Balneotherapy

_You may be searching for pain relief in your joints or perhaps a lesser-known method of restoring balance to your body. If you haven’t heard of it yet, allow me to introduce you to balneotherapy. It’s one of my favorite ways to rejuvenate my body and a big part of my weekly routine, prioritising a soak in the sea over a shower for my daily cleansing. During my travels, I’ve met many people who have reported significant relief from various ailments, particularly joint pain. Let’s delve deeper to understand why.

Balneotherapy is a therapeutic water-based treatment with a rich history dating back thousands of years to ancient civilisations. It utilises natural hot springs, mineral water, mud, or sea water to provide numerous health benefits including relaxation, pain relief, improved circulation, immune stimulation and body revitalisation. The word “balneotherapy” comes from Greek, meaning “bath” and “treatment.”

Balneotherapy is essentially the practice of bathing in natural hot springs, mineral water, mud, or seawater as a means of absorbing minerals.

The practice of balneotherapy is often combined with other spa therapies to create a comprehensive and holistic healing experience. It can also be paired with hydrotherapy, which focuses on exercise and muscle regeneration using water. However, it’s important to note that while hydrotherapy simply uses water, balneotherapy utilises minerals in addition to water.

Thermal therapy encompasses various methods, including balneotherapy and hydrotherapy, and creates a therapeutic atmosphere by altering the environment and lifestyle. The minerals and substances in the thermal water can have different effects on the body depending on their composition. For example, they can stimulate metabolism or have a pain-relieving effect. Balneotherapy can be practiced through immersion in natural mineral spring waters, such as the Dead Sea, or at spas or treatment centres using natural mineral water or synthetic salt solutions. It can also be performed at home by adding minerals or salts, such as sea salts and Epsom salts, to bath water. My favourite is to simply bathe in the sea because it’s the frugal way to access balneotherapy.

Photo taken at Innot Hot Springs from my travels around Australia – Free access natural hot springs.

Balneotherapy has a range of applications, including rheumatoid arthritis, blood circulation, stress relief, rehabilitation after sports injuries, and overall well-being improvement. However, it’s important to note that there are contraindications, such as epilepsy or cardiovascular diseases, and it’s best to consult a doctor before trying this therapy.

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Spa therapy, including balneotherapy, is a longstanding and widespread practice with a rich history and numerous benefits. Although its indications and applications have evolved over time, its persistent use for pain relief and rheumatic disorders speaks to its effectiveness. So if you’re privileged enough to have easy access, get into it (the water that is).