‘A city without a hammam is not a city…’ - Sheherezade, Tales from the Arabian Nights
What is Balneotherapy?
Balneotherapy, which is derived from the Latin word “Balneum” meaning “Bath” and “Therapia” meaning “Healing or Treatment”, is a years-old treatment used as a cure for various diseases and health problems. It has been used for centuries now as a traditional medicine technique used in various different parts all over the world. Balneotherapy involves bathing in spring or thermal water rich with minerals such as radium, sulfur, selenium etc. and often involves Medicinal clays as well.
It is commonly offered by Spas, Hot spring resorts as well as Wellness centers and is known to have a positive effect in the treatment of various health conditions including various chronic skin conditions, high blood pressure, various musculoskeletal conditions including arthritis and fibromyalgia, respiratory disorders, stress and anxiety etc.
Origins of Balneotherapy
Balneotherapy has been in use for centuries now for various different purposes like soothing, cleaning as well as to heal the body. The remains of traditional bathing rooms have been found by archeologists in the city of Knossos in Greece dating back to 1700 BCE. Furthermore, a few evidences of people bathing in thermal springs and ponds dates even back to 1st century BCE.
The Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates also talked about the healing powers of water in his work and promoted as well as often used Seawater to heal his patients with the problem of arthritis and muscular joint pains.
Soon after this, this treatment paved its way into the Victorian Era where Spas regained its popularity and Spa towns were established around natural springs with healing properties.
How does Balneotherapy work?
Although the medicinal effects of Balneotherapy in the treatment of various health conditions is still in research, it still is found to be affective in various different cases. Balneotherapy uses a combination of Chemical, immunological, mechanical and thermal mechanisms, which results in having a positive effect on specific health conditions.
Balneotherapy is usually conducted in combination with Thalassotherapy, Hydrotherapy, Mineral Drinking Therapy and Kneipp Therapy. A simpler version of Balneotherapy can also be done at home by mixing minerals or salts such as Epsom or Sea salt and essential oils in bath.
Balneotherapy and its benefits
Physical Health
The thermal effect of Balneotherapy includes release of Beta-endorphins, which is a natural painkiller that boosts immune system as well as helps in relaxation of mind and body. It also helps in preventing inflammation and immune suppression in the skin, which helps in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
The chemical effect of Balneotherapy depends on the chemical composition of water used, which varies greatly depending upon the health condition being treated as well as the source of the water. The most widely used amongst these is “Sulfur Water”; the Sulfur mixed with water helps in Keratolysis and has immunosuppressant effect as well as helps in drastically increasing oxygen in the skin. Another widely used mineral is Magnesium, which helps in reducing antigens in body. It also prevents the synthesis of polyamines, which shows great improvement in the conditions of people suffering from Psoriasis.
Its mechanical effects include hydrostatic pressure applied on the skin by water from all the sides, which shows great results in reducing swelling and decrease in blood pooling. Furthermore, a few researches have also shown evidence for mineral water consisting different chemical compounds being absorbed into skin results in significance improvement in body’s immune system.
Over the years, researches have shown Balneotherapy to be significantly effective for Mental health conditions and have shown a positive correlation between them. Balneotherapy is used and is effective for a number of mental health conditions including mental stress, sleep disorders, general health and quality of life. This treatment also results in notably greater improvement in the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and helps regulating mood and mild stressors as well.
A few more studies have proven Balneotherapy to be more effect for stress and fatigue reduction than other alternative medicines. In these studies, the improvements after the treatment were notable reduction in the intensity and number of stress related symptoms, mental fatigue, notable improvement in management of stress related symptoms, mood as well as motivation.
Side effects of Balneotherapy
Balneotherapy does not exist without a few contraindications and side effects; although minimal, they still can harm people in certain ways or make the condition even worse in some cases if not been taken care of. Balneotherapy is contraindicated in some dermatological conditions, which include blistering diseases, open wounds or skin ulcers and acute skin infections. Some other general contraindication for Balneotherapy include hypersensitivity to minerals, severe hypertension or hypotension, stroke or heart attack in the recent past, epilepsy etc.
Some of the most common and general side effects of Balneotherapy includes skin irritation and itching, skin rash, thermal reaction resulting in joint pain or fatigue, scalds and burns because of too hot water, exfoliative dermatitis and skin infections.
References
Saavedra, D. and Oakley, A., 2020. Balneotherapy | Dermnet NZ. [online] Dermnetnz.org. Available at: <https://dermnetnz.org/topics/balneotherapy/> [Accessed 9 December 2020].
Spadreams.com. 2020. Balneotherapy – Spa Treatments & Definition Of Balneology. [online] Available at: <https://www.spadreams.com/healing-holidays/healing-therapies/balneotherapy/> [Accessed 9 December 2020].
Wong, C., 2020. 3 Health Benefits Of Balneotherapy. [online] Verywell Health. Available at: <https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-benefits-of-balneotherapy-90013> [Accessed 9 December 2020].
Peninsula Hot Springs, 2020. Warm Up This Winter With A Bathe. [image] Available at: <https://images.app.goo.gl/APzpsVMghWABcVjv6> [Accessed 11 December 2020].
A Very well written article on Balneotherapy , all the aspects of therapy were covered. Balneotherapy has been very beneficial over wide range of physical and mental health problems , though we should not forget about it’s little negative effects too it can be risky for patients with skin abnormalities.
Really enjoyed reading this article. I like the way you have constructed it in a balanced and easy to read format. I also relaised that I had ben kind of connected with balenotherapy as using candles and putting on music for a lazy sunday bath has been heloing me cope with a lot of stress. good work, looking forward to reading more from you!
Umme Asma
According to me Balneotherapy covers all the sorts of positive things in this article.
A Very well written article on Balneotherapy , all the aspects of therapy were covered. Balneotherapy has been very beneficial over wide range of physical and mental health problems , though we should not forget about it’s little negative effects too it can be risky for patients with skin abnormalities.
Really enjoyed reading this article. I like the way you have constructed it in a balanced and easy to read format. I also relaised that I had ben kind of connected with balenotherapy as using candles and putting on music for a lazy sunday bath has been heloing me cope with a lot of stress. good work, looking forward to reading more from you!
a very interesting and new field of knowledge for me
great information gathered … amazing work done 🙂
I dint know that Balneotherapy can be used in the treatment of Depression. Very nice and informative article.
Very well written. Keep writing
This is such a unique topic !!!!! Loved it !