Eau de Vie

I discover the benefits of amazingly hi-tech hydrotherapy in San Francisco. I do this in my favourite city’s favourite hotel—The Hilton’s new Spa Fusion, which combines Eastern traditions with Western influences.

That quick steam never fails to perk me up and, of course, the chill pool puts my circulation into high gear. After that, everything slows down and gets a soft-focus feel.

That’s when the hi-tech hydrotherapy jet treatment comes in. The computerised tub with its nozzles and tubes looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie. Steam and water jets are used to stimulate pressure points.

How can I ever find an equivalent of the sheer sensuous swirl of the warm hydrotherapy jet massage? It relaxes, eases pains and stimulates—all at once.

‘‘The recuperative and healing properties of hydrotherapy,’’ explains Josh Yonohonis, spa manager, ‘‘is based on its mechanical and/or thermal effects. It exploits the body’s reaction to hot and cold stimuli, to the protracted application of heat, to pressure exerted by the water, and to the sensation it gives.’’

He explains that the nerves carry impulses felt at the skin deeper into the body, where they are instrumental in stimulating the immune system, influencing the production of stress hormones, invigorating circulation and digestion, encouraging blood flow, and lessening pain sensitivity.

Generally, heat quietens and soothes the body, slowing down the activity of internal organs. Cold, in contrast, stimulates and invigorates, increasing internal activity.

So if you are experiencing stress, tense muscles and anxiety, pop into a hot shower. Follow it up with a short cold shower and you’ll feel stimulated.

Why do baths and whirlpools help? Your body is relieved of the pull of gravity, and water in motion stimulates touch receptors on the skin, boosting blood circulation and relaxing tight muscles.

And, of course, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water—but that’s a whole different story.