Hydrotherapy
What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy, or the use of water as a conduit for healing, has been utilized across cultures for centuries. Traditions such as Ayurvedic steam therapies in India, Roman bathhouses, Japanese onsen, Native American sweat lodges, and ritual cleansing practices in ancient Egypt all reflect water’s deeply restorative role in human health.
At our practice, we specialize in constitutional hydrotherapy, a gentle yet powerful naturopathic treatment developed by Dr. O.G. Carroll in the early 20th century. This therapy combines alternating hot and cold towel applications, based on the principles of Father Sebastian Kneipp, with low-level sine wave electrical stimulation to support systemic healing.
Constitutional hydrotherapy stimulates detoxification, supports digestion, promotes a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, boosts metabolism, enhances circulation, and modulates immune function. This modality can be used as a standalone therapy or alongside other naturopathic and conventional interventions to support a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including but not limited to:
Mental health conditions: anxiety, depression, etc.
Digestive disorders: bloating, constipation, IBS, IBD, SIBO, etc.
Cardiometabolic conditions: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.
Detoxification challenges: heavy metal toxicity, mold toxicity, etc.
Chronic fatigue: low energy, poor sleep, adrenal dysfunction, etc.
Respiratory conditions: seasonal allergies, sinus congestion, common colds, etc.
Want to learn more about how hydrotherapy can support your individual healing journey?
Add-On Services
Sheet Wrap
Experience deep calm and nervous system reset with a classic naturopathic hydrotherapy technique. A cooled, damp sheet is wrapped around the body, from neck to feet, serving as a gentle compress that draws out toxins, eases inflammation, and supports immune regulation. This therapy is especially beneficial for fatigue, chronic stress, and systemic inflammation. Offered as a deeply restorative add-on at the start of your constitutional hydrotherapy appointment.
Note: This therapy adds 1 hour to your treatment time.
Castor-Oil Pack
Support gentle detoxification, hormone balance, and digestive wellness with the time-honored healing of castor oil therapy. Applied topically over the liver or abdomen after your constitutional hydrotherapy session, castor oil packs promote liver and gastrointestinal detoxification, lymphatic flow, and reduce inflammation. Add this nourishing therapy to any constitutional hydrotherapy appointment for deeper detoxification and restoration.
Note: This add-on extends your treatment time by 15 minutes.
Dry Brushing
Stimulate lymphatic flow, exfoliate the skin, and awaken circulation with a revitalizing dry brushing session. Using gentle, rhythmic strokes, this traditional technique helps support detoxification, boost immune function, and prepare the body to better absorb subsequent therapies like constitutional hydrotherapy or sheet wraps. Add dry brushing to your appointment for a refreshing, energizing start to your healing session.
Note: this add-on extends your treatment time by 15 minutes.
Herbal Fomentation
Enhance your constitutional hydrotherapy session with a uniquely formulated blend of therapeutic herbs, applied during the hot towel phase. This soothing herbal fomentation supports detoxification, circulation, and tissue repair, and is efficiently absorbed through the skin for deeper healing benefits.
Note: this add-on does not extend your appointment time.
FAQs
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You’ll lie comfortably on a treatment table as hot and cold towels are applied in a carefully timed sequence to your abdomen/chest and back. Gentle sine wave electrical stimulation applied to the abdomen and back is used to enhance organ and nerve function and stimulate lymphatic tissue. Most clients find the experience deeply relaxing, often leaving the session feeling calm, clear, and refreshed.
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Constitutional hydrotherapy can be safely adapted for children as young as 5 or 6 years old, depending on their developmental readiness and comfort. It’s gentle, non-invasive, and suitable for teens, adults, and elders alike. Each session is tailored to your comfort level, health status, and individual needs.
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Absolutely. Your comfort and dignity are a top priority. You’ll remain covered with towels and blankets throughout the session, and only the areas being treated will be exposed at any time. We provide clear instructions and check in frequently to ensure you feel safe and supported.
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The number of treatments depends on your health goals and the condition being treated. We generally recommend following a 10-session protocol for optimized results. However, some clients benefit from a short series of sessions (e.g., 4–6), while others may include hydrotherapy as part of ongoing care. Book a free consultation call, and we’ll discuss a plan that aligns with your healing goals and lifestyle.
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While constitutional hydrotherapy is safe for most people, certain conditions may require modifications or make the treatment inappropriate. These include: open wounds, severe respiratory disorders, blood clots, pacemakers or defibrillators, intrauterine devices (IUDs), malignant tumors, active heavy menstrual bleeding, or pregnancy. If you’re unsure whether this therapy is right for you, book a free consultation, and we’ll help you make an informed decision.
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At this time, we do not accept insurance for any of our services, including constitutional hydrotherapy. While some Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may reimburse for constitutional hydrotherapy, we encourage you to check with your provider. If needed, we’re happy to provide documentation or a superbill for reimbursement purposes (please note there is a fee for superbill preparation), however, we cannot guarantee that services will be covered by your insurance provider.
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Wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and avoid eating a heavy meal right before your session. You may also want to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated afterward. We’ll walk you through everything else when you arrive.
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A typical constitutional hydrotherapy session lasts 60 minutes. This includes time for towel applications, electrical stimulation, and a brief consultation before and after the treatment to tailor the session to your needs. Please note that add-on services (dry brushing, sheet wraps, etc.) will increase the overall session time.
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Most people tolerate hydrotherapy very well. Mild side effects may include temporary fatigue, emotional release, or increased urination as your body detoxifies and rebalances. These are generally short-lived and part of the healing response. We’ll always monitor your comfort and adjust as needed.
Our Commitment to Ethical Water Sourcing
At Dr. Elleanor Smith Naturopathic Medicine, we adamantly believe in the importance of preserving natural spaces; especially our most vital resource: clean, fresh water.
In our practice, we use ethically and sustainably sourced spring water by Alive Water served in reusable glass bottles. Alive Water collects the water they use from the natural overflow of pristine springs, not by pumping from aquifers. They harvest less than 0.1% of the total spring flow, ensuring that local ecosystems remain protected and undisturbed. Bottling takes place directly at the source, minimizing environmental impact.
While access to clean water may seem like a given, more than 2 million people in the United States still lack reliable access to safe drinking water, many of them in California. This underscores our commitment to working with companies that uphold the highest standards in water stewardship.
We intentionally choose to partner with organizations that share our environmental values, because we believe every decision, no matter how small, can help create a healthier planet and a better world. Interested in consuming Alive Water at home? Use code “1aj” on the Alive Water website for 15% off your first delivery and order.
In the heart of Del Mar, California
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Hacienda Del Mar
12625 High Bluff Dr,
Suite 101, Office 5,
San Diego, CA 92130 -
Monday 8:00am-8:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am-8:00pm
Wednesday 1:00pm-5:00pm
Thursday 1:00pm-5:00pm
Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm