Spa procedures using natural medicinal sources

A drinking cure is important and, for kidney and urinary tract diseases, the main part of a spa treatment. The principal of a drinking cure consists of drinking 1 – 3 times per day, a certain amount of mineral water according to the medical prescription. A recommended amount is 1.5 – 2 l per day. The drinking cure affects the organism by temperature, chemical composition and the volume. It influences urine composition by inducing a water diuresis, it stimulates the kidneys into faster activity and positively affects intestine peristalsis. Drinking mineral springs before eating increases the efficiency and enables better absorption of mineral substances. An important element of a drinking cure is to establish the correct drinking regime. Within a calm atmosphere of the spas, the fluids intake is unforced and the habit can even be transferred home.

This is the application of Maria’s gas to the subcutis in the area of large joints and the spine. The principle effect it produces is the abatement of pain, the improvement of the rate of blood circulation in certain areas and the acceleration of healing.
Indication: disorders of blood circulation in limbs, ischaemic heart disease, painful degenerative disorders of joints and the spine.
Counterindication: local inflammation of skin and subcutis in the area of application, bleeding.

2 Gas Bath"> Naturally occurring Maria’s gas is used, which arises in Mariánské Lázně. It is a gas of volcanic origin, which contains 99.7 % CO2 and is used in a form of dry gas baths and gas application. The gas is also absorbed through clothes, affects vasodilatation and directly effects skin receptors. It improves blood circulation, it has anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates the healing of wounds and positively affects kidney activity. Maria’s gas stimulates production of sexual hormones testosterone and oestradiol, this is why it is successfully used for the improvement of sexual functions of men and women and to relieve menopausal symptoms in females. Plastic sacks are used for administration, into which Maria’s gas is pumped.
Indication: ischaemic disorder of lower limbs, hypertension, gynaecologic and urologic indications, sexual functions disorders.

Mineral water used for inhalations, improves the mucosa function of the respiratory system, produces anti-inflammatory effects, liquefies mucus and make expectoration easier. Medicines may be added to the mineral water to relive severe dyspnoea; in addition, natural salts and herbal extracts may be added to treat catarrhs in the upper air passages.

The bath is taken in mineral water with a high content of CO2, mineral salts and humic acids at the temperature 28 - 34#176;C. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by the skin, it increases the rate of blood circulation, positively affects heart and kidney activity. In addition, a series of carbonic baths has anti-stress effect. Various herbal extracts or Dead Sea salt may be added to the mineral baths. The bath lasts for approximately 20 minutes, after the bath follows a 20-minutes rest in a dry wrap.
Indication: heart and vascular system disorders, kidney and urinary tract disorders, nervous system disorders
Counterindication: cardiac decompensation, epilepsy, tendency of hypotension.

The effect of mineral water is complemented by the specific action of plant extracts.

Mineral water enriched with a natural mixture of minerals, salts and micro-particles from the Dead Sea, improves the flexibility and elasticity of the skin, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, it also restores organism immunity.
Indication: allergic disorders /asthma bronchiole, eczema, allergic dermatitis, urtica/, psoriasis, repeated and chronic inflammation of respiratory tract, aching joints.
Counterindication: cardiac decompensation, epilepsy, acute aggravation, opening of surface wounds.

They are disposable compresses made of 5 mm thick layer of clay and peat mixture between two films. They are applied to the skin by a permeable film, warmed up by portable carriers, which are applied to non-permeable film of the compress. During 3 minutes, the temperature of the compress slowly increases up to 38°C, which is kept for the whole application period. Tissues are slightly warmed up at the application place, blood circulation and regeneration processes in skin and subcutis improves. The compresses are mainly used in cosmetics and chronic painful conditions, when a classical peat wrap means a large load for the heart and blood vessels.
Indication: cellulites, supportive cure of obesity, chronic rheumatic illnesses, arthrosis
Counterindication: decompensation of heart and blood circulation, acute states, skin injuries, swellings

They represent a form of localised thermal therapy. They are prepared from sulphur-iron peat, which has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and spasmolytic effects. Vaginal mucosa absorbs phytoestrogens, substances, which are, by their content and effects, similar to female sexual hormones. It is possible to prescribe the procedure only after a gynaecologic examination and with a gynaecologist’s recommendation.
Indication: chronic gynaecologic inflammations, post- operation conditions of small pelvis, female sterility, stress incontinence, menopausal syndrome
Counterindication: acute inflammations of the vagina or in the small pelvis, malignant tumours, pregnancy

Peat is used in a form of wraps for locomotive system disorders, gynaecological disorders and respiratory tract disorders. It is a form of thermal therapy. Heat improves the blood circulation rate and the local metabolism, thereby accelerating the absorption of chronic inflammatory infiltrates, it softens connective tissues and loosens up skeletal muscles as well as smooth muscles of inner organs.
Indication: locomotive system disorders, disorders of respiratory tract, urologic and gynaecologic disorders, disorders of digestive system.
Counterindication: not suitable for patients suffering from cardiovascular disorders, for patients after brain incidence and oncologic operations.