changed, especially in the case of men, to the thoracic type. The body temperature, measured under the tongue, shows a gradual rise to 104° F, and even above. The rise is produced not only by the retention of heat but also through its direct absorption. The rise appears very quickly, often within six minutes. After leaving the bath, the temperature rise generally continues to the amount of, 6° to 1° more, and does not return to normal until one to two hours have passed. The arteries relax, and the temporal artery becomes torturous, as in arteriosclerosis. The pulse is full, and the pulse curve is high. Remaining in the bath after the proper temperature is reached causes dizziness and nausea. The albumin metabolism is, according to this observer, not increased in the hot bath, and previously supposed. Before leaving the bath, generally poured cold water over himself to prevent continuous swelling.

Rules and methods:-

Water temperature must be 38 - 40°.
Water levels should be at your clavicle level, if someone has a cardiac problem then water levels should be below chest level.
Cold towels should be put on patient's heads because they prevent headaches, nausea, vertigo & vomiting.
During the therapy three juices will be given for the prevention of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance:-
1. Red Juice (100ml) – is made up of carrot, tomato & Beetroot.
2. Green Juice (100ml) – It is made up of Betel leaves, coriander leaves, mint leaves, curry leaves or spinach leaves.
3. Lemon water (100ml) – avoid mishri powder if someone has diabetes.
If someone feels, then take a piece of cardamom or harad.
If someone feels extreme, heat or exertion then take 5min of cold immersion after therapy.
Do not take a bath just after the therapy.
Do not take this therapy in an air-cooled room, because sweating is a must.
Do not eat during the therapy.
Do not perform this therapy just after the meals, it can affect the metabolism also, at least 2 2-hour gap between the meals and therapy is a must.
Blood pressure, pulse, blood glucose levels and weight of the patient should be measured before and after the therapy.
If blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg, then give lemon water or black coffee to the patient, after 15–30 minutes check again the vitals and if they settle then perform the therapy.
If the pulse is above 100 BPM, then ask for some rest for the patient and when it comes to normal means below 100 BPM, then the patient can perform the therapy.
If the pulse is below 50 BPM, then the patient should avoid the therapy because in the action phase pulse goes down so it can be threatening for the patient.
Take 10–15 minutes of rest just after the therapy, you can just sit on a chair for rest; rest is a must for settling down the temperature of the body.
If the patient feels suffocation or uneasy during the therapy then ask the patient to take a break of 5 minutes to rest on a chair and after that patient can immerse again.
One attendee should be present there with the patient.

Contraindications –

The hot bath should be contraindicated in febrile conditions, except in certain dynamic states, and even then the hot immersion bath will be called for, other procedures being preferable and safer. If for any reason it seems necessary to employ the hot bath in a febrile case, the application must necessarily be very brief (3-5 minutes), to avoid undue elevation of temperature.

References - https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/pdf/b2117264x.