A sitz bath is a form of hydrotherapy. It is taken to treat conditions like prostate infections, anal, vaginal and bladder infections and hemorrhoids. The bath is very beneficial for the mothers after giving birth to the babies too. The therapy is very effective in addressing mild to moderate signs of the mentioned conditions. Benefits are found to be apparent within 48 hours of taking this bath. Knowledge of how to take a sitz bath is important to gain the optimal benefits of this modality of hydrotherapy. This article tries to gain further insight on this novel treatment option.
The therapy involves taking bath by sitting in a bath tab with warm water. When the buttocks and hips are surrounded by the warmth of the water, blood circulation in the region is enhanced. As a result, there is passage of more blood into the areas of complain. In this way, the reported discomfort is healed.
How to take a Sitz Bath
The first step is to buy a plastic sitz bath tub available at the local medical store. Warm water can be continuously filled into such a tub without the any fear of the product getting damaged. The cost of this tub is between 10-15 dollars.
The water should be warm enough to the extent that it becomes uncomfortable to sit in it. There is no point in boiling it and burn the skin in the process of having this beneficial bath. The tub should be filled with this water such that it sufficiently covers the buttocks and the hips.
Some people fill any sitz bath with cold water besides the warm water tub. The intention is to shift between these tubs for very few minutes. As a result, the affected regions receive what is technically called as the hold-cold therapy by the hydro therapists.
Experts of this field recommend alternately shifting the bath tubs five to six times during the bath several times a week to get additionally benefitted. However, this practice is completely optional.
While having the sitz bath, it is advised by the experts to sit in the tub for 20-30 minutes. The nerves and tissues of the affected regions receive the heat of the water and enlarge by this time. Blood rushes into the locations which earlier either had no supply or little supply of it. Oxygen is received by the cells of these locations and they resume their full-fledged functions. In this way, the process of healing is initiated.
After taking the bath, attention should be placed on drying the wet regions properly. A dry towel can be used to pat these regions. They should be rubbed instead. However, they are some experts who believe that leaving the areas to air dry is more beneficial than patting them with a dry towel.
Women suffering from vaginal discomforts after child birth can add salt into the warm water. This saline water is a simple and effective home remedy to treat such infections. Adding vinegar to the water can also be useful for treating yeast infection. The acid makes the regions of growth of these organisms inhospitable. It is advisable to consult the doctor before adding these substances in the warm water.
Conclusion: People with compromised immune system should take this bath strictly under medical supervision. Following the precautions of the doctor are more important for these people than knowing the technique of taking a sitz bath.
