What is Balneotherapy

Author: Elizabeth B.
Published: 2009/03/29
Topic: Alternative Medicine - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Balneotherapy refers to the treatment of disease or health conditions using spa treatments or baths.

Introduction

Balneotherapy refers to the treatment of disease or health conditions using spa treatments or baths. The process may include warm or cold water, and massage therapy is often used in conjunction with Balneotherapy.

Main Item

Balneotherapy refers to the treatment of disease or health conditions using spa treatments or baths.

The process may include warm or cold water, and massage therapy is often used in conjunction with Balneotherapy. Mineral water is often used in spas for its therapeutic properties and contains rich minerals such as silica, sulfur, radium and selenium which absorbed through the skin.

The word "Balneotherapy" is now applied to anything associated with spa treatment, including water therapy, spa baths, natural vapor baths and also some types of mud hot treatments.

The main substances in mineral water are sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron which mix with acids to create chlorides, sulfates, carbonates and sulfides. Other elements include lithium, potassium, iodine, manganese and bromine.

The pine needle bath is very popular; it is done with adding the needles of pines and firs to hot water. The essential oils are absorbed by the skin and increase circulation.

Balneology is most popular in Japan and Europe, where classes on the subject are taught by doctors and nurses. Physicians agree that thermal baths have many therapeutic properties.

There are several ways Balneotherapy works.

Bathing in hot springs progressively increases the body temperature, helping us to fight off bacteria and viruses. Hot spring bathing boosts hydrostatic pressure within the body, therefore heightening blood circulation and body cell oxygenation. The enhanced blood flow helps to eliminate toxins by increasing the flow of oxygen to the blood and so it can carry nutrients to vital tissues and organs. Bathing in hot springs increases the body's metabolism, and aids digestion.

Frequent bathing within a month of therapy aids in normalizing the task of endocrine glands and the function of independent nervous system. When used topically, hot mineral water has been known to treat skin conditions such as with psoriasis, fungal infections, and dermatitis. It is also used to heal wounds and other skin injuries.

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Citing and References

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