Balneotherapy is a multitude of water-based treatments with thermal mineral water that can help with relaxation, reduce pain, and revitalize the body.
Balneotherapy is one of the oldest methods of treatments using natural methods, dating back to the 5th century BC. While “balneo” means “bath” in Greek, this therapy does not just include a bath. The water that is used contains several minerals, such as silica, sulfur, selenium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium; which offer different benefits to the body. It is combined with other treatments to create a holistic, healing effect. Other treatments include hydrotherapy, thalassotherapy, phototherapy, and mineral drinking therapy. It can also be used with mud therapy, which is combined with the healing mineral water or medical clays.
While this treatment can be experienced in a pool with the mineral healing water, it can also be enjoyed from a natural hot spring or lake. The best-known sites for balneotherapy treatments include the Dead Sea in Jordan, the Kangal Hot Springs in Turkey, and the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. If a spa is not readily available, a more simple practice can be done at home by dissolving minerals in a bath, such as Epsom salt.
The hot bath can relax our body, reduce muscle tension, and have a calming effect; balneotherapy offers more healing than just relaxation. The healing water used in balneotherapy has dissolved minerals that can be absorbed through the skin or through the respiratory tract. It can also aid in improving the skin’s condition, by contributing to tissue detoxification, and fighting against acne and infections. Balneotherapy is particularly beneficial to those experiencing rheumatoid arthritis, poor blood circulation, stress, psoriasis, and physical injury. It can improve quality of sleep and mood, stress management, and increase overall well-being.
Through bathing in mineral spas or drinking the water, this practice can aid in the treatment of conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and others. Sodium, magnesium, calcium, can be found in the water which helps in the healing of illnesses. Some spas offer mudtherapies in addition to the spa treatments. Mud therapies offer additional healing benefits.
