ABSTRACT
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common health conditions. When your blood pressure is high for a long term, it can cause health problems, such as heart disease. In addition to the main methods of treatment, there are various methods of adjuvant therapy, one of the most common of which is hydrotherapy. In this review study, we examined the effects of hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and spa therapy on blood pressure. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct databases until April 2022 using related keywords. In summary, the current study shows that different hydrotherapy methods may improve blood pressure. Hydrotherapy as one of the adjunctive therapy methods can be effective in lowering blood pressure. Blood circulation is smoothed by the warmth of the water. This improvement may be achieved by regulating heart rate, releasing hormones that control blood pressure, or regulating the activity of baroreceptors or chemoreceptors. In addition to using medications, hypertension patients also use non-pharmacological approaches in their care, including hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and warm water foot soaks performed at home. Although several lines of evidence show the potential effects of hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and spa therapy on blood pressure, many clinical trials are needed.
Subject(s)
Balneology , Hydrotherapy , Hypertension , Humans , Blood Pressure , Balneology/methods , Hydrotherapy/methods , Water , Hypertension/therapyABSTRACT
The purpose of this article was to review and assess the results obtained from human studies on the effects of hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and spa therapy on sleep disorders. In this study, databases such as Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Scopus, and sciences direct database were searched from the beginning to September 2022. All human studies that examined the effect of hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and spa therapy on sleep disorders were published in the form of a full article in English. In the end, only 18 of the 189 articles met the criteria for analysis. Most studies have shown that balneotherapy, spa therapy, and hydrotherapy may by affecting some hormones such as histamine, serotonin, sympathetic nerves, and regulating body temperature led to increased quality and quantity of sleep. Also, the results obtained from Downs and Black show that 3 studies were rated as very good, 7 studies as good, 7 studies as fair, and 1 study as weak. The results of studies also showed that hydrotherapy leads to an improvement in the PSQI score index. Nevertheless, more clinical trials are needed to determine the mechanism of action of hydrotherapy on sleep disorders.
Subject(s)
Balneology , Hydrotherapy , Sleep Quality , Humans , Balneology/methods , Body Temperature , Hydrotherapy/methods , SleepABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent medical condition characterized by both metabolic and reproductive disorders. Different pharmaceutical treatments have been proposed for PCOS. However, side effects of long-term treatments and their probable low efficacy have made complementary and alternative treatments a valuable option. Recent reports have indicated the increased use of complementary treatments. Herbal medicine, as part of complementary medicine, was find introduced in traditional Persian and Chinese medicine. Medicinal herbs have used for a long time in the treatment of gynecological and infertility problems of PCOS patients. In this study, we aimed to review herbal medicines used for PCOS worldwide. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were searched for clinical trials and Randomized Controlled Trials based on related keywords. Data were collected from 1990 to 2019. RESULTS: According to a multitude of studies, a wide spectrum of herbs can be used to improve various aspects of PCOS. Herbs such as Cinnamomum verum, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., and Vitex agnus-castus can impact on menstrual and ovulatory dysfunctions, obesity, insulin resistance, lipid-metabolism dysfunction, and androgen excess-related conditions. CONCLUSION: Some plants as natural remedies may have beneficial effects on improving different aspects of PCOS; but further studies are needed to investigate their mechanisms and safety.
