Balneotherapy is a type of alternative therapy that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. In fact, due to its effects on various types of ailments and conditions, it is used and recommended by healthcare professionals. Why is it so popular?
It has some similarities to hydrotherapy, but they are not the same. This practice is generally carried out in the spas. It’s used water and mineral salts through immersion, inhalation and massage for therapeutic purposes. It can also be done with medicinal mud.
Such was his acceptance, that only in Spain about 700,000 people Balneotherapy programs are followed every year. In several European countries, this therapy has also been included in the public health system. We invite you to find out more.
What is balneotherapy?
Balneotherapy refers to a set of alternative treatments that are part of traditional medicine. Although the use of water for therapeutic purposes dates back to Hippocrates, Balneotherapy became famous between the 18th and 19th centuries, when the first baths began to appear.
Since then, and to this day, it has been found that water, mud, stones and mineral salts can help relieve various diseases. Furthermore, in general, the application of its different techniques promotes physical and mental well-being.
popular techniques
In the practice of balneotherapy various techniques are used for therapeutic purposes. Often, the spas where They have waters rich in minerals such as silica, sulfur, selenium, radium, among others. These also tend to vary in their temperatures. Similarly, medicinal clays are frequently used, the technique of which is known as mud therapy.
hot and cold therapy
This is the most popular technique in all spas. through this, Various temperatures are applied, depending on the therapeutic purpose. While the application of cold water improves skin health, it relieves muscle spasms and pains; hot water dilates blood vesselsrelax and help the metabolic system.
Mineralization
In the mineralization technique, special salts are used to fight and cure various diseases. Through immersion in waters with these salts, Cardiovascular and respiratory health can be improved. Furthermore, when ingested, it favors the elimination of toxins and favors renal and metabolic functioning.
marine mineralization
This method it is based on the use of highly concentrated marine minerals to support the treatment of cardiovascular problems or skin conditions, such as psoriasis and acne.
Benefits of balneotherapy
Balneotherapy can help treat various types of musculoskeletal disorders, including those that cause arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Balneotherapy uses techniques that They help improve blood flow and the ability to carry oxygen to every part of the body. Therefore, its practice benefits both the heart and the brain. Likewise, it helps regulate the nervous system and is beneficial for treating muscle ailments and skin disorders.
On the other hand, using methods such as inhalation of mineralized water It is recommended to prevent and treat various diseases of the respiratory system. This also improves skin health, as it helps detoxify its tissues while fighting infections and acne. Other advantages that deserve to be highlighted are:
- Supports Arthritis Treatment: While it is not a cure for the disease, it can help reduce pain to some extent. This has been highlighted in an investigation which was published in the magazine Journal of Rheumatology.
- Help For Fibromyalgia Patients: While more studies are needed to support this benefit, balneotherapy appears to help fibromyalgia patients relieve pain and improve their mood.
- Relieve Back Pain: bathing in waters with mineral and sulphurous salts helps to relieve back pain, especially in the lumbar area.
- Improve Mood: In general, people who undergo balneotherapy sessions notice an improvement in their mood. All of his techniques help relieve the effects of stress and anxiety.
contraindications
Despite the aforementioned benefits of balneotherapy, It should not be overlooked that in some cases it is contraindicated. In particular, the professionals of these therapies advise against their use in patients with serious cardiovascular disease or advanced pregnancy.
It is also not recommended for people with epilepsy or diseases such as tuberculosis and severe diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, it is important to clarify this This type of therapy should be considered as an adjunct to other established treatments, but not a substitute for them.
In case of doubt, It is best to consult a doctor or an expert in the field. It will be the professional to evaluate whether or not it is convenient to undergo this type of practice.
The post What is balneotherapy all about? first appeared on research-school