Balneotherapy - what is it? The name itself came to us from ancient Greece. Literally, it means bathing, bathing, treatment. It is in bathing that the therapeutic effect of balneotherapy lies. This procedure is prescribed as an additional physiotherapy in the treatment of various diseases, and during rehabilitation measures.
History of occurrence
The art of balneotherapy has come to us since ancient times, however, having undergone many changes. Previously, baths for therapeutic purposes were taken throughout the day. Food and drinks were served directly in the pools, and patients immersed in water had small talk with each other. There was even a procedure called a skin eater. Its essence was that due to a long stay in the water, deep and, by the way, rather painful cracks appeared on the skin through which the disease “emerged”.
Wellness baths are now taken for 5-20 minutes, depending on the type of procedure. And of course, nobody serves drinks with food. In a procedure called balneotherapy, the indications and contraindications are quite strict. Non-compliance can only do harm.
Balneotherapy. Types of balneotherapy procedures, indications
In physiotherapy there are a lot of various water procedures. These include: hydrotherapy, mud therapy and inhalation with rinses. All these methods are used in an individual approach to a specific disease and strictly according to indications. In physiotherapy, such a procedure as balneotherapy has found wide application. Indications for the use of this method of treatment are quite extensive and affect absolutely the whole body
So, hydrotherapy, in another way - balneotherapy, is used as an additional treatment for the following ailments:
- various disorders in the circulatory system;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- pathology of bones and muscle tissue;
- disruption of the central or peripheral nervous system;
- bronchopulmonary diseases;
- problems with the respiratory system;
- disorders in the genital and urinary systems, renal diseases;
- failure in the endocrine system and metabolism;
- weight problems;
- skin diseases;
- problems with the organs of vision.
What does balneotherapy look like? Photo procedures leave only pleasant impressions, and the process itself contributes to relaxation and relaxation.
Doctors do not recommend
Despite such an extensive list of diseases in which various baths are indicated, we assure you that this is far from a harmless hydro-procedure. Balneotherapy contraindications has the following:
- the presence of various inflammatory processes, especially in the acute stage;
- problems with pressure, in particular, hypertension of the 3rd degree;
- various malfunctions of the heart (arrhythmia), pre- and post-infarction state;
- obstructed blood flow through the vessels, especially with thrombophlebitis;
- serious foci of inflammation on the skin, for example, furunculosis and fungal formations;
- diabetes;
- pregnancy starting from the 2nd trimester;
- recent stroke and problems with cerebral circulation.
Balneotherapy - baths
The most common and well-known method of balneotherapy is swimming in mineral waters. Such procedures have a very beneficial effect on the human body. Many people, especially the elderly, often go to sanatoriums where balneotherapy is carried out.
Types of bathtubs :
- General - differ in the effect on the whole body due to the complete immersion of the body under water.
- Local - used in the treatment of skin diseases.
- Contrast - perfectly help with circulatory disorders caused by varicose veins. Such procedures are very useful for raising immunity and for problems with excess weight.
Baths are filled with mineral water from natural sources. Sometimes the fluid is obtained artificially. The independent creation of mineral water for bathtubs makes it possible to apply them more widely, including for home therapy.
Types of mineral baths and their effect on the body
Water for mineral hydrotherapy can be completely different in composition. And the therapeutic effect of balneotherapy in most cases is determined precisely by the chemical composition of the fluid used. Consider some of the most common procedures.
- Carbon dioxide mineral baths have a very strong stimulating effect on the central nervous system, which, in turn, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the entire bronchopulmonary system: ventilation in the lungs improves, breathing deepens, bronchial patency increases. Thanks to this, the body is better supplied with oxygen. It significantly enhances all oxidative processes.
- Hydrogen sulfide baths are very similar to carbon dioxide in their effects on the body, but have a wider range of effects. They improve skin nutrition, enhance all metabolic processes in the body, and have an extremely beneficial effect on the female genitourinary system.
- Nitrogen baths have a strong relaxing effect. They are used as a sedative, relieve muscle tone, give an analgesic effect, normalize the endocrine system and metabolic processes.
- Radon baths due to radioactive substances in their composition have a moderate vasoconstrictor effect. These procedures are the weakest, therefore, are prescribed for severe pathological diseases of the heart and blood vessels. They soothe and relieve joint pain.
