Its use has been recorded in ancient
Egyptian,
Greek and
Roman civilizations. Egyptian royalty bathed with
essential oils and flowers, while Romans had communal public baths for their citizens.
Hippocrates prescribed bathing in spring water for sickness. A Dominican monk,
Sebastian Kneipp, again revived it during the 19th century. His book
My Water Cure in 1886 was published and translated into many languages.
The use of water to treat rheumatic diseases has a long history. Today, hydrotherapy is used to treat
musculoskeletal disorderssuch as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or spinal cord injuries andin patients suffering burns, spasticity, stroke or paralysis. It isalso used to treat orthopedic and neurological conditions in dogs andhorses and to improve fitness.
