Mud bath

History·Subspecies·Procedure·Indications & target group·Contraindications·Conclusion·FAQ·Sources

History: Where does the moor bath come from?

Bathing in a combination of water and healing moor or healing earth is known in some form in folk medicine in almost all cultures. The oldest documented peat bath in the German-speaking world is located in Neydharting in Austria. The healing properties of the peat mined there were already mentioned in the eleventh century . It is also mentioned in the writings of the Swiss physician and natural scientist Paracelsus.

Subspecies: What subtypes of peat baths are there?

Benefits of a natural moor bath

Natural moor bath:

This is a healing treatment in which natural moor, which is formed from dead plant remains , is heated and treated with water to create a full bath. Natural mud baths contain many valuable ingredients such as silicic acid, minerals and phytohormones. These have a positive effect on the skin by moisturizing and refining the complexion. A special feature is humic acid, which has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Natural moor also contains fulvic acids, enzymes, resins, waxes and sometimes radionuclides such as radon, which can have a supportive effect depending on the origin of the moor. The composition of the moor differs depending on the region.

Benefits of a moor fango bath

Fango bath:

Fango is a special healing mud that is mainly found in areas with volcanic rock. It is not only used for therapeutic baths, but above all for body wraps and massages. Fango consists of iron oxide, clay, silicic acid and magnesium. In traditional mud therapy, e.g. in Italy, mud baths are also used. Fango consists of iron oxide, clay, silicic acid and magnesium.
The healing effect of mud is based on its ability to relieve tension, promote blood circulation and alleviate inflammation. The mineral mud also helps to detoxify the body and has a soothing effect on the skin.

Benefits of a peat bath

Peat bath:

In a peat bath, peat is heated and mixed with warm water to create a full bath with a mud-like consistency. Peat is coarser than natural mud and fango, which provides an additional exfoliating effect in addition to its beneficial ingredients. Peat also consists of dead plant remains and contains humic acid as well as waxes, resins and ash. Peat is excellent at storing heat, which is why healing baths with it remain hot for a particularly long time and can heat the body intensively. Peat baths also have a gentle exfoliating effect, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin soft and supple.

The effects of a peat bath are manifold: it promotes blood circulation, relaxes the muscles and relieves pain from rheumatic complaints. The bath also has a nourishing effect on the skin and can reduce inflammation.

Procedure: How does a mud bath work?

The viscous mixture of mud and water is heated to a temperature of around 38 to 42 degrees Celsius. You then climb naked into the tub or wooden tub and enjoy the bath for a maximum of 20 minutes. This is usually followed by a shower to remove the mud residue.

For therapeutic treatments, a series of peat baths is usually carried out over two to three weeks in order to intensify the healing effect.
The soothing effect of the heat often lasts for hours after the bath, ensuring lasting relaxation of the muscles. The peat itself acts as a natural heat reservoir, slowly and evenly releasing the heat into the body.

Indications & target group: How does a moor bath work and who is it suitable for?

Moor baths put the body into an artificial "healing fever". The body reacts and mobilizes the appropriate defenses. The immune system is stimulated. In addition, blood circulation is stimulated and muscle tension is relieved. In the case of pain caused by inflammation in the body, as is the case with rheumatism or arthrosis , mud baths can bring about an improvement. Mud baths are particularly helpful for fibromyalgia , as a study from Japan published in the journal "Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry" in 2018 showed. Mud baths are also used for other conditions, including gout, sciatica, intervertebral disc problems and chronic joint inflammation.
A mud bath can also help with skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic eczema . The skin benefits from this, as peat with its fine components cleanses deep into the pores and supports skin regeneration. A peat bath also lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and ensures a healthy, firm complexion. Mud baths are therefore also considered an anti-ageing insider tip. In addition, peat treatments are an integral part of many spa concepts for chronic illnesses, particularly of the musculoskeletal system. Many resort towns focus on holistic peat treatments that combine peat baths, peat packs and other forms of therapy.

If you do not tolerate a peat bath well, you can use peat packs as an alternative. These are a gentler way for people with circulatory problems in particular to benefit from the warmth and ingredients of the peat. Mud packs are also regularly used as a preventative measure against tension or back pain.

Contraindications: What are the side effects of a moor bath?

People with cardiovascular problems, acute injuries and open wounds should avoid moor baths. Consultation with a doctor is recommended beforehand. Mud baths should also be avoided if you have a fever, thrombosis or are pregnant.
Circulatory monitoring is often recommended for medical treatments in resorts in order to detect fluctuations in blood pressure in good time.

Conclusion

The most important facts about the moor bath at a glance

1. In a moor bath, fango, healing clay or peat are mixed with hot water to create a viscous bath.
2. Mud baths have an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and relaxing effect.
3. A mud bath should last a maximum of 20 minutes.
4. A bath in moor can also be administered as partial baths or packs.
5. Peat extraction is ecologically sensitive. Many suppliers rely on sustainable and regenerated peatland resources.
6. The deep warmth of the moor continues to have an effect long after the bath and ensures lasting relaxation of the muscles.
7. Many people experience a lasting improvement in their well-being thanks to the gentle power of the moor.

FAQ - Further questions about the mud bath

How much does a mud bath cost?

You can expect to pay between 30 and 90 euros.

Where can I take a mud bath?

Healing therapies, thermal spas and wellness facilities offer mud baths. Resort towns such as Bad Wurzach, Bad Aibling and Bad Elster are particularly well-known. These facilities often also offer other mud treatments such as packs or wraps.

How does a mud bath work?

A full bath is usually taken in a mixture of hot water and natural mud. Sitz baths are also possible, but are used less frequently.

When should you not take a mud bath?

If you suffer from cardiovascular weakness or open wounds, it is better to avoid it.
You should also refrain from taking a mud bath if you have a fever, acute inflammation, are at risk of thrombosis or are pregnant.

What is a mud bath good for?

It has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and relaxing effect. It can help with rheumatic diseases, skin problems and stress. In addition, the moor nourishes the skin in a natural way, which also makes it interesting for cosmetic treatments.

How often can you take a mud bath?

Depending on the doctor's recommendation, it can take place once or twice a week. For therapeutic stays, 10 to 15 treatments are usual.

What do you wear for a mud bath?

As a rule, you wear nothing and bathe naked.

Are mud packs also useful?

Yes, peat packs are a proven alternative to peat baths. They have a localized effect and are gentle on the circulation, while being treated specifically on painful areas of the body. Many wellness hotels offer both peat baths and peat packs.