Physical Properties &

Chemical Composition of
Water
Physical Properties of water
The chief properties of water which are used to affect beneficially the body
and aid in recovery from disease are following:-
1)The ability of water to communicate and absorb large quantities of heat
by contact.
a) Specific Heat (Heat absorbing capacity of substance): The amount of
heat required to raise a gram of water 1o C. Specific heat refers to the
amount of heat concerned in the temperature changes of matter within a
single state.
b) Latent Heat ( Heat required to convert solid into liquid or vapour without
change of temperature) Latent heat refers to the amount of heat concerned
in the change of matter from one state to another without any change in
temperature.
2) The intensity of temperature impressions obtained by the use of water: A
thermic stimulus is identical with the communication of heat. It depends
upon the amount of heat communicated to or absorbed from the body, but
rather upon the impression made upon the nerves. These thermic stimuli
are of the greatest value in hydrotherapy.
Physical Properties of water
3) The perfect fluidity of water, rendering it efficient in applying mechanical
stimuli: The convenience with which water lends itself to the application of
various mechanical stimuli is due to its most apparent physical property fluidity.
Because of this perfect fluidity, its application can be controlled to a nicety which
is not possible with other agents. With the proper appliances, the amount and
temperature can be accurately gauged. The size, form, character and pressure
of douches, sprays and pours can be varied to suit the varying needs of a great
variety of cases. It is these four factors that govern the mechanical effect in the
class of treatments mentioned. Water may be applied under very great pressure,
thus enhancing the thermic effects, or it may be applied with little or no pressure.
4) Its properties as a solvent and its use in nutritive changes : These properties
are of less importance than the preceding. The solvent properties of water are
utilized in the shampoo, enema, etc. Many body wastes are sparingly soluble
and require large amounts of water to hold them in solution. Free water drinking
is therefore one of the greatest of all aids to elimination. Water in its relation to
nutritive and metabolic processes of the human body, is the medium of
exchange in the carrying of nutrition to the tissues, and wastes from them to the
excretory organs.
In addition to the above mentioned properties of water, its universal distribution
and accessibility to all mankind render these qualities agents of wide
applicability.
 Water in Human Body
 Water is a constituent of every tissue of the human body, from 0.2 per
cent (enamel of the teeth) to 99 per cent (tears). It is necessary to the
performance of every function of the organism. In its fluid-like form, water
can be readily used for application to the body. It can be applied to the
periphery of the human body, both for general and local effects. It
possesses cleansing and antiseptic properties, and this is one of the
principal uses in ordinary application.
 Condensed rules of Temperature Conversion:
 To change Centigrade to Fahrenheit, multiply by 9-5 and add 32.
 To change Fahrenheit to Centigrade, subtract 32 and multiply by 5-9.
Physical Properties of water in Therapeutic Use
The physical properties of water in its hydrotherapeutic application consist
of the following:
1) Thermic Action — Water absorbs more heat for a given weight than any
other substance, and communicates this with great rapidity to objects
with which it comes in contact, and therefore it is readily adapted for
making applications of varying temperatures to the human body. The
ease and rapidity with which we may vary the thermic influence adds to
its efficiency. General therapeutic applications may be made between
the temperatures of 34° and 120° F. locally, 34° to 160° F. ; a range of
temperature effects unobtainable and unequalled by any other known
remedial measure.
2) Mechanical Effects — Water possess certain weight, which makes it
possible under pressure to obtain vibratory or mechanical effects that
are extremely valuable to the hydriatist. The forcible impact of water of
varying degrees of pressure, influences by its mechanical action the
peripheral nerve endings and blood supply, independent of the thermic
action.
Physical Properties of water in Therapeutic Use
3) Adaptability —The ease and rapidity with which this agent may be
changed and varied in a precise and certain manner, so that the attendant
has under his control, within a few seconds of time, the temperature,
pressure, form of application, and duration, renders it, without question, the
remedy par excellence for these effects. Its form, size, weight and fluidity
being under perfect control, makes it adaptable to any and all portions of
the body with a precision and satisfaction offered by no other thermic
agent.
4) Cleansing & Antiseptic Action —There is no agent equal to water in its
cleansing action, and the daily bath is, as a rule, part and parcel of civilized
mankind's daily routine. As an antiseptic, pure water finds its uses
innumerable in the surgical and medical field, while internally it is not only
an antiseptic, but a diluent.