The sitz bath or hip bath became a popular home remedy for various health conditions because it does not require taking any medication to perform the treatment. Sitz Bath came from a German word “sitzen” which means “to sit”. The treatment is a tradition which came from Europe. It is a type of bath where the hips and buttocks are soaked in water or saline solution. It is a form of hydrotherapy where hot or cold water is used. The main function of sitz bath therapy is to help the body increase the blood flow to the pelvic and abdominal areas.

Many people uses sitz bath therapy for the restoration of vigor and health. One of the good results in taking a sitz bath is the reduction of inflammation in the treated area like inflamed hemorrhoids. The procedure which uses hot or cold water alternately is said to alleviate many other health conditions.

Aside from its use to ease the pain associated with hemorrhoids, sitz bath is also effective in lessening the discomfort caused by genital herpes and other painful conditions in the pelvic area. Women suffering from painful ovaries and uterine cramps can rely on this treatment as well as men with prostrate problems. Sitz baths are known to effectively alleviate pain associated with muscle disorders or inflammations.

Hot or cold sitz bath has its own particular functions. People suffering from chronic hemorrhoids should perform hot sitz baths repeated many times a day. Cold sitz bath are applicable to conditions such as constipation, inflammations and muscle disorders. Men who are having problems with their reproductive system like impotence are also advised to do cold sitz bath. Cold sitz bath is also useful to women who are experiencing vaginal discharge.

Experts suggests that a combination of hot and cold sitz baths will help relieve abdominal disorders, blood poisoning, congestion, headaches, muscle disorders, and neuralgia. Foot infections and swollen ankles are also responding to this treatment.

Carol A. Turkington posted an article in answer.com showing how to get the best results in taking sitz baths. She suggested that men suffering from prostrate problems should take 2 hot sitz bath a day. This should last for at least 15 minutes per procedure.

To treat vaginal yeast infection, a warm saline bath is recommended. In doing the procedure, 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of vinegar is added to warm water which is filled hip high on a tub. Women should sit on the bath for about 20 minutes or until the water gets cool. The purpose of adding vinegar to the solution is to bring back the ph level in the vagina.

To treat constipation, inflammation and vaginal discharge, a short cold sitz bath will do. It helps tone the muscles of people with bladder or bowel incontinence.

For hot and cold sitz bath, an individual should prepare 2 tubs. One tub should be filled with hot water with an approximate temperature of 110°F/43°C. The other tub should be filled with iced water. It is recommended to patients to remain in hot sitz bath for 3-4 minutes and 30-60 seconds in cold bath. The procedure should be repeated 3 to 5 times a day and always ending with the cold water bath.

If there is only one tub available and the patient needs to have hot and cold sitz bath, a cold towel can be used as an alternative. After sitting in the hot bath, the patient should immediately use the cold towel and wrap it around the pelvic area. The cold towel should be put between the legs and over the front and back of the pelvis. It should remain in the area for up to 60 seconds. Repeat the procedure in doing the hot and cold bath. Please always remember to end in a cold bath.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS