Balneotherapy

Balneotherapy is one of the oldest branches of alternative medicine, based on treatment methods using mineral water through general and local baths, showers, bathing, irrigation, as well as drinking mineral water and performing intestinal washouts for therapeutic purposes.

Methods Used in Balneotherapy

One of the most well-known, widely used, and highly effective methods of balneotherapy is the use of general (individual) baths filled with mineral water. These procedures are typically aimed at providing a strengthening effect on the body of patients suffering from systemic diseases, disorders of the nervous system (NS) and cardiovascular system (CVS), digestive tract conditions, musculoskeletal system diseases, metabolic disorders, skin and kidney diseases, and others.

As independent procedures or useful additions to general baths, 2–4 chamber sulfide or radon baths, as well as local baths for hands and feet, may be recommended. Such baths are much easier to tolerate than full-body baths and can even be advised in treating a range of accompanying CNS and CVS conditions.

Local baths are also commonly used in treating skin diseases, musculoskeletal pathologies of the limbs, endarteritis, and peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders.

Another effective method of balneotherapy involves contrast baths, which alternate immersion in mineral water of varying temperatures. This technique promotes improved hemodynamics in patients suffering from obliterating endarteritis of the lower limbs, leg ulcers, varicose veins, skin diseases, and neurocirculatory dystonia accompanied by hypotension.

One of the most effective forms of balneotherapy involves showers using radon or sulfide mineral water. The therapeutic effect here is largely achieved through the influence of thermal and mechanical factors. In health resorts, the following types of therapeutic showers are most commonly used:

Local showers — for facial and scalp irrigation, prescribed for seborrhea, neuralgia, neuroses, and diseases affecting the hairy parts of the head;
Ascending showers (perineal) — used for skin diseases of the genital area, perineum, hemorrhoids, and prostatitis;
Sulfide water massage showers — prescribed for certain musculoskeletal pathologies, obesity, and PNS disorders;
Underwater massage showers — combining mechanical and thermal effects with the healing benefits of general baths, used for PNS diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, obesity, angiopathy, and more.

In recent years, therapeutic pools filled with radon, sulfide, sodium chloride, and other mineral waters diluted to the necessary concentrations have become increasingly popular. Combined with aquatic therapeutic exercises, these pools provide beneficial effects for patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, lymphedema of the lower limbs, and similar conditions.

Balneotherapy methods are indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:

Cardiovascular system diseases;
Chronic intoxications;
Nervous system disorders;
Urinary tract and kidney diseases;
Respiratory system disorders;
Musculoskeletal system diseases;
Upper respiratory tract and ENT organ conditions;
Endocrine system disorders, metabolic disturbances, and eating disorders;
Gynecological diseases;
Skin and subcutaneous tissue issues;
Blood-forming organs and blood-related diseases;
Ocular diseases.

Contraindications for applying balneotherapy methods include:

Presence of any malignant tumors;
Tuberculosis in the lungs or other locations during its active phase;
Bronchial asthma;
Any acute inflammatory processes;
Circulatory insufficiency (Stage IIБ–III);
Severe atherosclerosis;
Predisposition to circulatory disturbances (coronary or cerebral);
Circulatory insufficiency (Stage above IБ);
Severe atherosclerotic cardiomyosclerosis against chronic coronary insufficiency (Stages 2 or 3);
Arterial hypertension;
After a stroke or myocardial infarction within the last 12 months;
Severe angina pectoris;
Aneurysm of the heart muscle or large vessels;
Varicose veins of the lower limbs with impaired trophism;
Recurrent thrombophlebitis;
High tendency to bleeding;
Advanced stages of diabetes mellitus;
Thyrotoxicosis;
Epilepsy;
Pregnancy starting from the 4th month;
Fungal skin diseases;
Weeping dermatitis;
Chronic neuroses and nephritis.

Sulfide Mineral Waters

Sulfide (hydrogen sulfide) mineral waters are naturally occurring waters with varying degrees of mineralization and ion composition, containing hydrogen sulfide in concentrations exceeding 10 mg/L. Based on hydrogen sulfide concentration, these waters are classified into the following categories:

Weakly sulfurous waters (10–50 mg/L);
Moderate sulfide waters (50–100 mg/L);
Strong sulfide waters (100–250 mg/L);
Very strong sulfide waters (over 250 mg/L).

Sulfide mineral waters represent one of the most effective and potent forms of balneotherapy. Their therapeutic effect is primarily due to the presence of free hydrogen sulfide, which has high chemical activity. The mechanism of action of sulfide water is closely linked to hormonal changes, alterations in sympathetic-adrenal system function, and shifts in immunological reactivity.

Balneotherapy at the "Berezoviy Gai" Health & Wellness Complex

The "Berezoviy Gai" health resort offers all the necessary facilities for conducting therapeutic exercise sessions according to the Evminov method, stone therapy, balneotherapy, and other effective wellness treatments within a modern medical complex equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Highly qualified specialists are available to ensure accurate diagnosis and continuous monitoring of each patient’s condition throughout the treatment process.