Mineral baths (balneotherapy) - one of the types of physiotherapy, for which water is used with the content of different salts and minerals of at least 2 g / liter.
Types of mineral baths
For therapeutic baths can be used as natural mineral water (usually in the sanatoriums located next to mineral springs) and artificial. Depending on the chemical composition among the mineral waters, there are:
- chloride;
- chloride-hydrocarbonate sodium;
- bicarbonate magnesium-calcium;
- iodine;
- bromine;
- iodine-bromine.
In addition, depending on the gas content, there may be nitrogen, hydrogen sulphide and carbonic mineral baths.
Useful properties of mineral baths
Therapeutic baths have a relaxing, restorative and soothing effect. They stimulate metabolic processes, increase immunity, can have antiseptic action, promote the acceleration of skin regeneration, improve blood circulation and normalize the endocrine system.
Indications and contraindications for mineral baths
The general indications for the use of mineral baths include:
- stress and sleep disorders;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- arthritis and arthrosis;
- diseases of the genitourinary system;
- dermatitis ;
- endocrine diseases;
- some cardiovascular diseases.
Mineral baths are contraindicated in:
- allergies to any constituents of such baths;
- acute viral infections;
- candidiasis;
- recently suffered injuries (especially with head injuries);
- open skin lesions and eczema;
- some kinds of oncological diseases;
- with renal insufficiency;
- during pregnancy.
Separately it is worth noting such a disease as hypertension : at a pronounced increased pressure, mineral baths are contraindicated, whereas in a stable state they can be used as one of the elements of therapy.