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Water through the ages ...

Hydrotherapy or the use of water in therapy has been around since the beginning of time, when cultures flourished around water sources, and rivers were the center of many religious ceremonies and rituals of rebirth, renewal and restoration. Oriental culture has many ancient references to the use of water as a method of treatment.

Contemporary Greek physicians like Hippocrates were also highly respected in the religious culture, combining the use of water from religious rites with healing processes. Even the sea was a common therapeutic aid as illustrated in the writings of Euripedes in 480 B.C. where we find, “The cures of sun and sea impose themselves on most illnesses,” and, “Sea washes all men's illnesses.” Hippocrates, Galen, Plato and Aristotle recommended hot seawater baths for health and energy. Cato the Elder even served his slaves a mixture of wine and seawater to restore their energy. This was a common link throughout the pagan world. But like everything branded with the name pagan, as the Christian era began, so did the decline of hydrotherapy because of its pagan roots and the fear that exposure to water bred disease.

This is unfortunate, because the early Judean population utilized the sea and its healing effects not just for themselves, but also for those who travelled to the waters for cures. One of the best known areas on earth is the Dead Sea, where there was a thriving therapeutic industry treating illnesses and skin disorders until the Roman conquest. Jericho was well known in the ancient world for its utilization of Dead Sea therapeutic products. Even Cleopatra loved the qualities of marine products, enticing Marc Anthony to annex the Dead Sea area so she could have control over the therapeutic benefits of the Dead Sea, which she had been enjoying for years. However, she found that none of the Judaeans would divulge the methods by which preparations were made, forcing Cleopatra to lease the territories back to King Herod after which she had access again to the sea products she loved. The ancient Egyptians also were some of the first peoples to document the use of water for enemas prior to ritual and as part of bathing.

It was not until Ambroise Pare in 1578, who was one of the founders of modern medicine, that sea baths became recommended throughout Europe again for their astringent, healing and hydrating properties. But with time and an influx of large segments of cultural populations into Europe through trade, conquest and slavery, hydrotherapy became more recognized. Today, Bedouin tribesman can be seen bathing fully clothed in the Dead Sea, taking advantage of its therapeutic treatments and products. In many areas of Europe today, travel to therapeutic spas for medical purposes is a state-sponsored medical expense.

Since the early 1800s there have been hundreds of books, articles and spas which have appeared everywhere from the edges of the Red Sea to Lisdoonvarna, Ireland. And each is offering many types of therapies for your health and restoration.

But here in the U.S., we have again concluded a period of shunning water therapy. Even colonics is looked upon with disfavor as an unnecessary treatment. But the lesson is in our history. For by neglecting the history of hydrotherapy we have “watered down” the concept of spa and water treatments eliminating one of the most healing, restorative and beautifying gifts nature can offer. We must dispense with fear and look at the options open to us. Spa treatments must be accorded their therapeutic due and we must all realize the healing power of tubs, steams and showers. Let the waters pour forth...

Sauna, Soaks & Steams

There is nothing more natural and more imbued with history than the use of water in various forms for therapy. At ISIS we have taken this to heart with the addition of five therapy spaces devoted exclusively to water, heat and sweating for health.

The most important use of water and heat is for detoxification, and the need for this intensive cellular cleansing of the body is overwhelming. Toxins seem to be everywhere, in our water, our food, our environment and even in our clothes from the chemicals at the drycleaner, and standing next to someone who is smoking. We barely notice articles about mercury in our fish, jet fuel in our lettuce, heavy metals in our air. Toxins have been directly linked with a host of diseases: cancer, lowered immune function, arthritis, autism, fibromyalgia, alzheimers, neurological and cardiovascular disorders. People living today carry within their bodies a chemical cocktail made up of industrial chemicals, pesticides, food additives, heavy metals, general anaesthetics, and the residues of therapeutic pharmaceuticals, as well as toxins from alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and illegal drugs.

Removing these toxins through sweat and water is one of the most effective ways to get our bodies back into balance. Sweating is an ancient tradition from the Roman Steam Bath, to the Finnish Savusauna, the Russian Banya, the Native American Sweat Lodge, and the Morroccan Hammam, people have been detoxing and restoring themselves this way throughout history. Sweat therapy can eliminate heavy metals, acids, cholesterol and even drug residue.

