The largest organ of the body is the skin. Some writers have called it “keyboard of the hydrotherapist.” Through the numerous blood vessels and nerves of our skin, and their reflex connections with the internal organs, practically every organ of the body can be influenced by applications of heat or cold to the skin surface. Small muscle bundles are found in the dermis, connected with the hair follicles. Contraction of these arrectores pilorum muscles cause the hair to stand erect, producing a peculiar roughness of the skin known as “goose flesh.” Applications of cold or sensations of chilliness can bring this condition. With cold, the skin also becomes blanched, as blood squeezes out of the vessels by this muscular contraction. An enormous network of lymphatic vessels, veins, and capillaries is present. These tiny tubes that constantly convey fluid back to the heart contain thousands of valves and nerve fibers. This gives them the ability to
shift blood flow from one area to another.
Several times a minute, changes occur in the diameter of our blood vessels. As they contract and become smaller, blood is forced onward. During the relaxing or dilating phase, they fill with blood. This “pumping” action is another powerful factor in the circulation of these vital fluids. It is sometimes called the “peripheral heart.” Circulation slows when the nerve control of these vessels is interfered with, and the extremity becomes dusky in color and cold. Paralysis succeeding a stroke, infectious diseases, and even emotional problems can alter the flow of blood in the skin. This adds to the burden on our heart, making it work under a disadvantage. Contrasting temperatures of hydrotherapy treatments produce powerful circulatory reactions, which enhance these rhythmic changes and alternating contractions in the blood vessels of the skin. Massage also aids the return of lymph to the heart, and briefly empties the veins when it is done properly. Movement of a limb by active exercise likewise enhances the circulation. Since the body weight is 1/13 blood and about1/4 lymph (interstitial fluid), a large amount of fluid can be affected when hydrotherapy applications are given. Results are seen in the body as a whole.
Sweat glands are found throughout the entire skin, but are especially numerous in the underarms (axillae), the palms, and the soles. It is estimated that 1 square cm. of skin on the palm may have about 3,000 of these tiny “mouths.” Estimating the total surface of their ducts at 11,000 square feet, it appears obvious that this secretory function is of considerable importance.
Sweat is about 98% water, but contains small traces of impurities, which are thrown off from the skin. It also contains assorted salts, such as sodium chloride. About twice as much water is excreted by the skin as the lungs give off each day! When the excretory function of the kidneys is diseased, the sweat becomes loaded with toxins. Unfortunately, the sweat glands may also be diseased when kidney afflictions are of long duration. To encourage free perspiration during a hydrotherapy treatment, it is appropriate to drink water before and during the applications. Hot drinks are very helpful. An environment that is warm, comfortable, quiet, and free of stress is likewise beneficial.
Certain diseases produce such alteration in the ability of sweat glands to eliminate heat that extreme precautions must be made in giving these treatments. Extensive burns may destroy the skin nerves and abolish normal reflexes that occur in response to temperature. Alcohol intoxication may obliterate the response to heat, making heat stroke a distinct possibility if appropriate precautions are not taken. Reflex effects on distant organs are also influenced by damage to nerve endings in the skin. The perception of heat and cold, our control of circulation, and the beneficial effect derived from hydrotherapy treatments may be compromised in numerous diseases. Careful observation and study are essential, along with medical consultation
where indicated.
shift blood flow from one area to another.
Several times a minute, changes occur in the diameter of our blood vessels. As they contract and become smaller, blood is forced onward. During the relaxing or dilating phase, they fill with blood. This “pumping” action is another powerful factor in the circulation of these vital fluids. It is sometimes called the “peripheral heart.” Circulation slows when the nerve control of these vessels is interfered with, and the extremity becomes dusky in color and cold. Paralysis succeeding a stroke, infectious diseases, and even emotional problems can alter the flow of blood in the skin. This adds to the burden on our heart, making it work under a disadvantage. Contrasting temperatures of hydrotherapy treatments produce powerful circulatory reactions, which enhance these rhythmic changes and alternating contractions in the blood vessels of the skin. Massage also aids the return of lymph to the heart, and briefly empties the veins when it is done properly. Movement of a limb by active exercise likewise enhances the circulation. Since the body weight is 1/13 blood and about1/4 lymph (interstitial fluid), a large amount of fluid can be affected when hydrotherapy applications are given. Results are seen in the body as a whole.
Sweat glands are found throughout the entire skin, but are especially numerous in the underarms (axillae), the palms, and the soles. It is estimated that 1 square cm. of skin on the palm may have about 3,000 of these tiny “mouths.” Estimating the total surface of their ducts at 11,000 square feet, it appears obvious that this secretory function is of considerable importance.
Sweat is about 98% water, but contains small traces of impurities, which are thrown off from the skin. It also contains assorted salts, such as sodium chloride. About twice as much water is excreted by the skin as the lungs give off each day! When the excretory function of the kidneys is diseased, the sweat becomes loaded with toxins. Unfortunately, the sweat glands may also be diseased when kidney afflictions are of long duration. To encourage free perspiration during a hydrotherapy treatment, it is appropriate to drink water before and during the applications. Hot drinks are very helpful. An environment that is warm, comfortable, quiet, and free of stress is likewise beneficial.
Certain diseases produce such alteration in the ability of sweat glands to eliminate heat that extreme precautions must be made in giving these treatments. Extensive burns may destroy the skin nerves and abolish normal reflexes that occur in response to temperature. Alcohol intoxication may obliterate the response to heat, making heat stroke a distinct possibility if appropriate precautions are not taken. Reflex effects on distant organs are also influenced by damage to nerve endings in the skin. The perception of heat and cold, our control of circulation, and the beneficial effect derived from hydrotherapy treatments may be compromised in numerous diseases. Careful observation and study are essential, along with medical consultation
where indicated.
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