InfoSearched
Published -
- June 6, 2021
- 9:02 am
Hydrotherapy is a story of adaptation, strength & re-wilding set in the raw and beautiful landscapes of Snowdonia National park.
Laura has not only overcome a life changing illness through wild swimming, but has also found a greater connection to the natural world. This has ignited her mission to make a stand for the natural environment, and protect wild waters and wild spaces across the UK.
While restrictions on open water swimming have been lifted in some parts of the UK, this activity still comes with significant risks. With very few lifeguards on duty at the moment, and cold water temperatures, now is not the time to risk your safety, or risk putting any additional strains on emergency services. We really hope that you feel inspired to start planning some wild swimming adventures, but for now we urge you to hold off from participating in any form of open water swimming.
How can wild swimming help manage fibromyalgia?
Hydrotherapy: Overcoming a Life Changing Illness through Wild Swimming
For centuries, water has been known to provide therapeutic benefits to people with various ailments. This form of therapy, known as hydrotherapy, comprises the therapeutic use of water in treating various medical conditions. Some of the benefits of hydrotherapy include pain relief, enhanced relaxation, reduction in inflammation, improved sleep, and increased circulation. In this article, we explore how wild swimming, a form of hydrotherapy, can help individuals overcome life-changing illnesses.
Wild swimming is a form of swimming that involves taking a dip in natural bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and the ocean. This type of swimming is not done in controlled environments like swimming pools but in the open outdoors. Wild swimming has gained popularity in recent years as an outdoor activity that is both fun and therapeutic. Studies have shown that swimming in cold water, such as that which is found in natural bodies of water, can have significant health benefits.
One condition where wild swimming has proven effective is in the management of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body. It affects about 2-8% of the population, with women being more prone to it than men. For people with this condition, exercise can be painful, making it a challenge to remain physically active. However, the buoyancy and support that water provides can help ease the pain and discomfort of fibromyalgia while allowing them to stay active. Wild swimming, being a low-impact exercise, can be an effective form of pain management for people with fibromyalgia.
In addition to fibromyalgia, wild swimming has also been found to be effective in managing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Taking a plunge into cold water induces a physical response that can have a calming effect on the mind. The cold water triggers an adrenaline rush, which can also stimulate the production of endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormones. These hormones can help reduce anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
Wild swimming is also a great way to improve fitness and strength, lose weight and manage other conditions related to physical health. According to a study conducted by the European Journal of Applied Physiology, swimming in cold water can activate brown fat, a form of body fat that burns calories to produce heat. Regular wild swimming can lead to weight loss as the body works harder to maintain a stable body temperature. Furthermore, swimming and water-based activities can also be used to treat conditions like arthritis, back pain, and other mobility-related conditions.
In conclusion, hydrotherapy, through wild swimming, offers a natural and effective solution to health problems. It can have immense benefits for individuals who might have struggled with life-changing illnesses, including physical discomfort or emotional distress. With its low-impact activities, hydrotherapy can help ease the burden of those struggling with various conditions, from physical illnesses to depression and anxiety. Furthermore, wild swimming offers an invigorating and refreshing way to engage with nature and improve overall well-being.
