‘Stress’ is a by-product of today’s fast paced lifestyle. And people world over are keen to find ways of beating stress. Balneotherapy is one of the ways of refreshing and relaxing. The therapy is a modification of Balneology, which refers to the study of the art and science of bathing. A leisurely soak in a hot bath is quiet soothing for the body. The warmth of the water calms the body and the mind.

One feels the tensions of the day momentarily lifted. This therapy involves use of natural elements like mineral baths, hot springs, climatic factors and use of herbs for curing diseases. The healing qualities of water have been known since the ages. Even in the Hindu mythology, the Gods and Goddesses associated with water were believed to be sources of life, fertility, and fecundity. Water as a therapeutic agent has been recognized for the ability to relieve pain and improve the general well being of the body and the spirit. This was also popular during the ancient Greek, Roman era as a means of preserving health and treating a wide array of internal and external injuries and ailments. The therapy then came to be known as Balneotherapy. The therapy was popularised in the 19th century in Austria by Reverend Father Sebastian Kneipp. Father Kneipp believed in the healing properties of water and prescribed treatments that included drinking mineral waters, soaking in hot springs, taking Cold showers, and walking barefoot in the early-morning dew. Healing spas that subscribed to Father Kneipp's philosophy sprang up all over Europe, and "taking the waters" became a popular social pastime for the rich and privileged. Meanwhile, a highly ritualised bathing culture was also evolving in Japan. Japanese natural hot springs became the most favourite destinations. It is a popular practice in Japan to visit these springs annually. The concept of mineral baths slowly evolved into health spas. And today health spas are proliferating throughout United States, Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean.

The healing virtue of water is the corner stone of Balneotherapy. Water is a universal solvent and acts as a liquid suspension, carrying a variety of minerals and chemicals. During a warm bath, our Skin rapidly begins to absorb the minerals and chemicals that are suspended in the water. These components can make their way to our bloodstream in as little as 2 to 15 minutes and bring about cure. The combination of heat, water and dissolved mineral

substances enhances the Blood circulation and relaxes the Muscles and tissues, and this stimulates the body’s natural cycle of recuperation and healing. The heat increases the body temperature and kills germs and viruses. It also increases the hydrostatic pressure on the body that increase the Cell oxygenation and improve Blood circulation that brings about active detoxification. Balneotherapy works on this principle.

Method of Application:

Balneotherapy is a natural therapy, which makes the best use of natural elements, such as hot springs, climatic factors, the circadian rhythmic phases and natural herbal substances. In addition to bathing, modalities such as HydroTherapy, mud therapy, physical therapy, massage, steam baths, physical exercises, inhalation of water vapour, and drinking mineral water are often used as part of a complex therapy for both health and preservation and treating disease. These treatment are given in form of immersion in a bath or body of water for e.g. ocean or a pool, placement of wet towels (hot or Cold) over the Skin, douches with watering cans or hoses, water birth, arm and Foot baths, rising-temperature hip baths, sitz baths, steam baths or saunas, rubbings with Cold, wet towels, purifying mineral baths with additives such as sea salt or essential oils and Dead Sea water treatments.

Doctors believe that thermal springs facilitate healing in a number of important ways.

Hot springs bathing increases the flow of oxygen-rich Blood throughout the body, bringing improved nourishment to vital organs and tissues. It also increases body metabolism, including stimulating the secretions of the intestinal tract and the Liver, thus aiding in digestion. Repeated hot springs bathing can help normalize the functions of the Endocrine glands as well as the functioning of the body's autonomic Nervous system. The trace amounts of minerals such as carbon dioxide, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, and lithium provide healing effects to various body organs and system such as boosting the immunity, release of endorphins and improved glandular functions. The mineral springs contain high amounts of negative ions, which can help promote feelings of physical and psychological wellbeing. Sulphur has a therapeutic effect on diseases of the Skin, including Psoriasis, Dermatitis, and fungal infections. Some mineral waters are also used to help the healing of wounds and other Skin injuries.

However, heat therapy also has certain limitations and may also cause some potential risks. It should be avoided in patients with Heart disease or lung disease and in pregnant women. Warm temperatures can sometimes lead to dehydration or low Blood sodium levels, and hence hydration and electrolyte intake should be maintained. The decreased temperature on other hand may aggravate complaints in Circulatory diseases like chilblains, Raynaud’s disease and acrocyanosis. The water temperature should be monitored in people with temperature-sensitivity disorders, such as neuropathy. Balneotherapy cannot be used in people with implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators or Liver infusion pumps. Many can develop allergic reactions to the minerals and essential oils that are used in Balneotherapy. Skin infections may occur if water is not sanitary, particularly in patients with open wounds. There are several reported cases of Dermatitis and bacterial Skin infections after hot tub or whirlpool use. People with fractures, Blood clots, bleeding disorders, severe Osteoporosis or open wounds and pregnant women should avoid vigorous therapy with water jets in. Balneotherapy is not an alternative to medicines and drugs. It should not be resorted as the sole approach to illness.

Balneotherapy has been beneficial in many health conditions. Physicians have been able to identify the health conditions that can best be treated by healing springs. These are as follows:

Chronic rheumatic diseases Functional recovery of central and peripheral neuroparalysis Metabolic diseases, especially diabetes, Obesity, and Gout Chronic gastrointestinal diseases Chronic mild Respiratory diseases Circulatory diseases, especially moderate or mild Hypertension Peripheral Circulatory diseases (affecting the hands and feet) Chronic Skin diseases Psychosomatic and stress-related diseases Autonomic Nervous system dysfunction Vibration disorder (a middle Ear disorder affecting balance) Chronic gynaecological diseases