All people are divided into two types: some like to bask in the bath, while others prefer a shower. But as a therapeutic procedure bath is still better. The effectiveness of therapeutic baths has not been questioned since ancient times. Even in ancient times people treated their ailments in the natural springs of thermal and mineral waters. Modern medicine uses therapeutic and wellness baths to treat and prevent many diseases.
What baths are there
Procedures differ according to different criteria.
According to the degree of immersion in water, baths are:
– general, when the water covers almost the entire body;
– Sitting baths, which are intended only for the lower part of the body;
– Local, during which only a small part of the body or a limb is immersed in water.
The temperature can also be different: from cool, about 28 ° C to hot, above 39 ° C.
But the main differences in therapeutic water treatments are in the composition of the solutions that fill the bath.
Types of baths
Specialists in balneotherapy known many options for therapeutic baths, but a few types are the most popular and widely used in clinics, sanatoriums and at home.
Salt baths
To prepare a salt bath, you can take regular table salt or sea salt. Salt is dissolved in a separate container before adding it to the bath. Another option is to pour the crystals into a cloth bag, which is hung on the faucet or lowered into the water. The water temperature of the salt solution should be about 37 °, time of procedure – no more than 20 minutes. Salt baths are prescribed for a variety of chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous system, with gout, insomnia and obesity.
Coniferous baths
Extract of pine needles is rich in essential oils that are beneficial to the body. The temperature of the bath should be 36-39 ° C and the duration of the procedure – from 10 to 25 minutes. Typically, the course consists of 12-15 procedures taken every other day. Coniferous baths are prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the peripheral nervous system, joint pathologies, osteochondrosis. Baths with coniferous extract helps reduce the symptoms of menopause, have a good effect on the respiratory system, have a calming effect. After a pine bath, it is desirable to go straight to bed.
Herbal baths
The composition of herbal bath sundries vary depending on the disease. Baths with decoctions of medicinal herbs can be local or general, they are chosen for different temperatures and duration. Herbal baths can be prescribed even for young children and the elderly. They are usually prescribed for the treatment of skin conditions, including diathesis in children, allergic dermatitis, eczema.
Mineral baths
This category includes baths prepared from mineral water from natural springs. Depending on the composition of therapeutic waters, baths can be used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, musculoskeletal system, gynecological diseases and skin diseases. The best known are hydrogen sulphide, radon and carbon dioxide baths.
Oxygen baths
For these procedures water is saturated with oxygen, which begins to enter the body not only through the respiratory tract, but also through the skin. There is an active saturation of tissues and organs with oxygen, which activates the metabolism, normalizes the activity of the nervous system. Oxygen baths are also used to combat obesity.
Contraindications .
Therapeutic baths can not be used without a doctor’s prescription. Water procedures have such a powerful effect that, if used improperly can be harmful. There are contraindications to the use of therapeutic baths, and for different types of baths contraindications may differ. Only a specialist in hydrotherapy can properly select the composition of the bath, the water temperature and duration of exposure.
Do not self-treat, it is dangerous!
