Hip baths are very helpful in stimulating the stomach, liver, intestines, kidneys, spleen and other digestive organs, and in maintaining their efficiency.

Equipment for Hip Bath –You must have seen specially made tubs for hip baths. The tub is oval in shape and one end of it is raised so that the patient can rest his back against it. This is the ideal tub for taking a hip bath. Normally the tub for a hip-bath should be about 30 inches (75 cm) long and 20-22 inches (50 cm) wide.

Method for Hip Bath –

1. Fill the tub with lukewarm water. The level of the water should be so adjusted that it touches your navel when you sit in it.
2. Drink a glass of warm water, and sit in the tub.
3. Your feet will be outside the tub and abdomen and part of the thighs submerged in the water. You can rest you back against the raised portion of the tub and remain in that half-supine position.
4. Take a rough towel and rub your abdomen from the right to the left. Do it gently so that the skin is not scraped. Do not apply too much pressure in rubbing.

A hip bath can be taken from 10 to 20 minutes. Thin persons should take it for only 10 minutes and the stout ones can continue for 20 minutes. During winter the duration of the hip bath should be reduced by about 25 percent.

In the beginning, the hip bath should be taken only for a minute or two; the time should be increased gradually to 10 or 20 minutes, as indicated above.

A hip bath should always be taken on an empty stomach. No food should be taken for half an hour after a hip bath. You can take a bath a couple of hours after the hip bath and not before.

Hot water hip baths are advised if suffering from abdominal pains, menstrual disorders or premature menopause. While taking a hot water hip bath, a napkin wetted with cold water should be placed on the scalp.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.