What is Balneotherapy?
The term Balneology refers to the study of the art and science of bathing. The use of waters to restore and revitalise the body is known as Balneotherapy. Balneotherapy refers to the use of Balneology in the treatment of disease. The term Balneotherapy has gradually come to be applied to everything relating to spa treatment, including the drinking of waters and the use of hot baths and natural vapour baths, as well as of the various kinds of mud and sand used for hot applications
What are the benefits of Balneotherapy?
Balneotherapy has been used to improve circulation, fortify the immune system, stimulate circulatory process including lymph and blood circulation, accelerate cell activity, dilating tissue and vessels activating the self healing potential. Balneotherapy may also naturally relieve pain, and treat stress.
In Japan, the traditional form of Balneotherapy is hot water springs water bathing; in Europe, mineral bathing. Both are characterized by repeated immersion of the whole body in hot water that is stimulating to the body.
A form of Balneotherapy is ancient Roman Water Hydromassage treatment using mineral, sea or hot springs water, sometimes with the addition of oils. This treatment detoxifies the body and can improve circulation, alleviate stresses and strains and to heal and strengthen the body. Alkaline water helps stimulate the secretion of bile, whilst hypotonic water has diuretic effects and is often used for treating kidney stones.
For centuries the benefits of therapeutic bathing have been recognized for the ability to relieve pain and improve the general well being of the body and the spirit. In fact, Balneotherapy (the use of baths in the treatment of various maladies) is one of the oldest of medical procedures, well known and widely regarded throughout Europe & Asia, where people have historically flocked to luxury spas for recreation and treatment.
What can be expected from a Balneological Treatment?
This treatment may be used in full bath, sitz bath, foot bath or for hand and arm submersion. For a full body treatment the whole body is submerged into a bath and your skin rapidly begins to absorb the chemicals that are suspended in the water. These chemical components can make their way to our bloodstream in as little as 2 to 15 minutes. Mineral water is often used in spas and contains rich minerals such as silica, sulfur, radium and selenium The process may include warm or cold water, and massage therapy is often used in conjunction with Balneotherapy.
If you are interested in this treatment you may also want to see Aromatherapy Massage, Aromatherapy Oil, Sweedish Massage, Osteopathy, and Spa Days.