The Therapeutic Benefits of Water Circulation Head Therapy

The Benefits of Water Circulation Head Therapy

Water circulation head therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment option for various conditions and overall wellness. This type of therapy involves circulating cold or alternating hot and cold water around the head and neck to provide therapeutic benefits.

Some of the key benefits of water circulation head therapy include:

1. Improves Blood Circulation

Circulating cold water around the head and neck causes the blood vessels to constrict. When the cold therapy is stopped, the blood vessels dilate, which improves blood flow and circulation. This can provide pain relief for headaches and migraines.

Alternating hot and cold water also improves circulation by alternating vasoconstriction and vasodilation. This pumping action moves freshly oxygenated blood in and waste products out of tissues.

2. Reduces Inflammation

The cold temperature from water circulation therapy reduces inflammation and swelling. This can help with inflammatory conditions affecting the head and neck such as sinusitis, sore throats, dental pain, and TMJ disorders.

The cooling effect constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow, metabolism, and swelling in the tissues. It can help reduce pain and speed up recovery time from injuries or procedures affecting the head and neck.

3. Relieves Pain

Water circulation therapy provides significant pain relief for migraines, headaches, and neck pain. The cold temperature from the water reduces muscle spasms and nerve conduction velocity which blocks pain signals.

It also activates the body's endorphins which are natural pain relieving hormones. The stimulation of alternating hot and cold water can "confuse" the nerves which interrupts the pain signals being sent to the brain.

4. Improves Lymphatic Drainage

The water circulation and compression from the therapy helps to stimulate lymphatic drainage. The lymph system is responsible for flushing waste products from tissues and is an important part of the immune system.

Improving lymph flow in the head and neck can help reduce swelling and inflammation while also boosting immune function in those areas.

5. Promotes Relaxation

Many people find water circulation head therapy to be relaxing and calming. The sensation of the warm and/or cold water can have a meditative effect.

It may also help release endorphins which are the "feel good" hormones that promote relaxation and improve mood. The therapy can have a sedative effect that is helpful for reducing anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

What Conditions Can Water Circulation Head Therapy Help?

Water circulation head therapy can provide benefits for both specific conditions as well as general health and wellness. Some of the top uses include:

Headaches and Migraines

Circulating cold water around the head and upper neck is an effective natural treatment for tension headaches and migraines. It reduces inflammation, constricts blood vessels, blocks pain signals, and activates natural pain relievers.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

Chronic neck, upper back, and shoulder pain is another common use of water circulation therapy. The cold reduces muscle spasms and inflammation while the massage effect improves circulation and lymphatic drainage.

TMJ Disorders

The cold therapy is effective for reducing inflammation and pain associated with issues like temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). The cold constricts blood vessels around the TMJ reducing swelling and discomfort.

Dental Pain and Procedures

Circulating cold water around the jaws can minimize swelling, inflammation, and pain after dental treatments like tooth extractions or implant procedures. It can also provide relief for toothaches or pain from dental abscesses.

Sinus Inflammation

Water circulation head therapy may help clear sinus inflammation, promote drainage, and relieve congestion. The cold constricts blood vessels reducing swelling and inflammation.

Sports Injuries

For head, neck, or shoulder sports injuries, water circulation therapy can speed up recovery by reducing inflammation and swelling. Alternating hot and cold water cycles can pump nutrient and oxygen rich blood into damaged tissues.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Some research indicates water circulation head therapy may help improve symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive impairment associated with post-concussion syndrome.

Stress and Anxiety

The calming sensation of water circulation therapy activates relaxation responses in the body and is beneficial for reducing everyday stress and anxiety. It may also improve sleep quality.

General Health

Improved circulation, lymph drainage, relaxation, and immune function provided by water circulation head therapy offers general health and wellness benefits even for those without specific medical conditions affecting the head or neck.

What Are The Different Types of Water Circulation Head Therapy?

There are a few different types of water circulation therapy systems designed for use on the head and neck region:

Cold Water Only Systems

These devices circulate cold water, usually around 10-15°C/50-59°F, around reusable wraps placed around the head, neck, or jaw. The constant cold stimulation provides pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.

Alternating Hot and Cold Systems

These devices automatically alternate circulation of hot and cold water through the wraps. The contrast between hot and cold water provides pumping and stimulation effects to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Additive Heat and Cold Systems

Some units can produce a controlled mix of hot and cold water allowing users to start with cooler water and slowly add heat. This creates gentle warming that helps avoid discomfort from sudden hot/cold shifts.

Full Body Systems

While less common, full body water circulation units are available that can provide hot/cold alternating therapy to the entire body or specific body regions. The head and neck wraps can be used with these systems.

Portable Head Wraps

Smaller portable systems consist of wraps connected by hoses to an ice water reservoir. The reservoir is insulated or plugged into an outlet to maintain cold temperatures during use.

How to Use a Water Circulation Head Therapy Device

Using a water circulation therapy device for the head and neck is straightforward but proper technique is important for safety and effectiveness.

Apply Wraps

Wraps are applied to areas like the temples, jaw, neck, and upper back. Wraps should feel snug but not tight. Make sure skin is dry under wraps.

Set Temperature

On cold-only systems set the desired water temperature, usually around 10-15°C/50-59°F. For alternating hot/cold units choose the high and low temperature settings within safety ranges.

Start Circulation

Begin water circulation at the coolest setting. Flow should be gentle, not forceful. Adjust flow using the device controls as needed.

Adjust Temperature

For cold-only units, increase the water temperature as tolerated up to about 18°C/65°F. For alternating units, slowly increase the heat range as comfort allows during cycles.

Session Length

Session times will vary based on the device but, in general, aim for 10-30 minute cycles. Take short breaks between cycles to towel off if needed.

Safety Tips

Avoid direct contact with the eyes and ears. Remove wraps slowly at the end of treatment. Drink plenty of water before and after use. Consult your doctor before use if you have any medical condition.

What is the Research on Water Circulation Head Therapy?

While water circulation head therapy has been used for many years, there is still limited quality research specifically on this modality. However, the broader research on the effects of cold and contrast therapy provides support for its therapeutic use.

Pain Relief

Multiple studies show cold therapy provides significant pain relief from migraine and tension headaches as well as neck, shoulder, and dental pain when applied to the head and neck regions.

Inflammation

Research indicates cold temperatures between 10-15°C applied locally significantly reduces inflammation that contributes to pain, swelling, and injury recovery time.

Circulation

Studies demonstrate alternating hot and cold therapy improves circulation through a pumping effect as vessels constrict and dilate. Improved circulation enhances blood flow.

Lymphatic Drainage

Data supports contrast therapy as an effective way to increase lymphatic circulation and drainage. This helps reduce swelling and improve immune function.

Relaxation

Research shows alternating hot/cold therapy activates the body's relaxation responses. This reduces muscle tension, anxiety, and depression while improving sleep.

Is Water Circulation Head Therapy Right for You?

Water circulation head therapy offers many benefits and is right for most people. As with any therapy, there are some precautions to keep in mind.

It should be avoided in those with very low blood pressure, Raynaud's disease, diabetes, skin conditions like dermatitis, and certain other medical conditions. Use caution with metal implants near treatment areas or allergies to neoprene or other wrap materials.

Discuss any health concerns with your provider before starting therapy. Make sure you are properly trained on safe device use and appropriate technique. Water circulation head therapy can then be an effective addition to your wellness routine with minimal risks.

While more research is still needed, the current evidence combined with countless positive anecdotes and thousands of years of tradition support the many potential benefits of water circulation head therapy. From easing chronic headaches to reducing stress, this simple, drug-free therapy is worth consideration.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.