Uses for Balneotherapy
Certain skin conditions may benefit from the use of Balneotherapy. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema may be improved by bathing in water high in sulfur or sodium chloride. It is believed that sulfur and sodium chloride have antibacterial properties that can help heal the skin and reduce inflammation and infection.
The use of Balneotherapy for joint conditions. Those who suffer with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other bone and joint problems, are thought to be helped with the use of water high in certain salts, such as from the Dead Sea. The salts are believed to soak into the body through the skin and reduce inflammation in the joints, reducing pain.
Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions and the use of Balneotherapy. As with certain joint conditions, fibromyalgia patients may get some benefit from mineral water high in specific salt content. A study performed by researchers at the Soroka Medical Center and published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology showed improved quality of life for fibromyalgia patients treated with Balneotherapy at the Dead Sea Spa that those in the control group.
Other conditions that may benefit from Balneotherapy. Mineral water soaks are believed to help with fungal infections, to reduce high blood pressure, increase brain activity and to remove toxins from the body, just to name a few other uses. Minerals such as sodium, magnesium, boron and even arsenic and radon are believed to have healing effects for specific conditions.
Who should not use Balneotherapy? There is a risk of any type of hot bath for pregnant women. Also, women who are breast-feeding, children and those with other medical problems should use caution with excessive hot or mineral-infused water baths. It is unclear how much of any mineral can actually penetrate the skin, if any, during Balneotherapy.
Things to consider with the use of Balneotherapy. There is no scientific evidence that the use of Balneotherapy can actually cure any condition or disease. Some conditions are improved with this type of water therapy and should only be used with doctor recommendation. More scientific research needs to be done to verify the effectiveness of Balneotherapy to treat certain conditions.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT MEANT TO BE USED TO TREAT ANY CONDITION. PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS.
SOURCES:
New York University Langone Medical Center; Balneotherapy
L. Neumann, et al., Soroka Medical Center; The Effect of Balneotherapy at the Dead Sea on the Quality of Life of Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome; Springer Link
Published by Jolynne M Hudnell
Jolynne is a part-time freelance writer and independently-published poet. Jolynne has knowledge and experience in a variety of topics. Jolynne enjoys singing and writing poetry. Her published work in... View profile