Hip Bath Therapy: Where Water Becomes Medicine
Hip bath, also known as Kati Snan, is a simple yet highly effective water therapy used in naturopathy and yoga science. It involves immersing the pelvic and lower abdominal region in water for a specific duration.
This therapy has been practiced for centuries to maintain health, improve circulation, and manage various disorders related to the digestive, urinary, reproductive, and nervous systems.
What is Hip Bath (Kati Snan)?
In a hip bath, the person sits in a specially designed tub or basin so that water covers the hips, buttocks, and lower abdomen, while the rest of the body remains dry.
Depending on the temperature of the water used, hip baths are classified into cold, hot, neutral, and alternate hip baths.
Types of Hip Bath
1. Cold Hip Bath
- Water temperature: 18–24°C
- Duration: 10 minutes
Effects & Benefits:
- Improves blood circulation in pelvic organs
- Reduces inflammation and congestion
- Strengthens digestive and nervous systems
- Helpful in constipation, piles, indigestion, and urinary disorders
2. Hot Hip Bath
- Water temperature: 36–40°C
- Duration: 10–15 minutes
Effects & Benefits:
- Relaxes muscles and nerves
- Relieves pain and spasms
- Useful in menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, sciatica, and lower backache
- Helpful in uterine and prostate-related problems
3. Neutral Hip Bath
- Water temperature: 33–36°C
- Duration: 15–20 minutes
Effects & Benefits:
- Balances the nervous system
- Reduces stress, anxiety, and fatigue
- Safe for weak, elderly, or sensitive individuals
- Beneficial in insomnia and chronic pelvic disorders
4. Alternate Hip Bath
- Method: Alternating hot and cold water
- Duration: 3–5 cycles
Effects & Benefits:
- Enhances circulation and nerve tone
- Strengthens pelvic organs
- Improves metabolism and immunity
- Effective in chronic gynecological and urinary conditions

Therapeutic Benefits of Hip Bath
Hip bath therapy is especially beneficial for:
- Constipation and digestive disorders
- Piles (hemorrhoids)
- Menstrual disorders and leucorrhea
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Prostate enlargement
- Lower back pain and sciatica
- Stress-related disorders
- Sexual weakness due to poor circulation
Procedure of Hip Bath
- Use a clean hip bath tub or wide basin
- Fill with water as per the prescribed temperature
- Sit comfortably so that hips and lower abdomen are immersed
- Keep the upper body warm using a towel if required
- Gently rub the abdomen during the bath
- After completion, dry the body thoroughly and take rest
Precautions
- Avoid hip bath immediately after meals
- Do not use cold hip bath during extreme cold weather
- Patients with severe heart disease or pregnancy should consult a physician
- Always follow guidance from a qualified naturopathy expert

Conclusion
Hip bath (Kati Snan) is a natural, cost-effective, and powerful healing therapy that supports the body’s self-healing mechanism. Regular practice under proper guidance can significantly improve pelvic health, digestion, and overall well-being.
In today’s stressful lifestyle, such simple naturopathic therapies offer a safe and holistic approach to health without side effects.
By: Senior Yog–Naturopath Consultant (25 years experience)
Dr. Nitin Shimpi
Ashirwad Yog Naturopathy and Physiotherapy Centre
Canada Corner, Nashik
Contact: 9890656146
