Balneotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or health conditions using spa treatments or baths. This process can include warm or cold water, and massage therapy is often used in combination with balneotherapy. Mineral water is often used in sanatoria for its therapeutic properties and contains rich minerals such as silica, sulfur, radium and selenium, which are absorbed through the skin.
The word "Balneotherapy" is now applied to everything related to spa treatment, including water therapy, hydromassage baths, baths with natural steam, as well as some types of mud treatments. The main substances in mineral water are sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, which are mixed with acids to form chlorides, sulphates, carbonates and sulphides. Other elements include lithium, potassium, iodine, manganese and bromine.
Pine needle bath is very popular; This is done with the addition of needles of pines and firs to hot water. Essential oils are absorbed by the skin and increase circulation.
Balneology is most popular in Japan and Europe, where doctors and nurses teach in this subject. Doctors agree that thermal baths have many therapeutic properties.
There are several methods of balneotherapy. Swimming in hot springs gradually increases body temperature, helping us fight bacteria and viruses. A hot spring bath increases the hydrostatic pressure inside the body, which increases blood circulation and oxygenation of the body cells. The increased blood flow helps eliminate toxins by increasing the flow of oxygen into the blood and thus it can transfer nutrients to vital tissues and organs. Bathing in hot springs increases the body's metabolism and promotes digestion.
Frequent bathing during the month of therapy helps to normalize the task of the endocrine glands and the function of the independent nervous system. When used, topically hot mineral water is known to belong to skin diseases such as psoriasis, fungal infection, and dermatitis. It is also used to treat wounds and other skin lesions.