Try any of our amazing detoxification options using water, heat and light...

FAR Infrared Sauna

Our sauna is made from natural hypoallergenic basswood which provides the perfect atmosphere for detoxification. Used by beekeepers because of its tannin free and odor-free properties, basswood is a great wood choice for those with multiple chemical sensitivity, sensitive skin, cancer patients or even those that don't want the strong smell of traditional cedar.

Our sauna utilizes FAR Infrared light technology, which is part of the Sun's invisible spectrum of light that has the ability to penetrate the human tissue. The Far infrared heat directly penetrates your skin, giving you that wonderful natural warmth, but unlike sunbathing, is completely healthy and safe, never causing your skin to burn.

Far infrared saunas increase the body's core temperature. This helps the body rid itself of harmful toxins through a deeper sweat. Conventional hot rock/steam heater saunas heat the air with steam, which can often be unbearably hot and you will only sweat on the surface. Steam also makes the air difficult to breath. A far infrared sauna uses dry far infrared heat that is well ventilated and extremely comfortable and relaxing. It is even perfectly safe for people with serious illness such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. It even has been shown to lower blood pressure and provide pain relief. This infrared heat therapy has been shown in several medical studies to not only have health benefits, but also to be far more effective than steam, hot rock or ultraviolet light therapy. Studies have shown positive results in weight loss, pain management, skin purification and even depression.

The Far infrared heat is, in fact, a necessary form of energy that all living things require for optimum health. If we don't receive enough Far infrared light from the sun, we become ill and depressed. All life forms on this planet; animals, plants and humans, need this abundant Far-Infrared light to be completely tranquil, calm, and healthy. The radiant heat from it surrounds us and penetrates deeply into our joints, muscles and tissues, speeding oxygen flow and increasing circulation. Using a portable Sunlight sauna helps to purify our cells, specifically the cells inside our fat where our body stores waste and harmful toxins, such as cholesterol and heavy metals and all without any side effects.

Japanese Ofuro Soak Tub

Bathing is a simple, standard practice in most parts of the world but in the land of the rising sun, bathing is a daily ritual that is taken very seriously. The Ofuro is the basis of this amazing experience, which in Japanese is a sign of respect given to the humble vessel entrusted with the cleansing of the body, as well as the soul.

The Japanese ofuro is not meant for washing away grime, but as a place to relax and relieve the day's tension. And there's a precise way to use this ancient ancestor of the Western hot tub. First, with a small amount of water in the bottom of the tub, you step into the bath and sit on the built-in seat. Using the water provided, you completely rinse and cleanse the entire body with soap and then empty the water. New water enters the tub and runs through the drain washing off all of the soap and rinsing the body entirely. Then the drain is closed and the tub is filled to the neck to provide for a complete soaking experience. Traditionally the water is very hot and covers the body right up to the chin.

The atmosphere of the Japanese Ofuro is one of a more uncomplicated time, a therapeutic period of serenity and tranquility. For thousands of years the Japanese Ofuro has rejuvenated the body, clenased the soul and refreshed the spirit. It's as simple as that...

Ozone Jacuzzi with Chromatherapy

We have taken the wonderful therapeutic action of the jacuzzi to a new level with the addition of ozone therapy and chromatherapy for the ultimate healing experience. Ozone is stable oxygenated water that helps in the healing process of the skin and increases detoxification of the body while bathing. In addition chromatherapy is an essential part of our healing programs and is used not just in the bath but also in our Swiss Lymphatic Drainage. The varying colors help to soothe the body's energetic field and speed the effects of healing on an etheric level. Time in this tub is not only a luxury, it is a healing necessity.

Rainshower Room

There is nothing better than a drenching shower, and we have the perfect one. Our overhead drenching rainshower will restore you even on your worst day. Followed by a hot towel and some deep breathing and you can begin your day all over again.

Aromatic Steam Tent

Our relaxing Aromatic Steam Tent can make you so relaxed you'll fall asleep in minutes. This unique reclining steam option is provided by a natural fabric canopy that fits over our therapy tables and encloses the body in an airy tent that fills with an aromatherapy steam for healing and purification. Our aromatic blends are customized for each person from our herbal apothecary and contain natural herbs, flowers and essential oils. You can even request an Ayurvedic dosha formula.