Balneotherapy helps people suffering from joint diseases, rheumatism, back pain, neuralgia, obesity, diabetes, skin ailments, as well as fatigue and stress. This rarely used name means nothing more than treatments with the use of water, the therapeutic properties of which have been known for centuries. Who should and who should not use baths and inhalations?
The termbalneotherapycomes from the Latin word balneum, which means bath, bath. Already in antiquity, it was believed that water not only heals the body, but also cleanses the soul. Currently, the therapeutic properties of water are used by both hydrotherapy and balneotherapy - the difference between these two branches of physiotherapy is that in the former case, household water is used, and in the latter, mineral water, rich in many ingredients that affect he alth and beauty.
Balneotherapy or take a bath for he alth
Balneotherapy includesdrinking treatment , based on mineral healing waters, e.g. John's water (diuretic, used in kidney stones) or zuber (used in the treatment of the liver and bile, also lowers sugar levels, reduces heartburn).
There is alsoaerosol therapy (inhalations) , which are great for problems with the respiratory tract. However, the most popular section of balneotherapy isbaths , and the most commonly used ones are carbonic acid, sulphide and sulphide-hydrogen sulphide, radium and brines.
- Carbon acid bath(with carbon dioxide content) improves microcirculation, therefore the indications for its use include cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension not very advanced, peripheral vascular diseases, but also rheumatic diseases, cardiac neurosis, obesity. Carbonic acid baths regulate blood sugar levels, which is why they are also used in people suffering from diabetes. The procedure is ordered by a doctor, it takes about 5-10 minutes and is usually performed three times a week. Contraindications to the use of carbonic acid baths are significant respiratory failure or cardiovascular failure, unstable coronary artery disease, problems with blood clotting.
- Sulphide and sulphide hydrogen sulphide baths(with sulfur compounds) helps in a broad spectrumailments and relieves many disease symptoms. It helps in degenerative diseases of the joints and spine, in the case of sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, skin diseases (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis), neuralgia, discopathy, diseases of the reproductive organs (including dysmenorrhea) and all kinds of conditions after injuries or overload of the musculoskeletal system. The bath lasts approx. 5-15 minutes, usually series of three or four times a week is recommended. Contraindications are similar to those in the case of carbonic acid baths. In addition, they also include hypersensitivity to sulfur compounds, conditions after myocardial infarction, phlebitis, hepatitis or pancreatitis. Another contraindication is very low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Brine bath- sodium chloride water is used, which often also contain ions of potassium, magnesium, calcium, iodine or bromine. It improves blood circulation, stimulates metabolism, but also reduces the excitability of sensory and motor nerves. Thanks to its properties, the brine bath brings great results, e.g. in the case of degenerative joint diseases, chronic sinusitis, skin diseases, vegetative neuroses, obesity. The bath lasts approx. 10 minutes, but with each subsequent treatment this time may be extended, up to a maximum of approx. 20 minutes. They are usually performed three times a week, and the series includes 10 treatments as standard. Contraindications include unstable coronary artery disease with angina, conditions after a heart attack, severe heart failure and cancer.
- Radon bath(with a small amount of radon) is used primarily in the case of rheumatic diseases, atherosclerosis, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and functional disorders of the peripheral circulation. It also helps with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, also in conditions after injuries. It also alleviates some skin diseases as well as discomfort during menopause. The procedure takes about 15 minutes, to bring the desired results, you need to perform a whole series of them (8-10 treatments).
Balneotherapy to improve mood
Baths used in balneotherapy have two more advantages: they strengthen the overall immunity of the body and have a relaxing effect. In addition to the typical pro-he alth aspect, they support the states of fatigue, exhaustion, and excessive stress. They not only calm you down, but also relax and improve your mood.