The word balneotherapy translates to mean “bath therapy” and refers to the time-honored practice of immersing one’s body in warm, mineral-laden waters for the health benefits they provide. While modern medicine has not put balneotherapy to the scientific test, proponents swear by it as a benefit or cure for health issues such as arthritis, heart disease, insomnia, depression, stroke, back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, dermatitis, acne, headache, fibromyalgia, and many more.
BALNEOTHERAPY BASICS
In its purest form, balneotherapy refers to bathing in the waters of naturally-occurring mineral springs such as those found in the Kangal Hot Springs, Turkey, the Dead Sea, Israel, and the Blue Lagoon, Iceland. These hot springs include minerals such as magnesium, sulfur, bicarbonate, and sodium, and contain many other elements as well. Soaking in them has been proven to reduce inflammation and to promote better health among people afflicted with inflammatory diseases.
BALNEOTHERAPY AT HOME
If you aren’t up for a trip to Iceland or Turkey, you can bring balneotherapy home by incorporating some of its many benefits into a home spa. A spa is already a wonderful source of comfort, and the warm, soothing waters combined with streams of bubbles can soothe many an aching muscle and promote overall relaxation.
BENEFITS OF BALNEOTHERAPY
Soaking in warm water also helps to increase the body’s blood flow and oxygen levels as well as dissolving toxic substances and helping to move them out of the body. It is believed to boost the metabolism and to promote liver function and digestion, and balneotherapy is also thought to help endocrine function and to aid in the normalization of the autonomic nervous system. You can enhance your spa experience by adding a few drops of essential oil to the water to aid you further in relaxation.
Balneotherapy works best when you can do it often, over a period of time. If you’re lucky enough to live near natural hot springs, you may want to soak in them every day, if you can afford it. For most people, a home spa is a better solution and provides ongoing comfort and pleasure at an affordable price. Enjoy the experience every day.
