What Is Balneotherapy?

Balneotherapy treats diseases through bathing and immersion in water. The process may include bathing in warm or cold water, and can be combined with massage therapy. Mineral water, often used in spas, contains rich minerals such as silica, sulfur, radium, and selenium which are incredibly powerful when absorbed through the skin.

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

Bathing in mineral water is a powerful form of therapy. The main substances in mineral water are sodium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. These substances mix with acids to create chlorides, sulfates, carbonates and sulfides. Other elements frequently present in Balneotherapy are arsenic, lithium, potassium, iodine, manganese and bromine. The principal gases contained in mineral water are oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide and carbonic acid.

The pine needle bath is one of the most popular therapeutic baths: needles from pine trees and firs are added to the bath. Essential oils (for those of us who don't have time to cut down pine trees) work just as well. Essential oils are absorbed through the skin and many stimulate circulation. admin82

The practice of Balneology is growing in popularity, especially in Japan and Europe, where special classes about Balneotherapy are offered regularly and taught by leading doctors and nurses in the field.

Balneotherapy works in several ways. Bathing in thermal springs progressively increases the body temperature, fighting off damaging bacteria and viruses. Hot spring bathing boosts hydrostatic pressure within the body, therefore increasing blood circulation and body cell oxygenation. The enhanced blood flow facilitates the process of dissolving and eliminating toxins out of the body. Thermal bathing raises the flow of oxygen to the blood, improving circulation so that essential tissues and organs are constantly nourished.

Bathing in hot springs boost metabolism and lead to better digestion. Frequent thermal bathing within a month of therapy aids in normalizing the task of endocrine glands and enhances the function of the nervous system. Mineral water has therapeutic effects on common skin conditions. It is helpful in healing wounds and minor abrasions, and is known to boost the immune system.