“Everything is a miracle. It is a miracle that one does not dissolve in one’s bath like a lump of sugar,” said Pablo Picasso. However, the bath does melt aches and pains that multiple myeloma patients often encounter.

According to one study, about 60 per­cent of myeloma patients endure bone disease in the forms of vertebral compression fractures and osteolytic lesions. Myeloma cells push aside normal bone-forming cells, causing weakened bones that fracture easily. Bone involvement is a perma­nent feature of my myeloma, as it is for many others. Living with myeloma in­cludes managing a variety of body discomforts.

During my time of bone pain and chemo­ther­apy, I dreamed about finally taking a hot bath, soaking in a whirlpool, and swimming laps. Although these activities may not be advised for those undergoing chemo­ther­apy due to weakened immune function, they are thera­peutic later on.

Hydration after chemo­ther­apy and stem cell trans­plant is at the top of the myeloma re­cov­ery plan. We all know to drink plenty of fluids. Hydrotherapy gives the body a chance to absorb water through the skin and ex­peri­ence ease of movement not possible on dry ground. For an entire year, I could sleep only on my back. Moving from lying down to sitting up required an extraordinary effort. Water has been the key to my reconditioning.

When much of the globe lacks sanitary water, the simple bathtub faucet is a true miracle. Living in a place of abundant water supply be­tween two Great Lakes and the natural wonder of Niagara Falls, I am keenly aware of the importance of water. Ancient mythologies and spirituality spring from our connection to water, the source of life.

Seekers of health are drawn to mineral hot springs, tropical oceans, and mountain lakes. Healing water is also found in swimming pools, whirlpools, bath tubs, and showers.

There is little more soothing to bones and muscles than a soak in hot water and pulsing warm jets of a whirlpool. This also provides excellent stimulation for the circulatory system and im­proves the quality of sleep.

Moving about in a swimming pool exercises the heart and builds muscle tone without stressing the joints. Olympic ability is not required—just about anyone can do it. Regaining strength and energy after months of de­creased activity during illness is a gradual process that takes effort. When I make the effort, im­proved energy follows.

I recently tried a new water ex­peri­ence in a 10-inch pool of warm Epsom salt water. The near-zero gravity effect of the “Floating Spa” in a soundless, dimly-lit room is designed for total relaxation. The body is com­pletely sup­ported by the miracle-mineral, magnesium sulfate, found in Epsom salt. It softens skin, reduces inflammation, detoxifies, and has sedative properties. The float is promoted to en­hance heal­ing, creativity, immune system function, awareness, and clarity of mind.

My ex­peri­ence was deeply calming, but the zero-gravity effect gave my myeloma bones an unusual rest. I have found swimming and soaking to be very good medicine for my ongoing re­cov­ery. Much of my heal­ing water flows from the tap into a plain bathtub. I will add Epsom salts to my hydrotherapy rituals. Sometimes the miracle of old-fashioned remedies must be rediscovered.