The Healing Effects of Water – The healing effects of water are often taken for granted. Immersing ourselves in water gives us a well-deserved break from gravity. Floating weightlessly in a pool or bath may not be quite the same as being in outer space, but it’s a pleasure that’s within reach of all of us here on planet earth.

 Over the centuries, man has used water immersion for a multitude of medicinal, therapeutic and relaxation purposes. While immersed, we need to carefully control not only the temperature of the water, but also a slew of other factors as well.

Here in the BVI, we are blessed with seawater temperatures that are pleasant nearly year round. The immersion in salt water does wonders for your skin, and even in the cold of winter we can endure a half an hour of pure weightlessness.

Our enduring fascination with water is natural; after all, our bodies are made up of seventy per cent water. Our souls benefit greatly from the simple pleasures of immersion and soaking. Before the 20th century, when the jacuzzi became popular, many sought to relax by having water of varying temperatures poured over their bodies to help heal sprains and other injuries. For those with lower back and leg issues, submersion treatments can help hasten recovery. Water’s therapeutic use has been recorded in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations. Bathhouses have been around for centuries and were especially popular during the Roman Empire (752 BC to 1476 AD). Egyptian royalty bathed with essential oils and flowers, and in ancient Greece, Hippocrates prescribed bathing in spring water to help cure illness.

Today, every top resort offers a host of different hourly or full-day spa treatments. Many of these resorts have modelled their water treatments after the original water springs of Spa-Francorchamps in the Belgian Ardennes. Technology has allowed us to add heat, steam and air to the water, and the use of quality sanitation equipment ensures that we have great water flow and healthy, ultra-pure water in which to immerse ourselves. As we fight harder and harder to keep our oceans clean we can at least be assured of sparkling and clean water in our own tubs. With today’s technology, we can now enjoy relaxing music even while immersed, to nourish all the senses and totally enjoy.