Alternative Medicine - Hydrotherapy - Steam Inhalation

Hydrotherapy means treatment with the use of water in any of  three states; solid, liquid and gaseous. Steam inhalation is under gaseous state. Inhalation of warm, moist air into the mucus membranes and respiratory tract. It relieves inflammation and congestion of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. It also relieves irritation (throat tickle) by moistening the air. Loosens secretions and stimulates expectorant. Relaxes muscles and thus relieves coughing. It prevents excessive dryness of the mucuos membranes and it relieves spamodic breathing.

Things that you'll be needing in doing this procedure.

1. Boiling water in a kettle
2. Hot plate or gas stove
3. Tincture of benzoin or camphor oil
4. Old newspaper as breathing passage
5. umbrella or tent to enclosed steam

Put tincture of benzoin or camphor in boiling water. Keep the water boiling by putting it on gas stove. If tent is used, put the kettle near the patient, with kettle pointing towards patient. Make a cylindrical tube using old newspapers and put it in the kettle's mouth or opening. The cylindrical newspaper should be facing the patient so steam is directed into the patient's face for inhalation. Treatment time is 30 minute up to one hour. It should be done in the morning and in the evening.