- Salt baths stimulate metabolism, affect metabolic processes and are used to reduce pain. Such procedures relieve muscle tension and provide an anti-inflammatory effect.
We considered only the 5 most common and almost universal bathtubs in use, but there are a huge number of them. Each of these procedures in its action will be different from the others and have its own narrowly focused specialization. What kind of bath should you take, only a doctor should decide.
Shower
Shower balneotherapy - what is it. Along with bathtubs, other treatments are very common. They are widely used in physiotherapy, as they contribute to the effective elimination of the symptoms of many unpleasant diseases. Types of healing showers:
- Local is used pointwise, for example, on the head with dandruff.
- An ascendant is prescribed for diseases of the genital organs.
- Massage is used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system and weight problems.
Rules of procedure
Despite the fact that the methods of balneotherapy can be very different from each other both in the technique of admission and in the result, there are certain general rules that must be observed. All water procedures have a profound effect on the body, and if neglected, they can cause significant harm to health.
Rules for balneotherapy:
- Strictly adhere to the doctor's prescriptions for the temperature regime of water and the time of hydrotherapy.
- Check for any changes in your well-being after the procedure - you should not feel tired.
- Follow your bath or therapeutic shower schedule. Do not skip the procedure, as balneotherapy is cumulative. With regular skips, you simply won’t achieve the desired healing effect.
- Women should not take baths on critical days. Bleeding is a direct contraindication.
- Do not swim on a full stomach, wait a couple of hours.
- The same applies to strong physical exertion - wait until your body returns to normal, and only then proceed with therapy.
- The temperature in the room where balneotherapy is carried out should be in the region of 22 degrees.
- The duration of the procedure should not exceed 20 minutes, it is calculated depending on the degree of exposure to the body.
- The temperature regime of water is set in accordance with the recommendations of a doctor and taking into account a specific disease.
- The course of balneotherapy lasts 8-12 procedures.
Mechanism of action
Balneotherapy - what is it in a nutshell? This is the healing effect of mineral water on the body. It has three components:
- Mechanical impact. Everyone knows that in water the body is much lighter. This is due to a decrease in gravity by increasing the density of the environment. As a result, all our muscles relax, including the tissues surrounding the internal organs, and their blood supply rises. If gas bubbles are present in the water, the relaxing effect of the procedure becomes even greater.
- Thermal impact. Warm water along with a relaxing effect accelerates blood flow through the vessels and, accordingly, starts metabolic processes in the body. At this time, our body intensively releases energy, gets rid of toxins and excess calories.
- Chemical exposure. In mineral water there is a huge amount of trace elements that are extremely beneficial for our body. Through the skin, they penetrate into the general blood stream and have an indelible effect on us, improving the nutrition of all tissues in the body.
Mineral water intake
Drinking balneotherapy - what is it? Mineral water can not be consumed just like that when you want. This is the same physiotherapy as taking a bath or irrigation. Water intake is prescribed by a doctor and requires strict adherence to the rules. Such products also have a difference in their chemical composition and are used as a medicine.
Natural mineral water is bottled. The peculiarity of their positive properties comes from the combination of thermal and chemical components. Treatment of the whole body begins through the digestive tract and excretory system. You need to carefully monitor any changes in your well-being, so that in case of any deterioration (for example, pain in the stomach, pancreas and kidneys), immediately stop the course of treatment and consult a doctor.
Balneoreaction
Balneological reaction is the body's response to water procedures. It can manifest itself as an exacerbation of an existing disease.
There are several degrees of balneotherapy:
- Mild exacerbation is characterized by general poor health, emotional instability, increased pain of various origins and increased pressure. It implies further control over well-being.
- A pronounced exacerbation of the disease. It has the same clinical symptoms. The pains increase. Balneotherapy continues under strict control, the level of exposure to the procedure is being reviewed.
- Extreme degree of adverse reaction. There are violations of the functions of some organs and body systems. The inflammatory process begins. Temperatures can rise up to 39 ° C. With this reaction, balneotherapy is immediately stopped and desensitizing treatment is started.
Of course, any balneoreaction is not desirable. Each case is considered individually, and the termination of such procedures is possible at any stage. That is why you should not self-medicate without the supervision of a doctor.