Medical baths
Origin and meaning of "medicinal baths"
The use of water as a remedy dates back to ancient times . Even the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used baths for cleansing, relaxation and healing.
Roman thermal baths combined bathing facilities with different water temperatures as well as massages and sweat baths and were considered places of regeneration and social encounters.
In modern balneotherapy , medical baths are among the most important procedures. They combine thermal stimuli with physical and chemical active ingredients to alleviate specific complaints or have a preventative effect.
The term "balneotherapy" comes from the Latin "balneum" for bath.
Forms: What types of medicinal baths are there?
Medical baths at a glance
How do medicinal baths work?
The effect of medicinal baths is based on three central factors:
- Thermal stimuli
- Mechanical stimuli
- Chemical stimuli
The heat (usually 35-38 °C) promotes blood circulation, relaxes muscles and relieves pain.
The buoyancy in the water relieves pressure on joints and the spine, making movements easier and reducing irritation . Chemical active ingredients such as brine, sulphur or carbon dioxide penetrate the skin and have a targeted effect on the circulation, skin or metabolism.
A full medical bath usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes. To support the therapeutic effect, it is ideally followed by a resting phase in a lying position. The treatment is often carried out as part of a course of several baths over a certain period of time.
Indications: How does a medicinal bath work and who is it suitable for?
Medicinal baths are suitable for
- Rheumatic diseases
- Chronic skin diseases such as atopic eczema or psoriasis
- Respiratory diseases
- Exhaustion, stress and vegetative complaints
- Circulatory problems or high blood pressure
The main target groups are adults with chronic complaints or increased stress levels. Medicinal baths are also used preventively to promote general well-being.
Contraindications: What are the side effects of a therapeutic bath?
A medicinal bath is not suitable for
- Acute infections and fever
- Heart failure or unstable angina pectoris
- Open wounds or serious skin diseases
- Allergies to certain bath additives
Medical advice should be sought before treatment.
Conclusion
The most important facts about medicinal baths at a glance
- 1. Medical baths use thermal and chemical stimuli for therapy and prevention.
- 2. Studies prove its effectiveness in joint diseases and cardiovascular complaints.
- 3. The treatment is carried out in courses.
- 4. The XXX DELETE XXX may cover the costs.
FAQ - Further questions about therapeutic baths
The cost is between 20 and 60 euros per treatment, depending on the type of bath and the facility.
If medically indicated, statutory XXX DELETE XXX cover the costs in full or in part.
As a rule, a series of 10 to 15 treatments is recommended.
A medicinal bath is useful for chronic skin and joint diseases, functional circulatory disorders, stress symptoms or respiratory problems.