HealthAugust 15, 2026

hydrotherapy

HY-droh-ther-uh-pee

Definition

The therapeutic use of water in various forms, such as baths, jets, or compresses, to maintain health or treat medical conditions.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'hydor' (water) and 'therapeia' (healing). It entered English in the mid-19th century to describe medical treatments involving the external or internal use of water.

In the news

The article mentions hydrotherapy as one of the long-standing natural healthcare methods historically utilized by African communities before the formalization of modern naturopathy.

The African Naturopathy Project: Building an Indigenous, Scientific and Professional Model of Naturopathic Medicine for Africa

Read the full article ↗

Modern Ghana

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