When water helps to recover the body

The human body is made up of 60% water. This is a known fact. But what is not so well known is that each organ requires its own percentage. The brain is 70% water; blood, 80%; the lungs, 90%; and the eyes, between 90% and 95%. And it changes as we grow. Babies are between 70% and 80% water, and after a year it decreases to 60% and 70%. Adults are composed between 50% and 65%, and the elderly have less than 50%. Water is our origin, and accompanies us throughout our lives.

Professor Emilio Masabeu says that in summer, When children experience water, they awaken body awareness. The water contains them, mobilizes them, embraces them. For adults, feeling the water, floating or submerged, activates a deep awareness and generates lasting experiences.

Thus we arrive at the recommendation of the hydrotherapy, when water helps the body recover. “For more than 20 years, the aquatic environment, and specifically swimming, has been used as a complementary factor to spinal deviation therapies,” says Masabeu.

Why is it so useful, apart from its relaxing factor? By the principle that Archimedes discovered so many years ago: in total immersion, the apparent weight is around 3% of the real weight. In other words, we are much lighter, and therefore capable of performing more movements with less effort.

In the world it has been used for a long time, and for much more than spinal problems. The University of Delaware has had a diabetic swimming program since 1986 and, since 1992, in lerman rehabilitation clinics include gyms submerged in swimming pools where stroke patients can exercise.

“Also, the modalities of programs such as aqua fit and agua gym spread throughout the world, not to mention midwifery, an activity for the family, the baby and their parents, in an interaction of enjoyment and feelings of insecurity and security simultaneously, all guided by specialized instructors”, points out the expert. In Argentina we have a great specialist, Professor Patricia Cirigliano.

Another interesting point about aquatic exercises is that they can be done by people of all ages. Given its low impact, it is ideal for older adults and those undergoing rehabilitation. It provides benefits for everyone and, although in the water it may feel like the effort is not that much, in reality the exercise counts (and a lot). Unlike on dry land, the risk of fainting from the force exerted decreases considerably, because exercise in water improves blood circulation.

Four books

To keep the mind in shape