Use a sitz bath to treat hemorrhoids and other conditions

What is a sitz bath?

A sitz bath also known as a hip bath is a bath that covers the buttocks and hips when you sit in water. They are made of plastic and fit over the toilet. The reason for this is so the patient can sit with only the hips and buttocks thus receiving full benefits of the bath.

What is it recommended for

Hemorrhoids
uterine cramps
Prostrate infections
Anal and vaginal fissures
Easing discomfort of genital herpes and vaginal and bladder infections.
Constipation
Spasms

A cold hip bath

Inflammation
Constipation
vaginal discharge
hypertrophy
impotence

Alternating hot and cold

Alternating between hot and cold hip bathes is recommended for

relieving pelvic congestion
constipation
prostatitis
hemorrhoids
pelvic inflammatory disease
chronic urinary tract infections
vaginal infections

Using your hip bath

Fill the hip bath /bathtub/basin with enough water to cover your hips and so that it reaches the middle of your abdomen. The water temperature should be 90 to 110 degrees if you're having a hot hip bath.

If you're using cold water treatment do not add and hot water to the tub.

If you're alternating between a cold water hip bath and warm hip bath, move back and forth between the cold and warm water every few minutes five to six times. Stay in the hot hip bath 2-4 minutes and the cold hip bath 45-60 seconds.

After you have finished your hip bath, pat the area dry do not rub, with a clean cotton towel.

Salt can be added if it is recommended by your doctor. This can be ideal for vaginal or perinea discomforts in women, especially after childbirth.

Be sure to add enough salt so it easily dissolves. It is also possible for some women to find relief from vaginal yeast infections by adding vinegar to the hip bath.

The vinegar makes the vaginal tissues an inhospitable home to the yeast. You should double-check with your doctor before attempting this.

Return from sitz bath back to hydrotherapy

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