How to perform a sitz bath
A sitz bath is an immersion bath in which a person sits in a tub of water that covers the hips, buttocks and lower abdomen. Sitz baths--whether hot, cold, neutral or alternating--have therapeutic effects on the lower abdominal and pelvic organs. Hot sitz baths may be used to ease spasms in the rectum, vagina, uterus and testes. Cold sitz baths may help with benign prostatic hypertrophy, constipation, and prolapse of the uterus, bladder or rectum. Neutral sitz baths may alleviate bladder infection pain or itching of the anus or vulva. Alternating sitz baths, described below, may help the following conditions: vaginal infections, chronic urinary tract infections (not acute), pelvic congestion, pelvic inflammatory disease, hemorrhoids, fissures, prostatitis, constipation, postpartum pain, neuralgias and insomnia.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 2 washtubs large enough to sit in comfortably
- Towels
- Bath thermometer
- Hot water
- Cold water
Instructions
-
-
1
Place a towel on the bottom of both washtubs and drape towels over the front and back of the tubs to protect your skin.
-
2
Fill one of the tubs with hot water--about 106 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit--to about a half-inch above your navel. Fill the other tub with cold water--55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit--to about a half-inch below your navel. The hot water should not cause burning or discomfort.
-
-
3
Sit in the hot tub for two to five minutes.
-
4
Sit in the cold tub for 30 to 60 seconds.
-
5
Repeat steps 3 and 4 two more times, for a total of three sets of alternating hot and cold immersion. Always start with hot and end with cold.
-
6
Dry off completely.
-
7
Repeat a few times a day to a few times a week, depending on the reason for treatment. Consult with a doctor or a licensed naturopathic physician for a diagnosis of your health condition and treatment advice.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
One possible set-up is to place both washtubs in your bathtub and run hot water from the faucet directly into one tub and cold into the second tub. This set-up reduces the likelihood of a messy spill.
You should not feel cold during this treatment. If necessary, cover the top of your body with a sheet, blanket or towel to stay warm.
The greater the contrast in temperatures, the more effective the treatment will be. However, the hot water should not cause burning or discomfort.
Hot, cold or neutral sitz baths use a single tub filled with hot, cold or warm water, respectively. The water should sit at the level of your navel. Hot or cold baths should be three to eight minutes, and neutral baths may be 15 minutes to two hours.
Before attempting any treatments, consult with a health-care professional for a proper diagnosis. Naturopathic physicians are well-versed in hydrotherapeutic procedures, such as the sitz bath, and can offer personalized treatment advice and advanced tips.
If you have any health condition that diminishes sensation of hot and cold, or decreases mobility, do not attempt this treatment.
