Sulphur bath
History: Where does the sulfur bath come from?
Even the ancient Romans knew about and used the beneficial effects of natural sulfur springs.
The oldest known thermal spring is located in Baden near Vienna in Austria. This place was once called Aquae.
The health benefits of the healing waters were often associated with miracles in the course of Christianization, which turned many places with sulphur springs into places of pilgrimage.
How it works: How do you bathe in sulphur water?
Natural sulphur water comes from deep within the earth and usually has a temperature of between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius.
The sulphur content stimulates the skin to produce so-called endogenous opiates.
These have an analgesic effect. Sulphur baths can be enjoyed as sitz baths, but partial applications such as foot baths and packs of healing mud and thermal water are also possible.
A series of bathing therapies is more effective. Approximately two baths a day over seven to ten days often show more lasting results. After each treatment, a rest period of around 20-30 minutes is recommended to stabilize the cardiovascular system and metabolism.
Appropriate bath additives are available for home use.
Target group & indications: How does a sulphur bath work and for whom is it suitable?
Sulphur baths offer a wide range of health benefits. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help with arthrosis and arthritis, rheumatism, gout, joint diseases, fibromyalgia and circulatory disorders.
Nerve pain is alleviated by the sulphurous water. Sulphur water can also bring about a significant improvement in symptoms after accidents or operations and in cases of eczema or atopic eczema.
In addition, a study conducted by the University of Vienna in 2004 under the direction of Dr. Valentin Leibetseder showed that sulphur baths can reduce plasma homocysteine levels in the body.
This is an amino acid that promotes the development of arteriosclerosis and blood clots in the body. Sulphur baths can reduce this risk.
Contraindications: What are the side effects of bathing in sulphur water?
Pregnant women and people suffering from acute inflammatory diseases, fever, cardiovascular weakness, hyperthyroidism or vascular diseases should avoid sulphur baths.
This treatment should also not be enjoyed by people with open wounds, eczema, a sulphur intolerance or asthma.
Conclusion
The most important facts about the sulphur bath at a glance
- 1. The healing effects of sulphur springs have been known since ancient times.
- 2. A sulphur bath combines the benefits of warm water and the special healing power of sulphur.
- 3. You should only bathe in sulphur water for a maximum of 20 minutes.
- 4. A sulphur bath can also be enjoyed at home using a bath additive.
FAQ - Further questions about the sulphur bath
Bathing in sulphur water relieves pain caused by inflammation and can even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Such a bath also promotes blood circulation and unfolds its healing power especially in the treatment of skin diseases such as atopic eczema. Joint complaints can also be positively influenced by regular treatment, as sulphur has an anti-inflammatory effect and penetrates deep into the tissue.
A maximum of 20 minutes is recommended.
Allergic reactions or skin irritation may occur in case of intolerance to sulphur dioxide.
A warm sulphur bath can have a pain-relieving effect and minimize certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The warmth of the bath promotes blood circulation and helps to improve general well-being. Sulphur has a soothing effect on inflammatory skin diseases in particular and supports the regeneration of the skin. Joint complaints can also be treated positively thanks to the healing effect on the skin and tissue.
Natural sulphur baths in thermal baths and spas are recommended. However, suitable bath additives from pharmacies and drugstores can also be used at home.