It
is a form of hydrotherapy, which increases the blood flow to the
pelvis and abdominal regions. Sitz bath can be given with hot
or cold water alone or alternate hot/cold water. Hot sitz bath
is useful for disorders like hemorrhoids, uterine cramps and painful
ovaries and testicles. Cold sitz path is useful for constipation,
inflammation and vaginal discharge. Alternating hot and cold sitz
path is useful for foot infection and ankle edema.
Procedure
– Fill a tub with water so that it covers the hip and
reaches upto mid-abdomen. If possible, immerse the pelvic and
abdominal regions in the sitz bath water with your feet immersed
in another basin with water, which is a few degrees warmer.
When
using hot sitz bath, the tub should be filled with water about
110
o F. Stay in the bath for twenty to forty minutes
and then take a quick cold shower or bath.
For
cold sitz bath, fill the tub with ice water and stay in the cold
bath for 30-60 seconds. Then towel yourself dry.
For
alternating hot and cold baths, fill one tub with hot water (about
110
o F) and a second with ice water. Stay in hot sitz
bath first for 3-4 minutes and then shift to cold sitz bath for
30-60 seconds, repeat this 3-4 times.
BEFORE
USING ANY TYPE OF SITZ BATH, ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR!
Page
1 of 1
Last updated on 8-12-2000
