A Review on Hydrotherapy Practices in Ancient India

Abstract

Background: Water being one of the five great elements (pañcamahābhūta), is considered to be the medium of creation and maintenance of life. Hydrotherapy is the application of water in various forms, temperature on the body either internally or externally for the treatment of the diseases and maintenance of health. It has been observed that many of the practices are considered as a part of daily routine before it was developed into a separate treatment modality. Application of water was given utmost importance in Indian traditional texts like Rigveda, yajurveda, atharva veda, as well as caraka samhitä, çuçruta samhitä and añöäìgasangraha of äyurveda. The practice of hydrotherapy was a part of the all performances or rituals like yäga and yajïa. In this study we aim to elaborate the ancient Indian techniques for improving the body immunity through hydrotherapy as mentioned in traditional texts. The traditional references for hydrotherapy technique like bath, affusion, immersion, packs, irrigations, compresses, poultices, etc, in Indian tradition are searched and compiled. The key changes which can happen in the body due to these practices, which confirm the healthy condition is studied and the proper methodology for these procedures are listed as per the Indian texts with upgrading methods.  We observed in this research that, although having a firm foundation of these behaviours listed in all classic books, they are not mandatory in our day-to-day actions.The modern life style has given more liberty to the people about these practices.  Many historical methods have been seen to be unappealing or to fail to persuade others. In this regard we found many of the ready/ easy practices which can reach wider range of people, as an essential method to propagate and train for better living and protection of health to entire humankind.