16/07/2023
EFFECTS OF THERMOTHERAPY
The direct effect of thermotherapy is to induce vasodilation, which in turn has a positive effect on reactivating blood circulation and metabolism, as well as stimulating the secretory activity of glands and regeneration of various tissues. Heat is also attributed with sharp hypotensive and analgesic effects.
Heat reduces the sensation of pain:
• It stimulates temperature-sensitive nerve endings by modulating the transmission of painful signals to the brain.
• It promotes the production of endorphins, which are substances in our body with analgesic effects.
• Heat induces both vasodilation and the formation of new vessels in the muscles, leading to better tissue hydration, improved oxygenation, and increased nutrient supply.
• Vasodilation promotes the elimination of substances formed during inflammatory processes that are responsible for painful sensations. Improved nutrient and oxygen supply enhances the energy metabolism of muscle cells, facilitating relaxation and functional recovery.
• Heat increases the fluidity of joint fluids and enhances the elasticity of collagen in tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules. Thus, heat helps improve joint mobility and flexibility.
• It revitalizes muscle fibers with revitalizing effects.
• It strengthens the immune system.
• It traps moisture from tissues (exogenous factor).
• It improves and combats water retention, bloating, and heaviness.
• It alleviates stress and tension.
APPLICATIONS OF THERMOTHERAPY: Thermotherapy is recommended for treating muscle and joint pain due to various reasons, such as muscle fatigue, muscle contractions, sprains, and strains, as well as arthritis. It can be used to treat chronic and periodic pain. Thermotherapy is also indicated for relieving menstrual pain; by relaxing the deeper muscle layers of the abdomen, heat provides relief from spasms associated with the menstrual cycle caused by uterine muscle contractions. It is important to seek medical advice before undergoing heat therapy if you have diabetes, circulatory problems, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or if you are pregnant. To be effective, heat needs to pe*****te deeply, so it is important to apply it continuously and for a prolonged duration on the painful area. Thermotherapy can actually be practiced on any part of the body, as it carries various beneficial effects. It counteracts stress by providing a certain level of relief. Therefore, the therapy could help with various functional disorders that can result from stress, such as digestive disorders, depression, muscle tension, insomnia, anxiety, fear, panic attacks, dizziness, and more. Special benefits are observed in people suffering from fibromyalgia, who have discovered numerous benefits by undergoing this therapy.
FIRE: Its source is in the solar system and in the light of the sun itself. In the human body, the source of fire is metabolism. Fire manifests itself in the digestive system, in the gray matter of brain cells. Fire generates intelligence and acts as an activator in the retinal layer of the eye, which perceives light. Therefore, the functions of fire include body temperature, digestion, thought processes, vision, enzyme and metabolic processes.
ORIGIN OF THE FIVE ELEMENTS: These are Rishis, ancient wise bearers of Ayurvedic culture, who revealed the existence of the five elements. In the beginning of the world, there was an unmanifested state of consciousness. From this state of consciousness, subtle vibrations of the primordial sound "Aum" (Om) arose, which many recognize as a vocal element of "mantra" associated with the practice of some oriental disciplines. This was the first vibration, and in it, the first element, Ether, manifested. This element started to move and gave rise to Air, which is Ether in action. Movement creates friction, through which heat is generated. Some particles of thermal energy combined, forming intense light, and thus, the element of Fire manifested. Through fire, some elements dissolve and transform into liquids, manifesting the element of Water, while others change to form the molecules of Earth. Thus, Ether manifested in the four elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth. The five elements are present in matter, in the Universe, in the energy that surrounds us. Therefore, humans are a microcosm of nature, and thus, the five elements present in every matter also exist in every individual. The microcosm and the macrocosm are one principle. To know the five elements and their interactions means to know oneself. Ether is found in the spaces of the mouth, nose, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, abdomen, chest, capillaries, lymphatic vessels, tissues, and cells.
