Bardejov Spa - famous Slovak resort //Photo by Dmitry Onishchuk
Treatment at the waters
Among European countries, the Czech Republic is the most famous for its thermal springs. The most popular resort is Karlovy Vary. It has been known since the 16th century: even then high society gathered there. According to legend, the founder of the resort is considered to be the Roman Emperor and Czech King Charles IV, who discovered the hot springs while hunting deer. It is precisely the visits of celebrities that are considered the traditional specificity of Karlovy Vary.
Currently, 12 healing springs emerge to the surface in Karlovy Vary. They are similar in chemical composition but have different carbon dioxide content, temperature (from 40 to 72 degrees Celsius), and flow rate. Karlovy Vary waters are bicarbonate-sulfate-chloride-sodium. Interestingly, in the past, healing mineral waters were not drunk; in old times, baths were more common. And healing muds came into use only from the beginning of the 19th century.
Karlovy Vary specializes in the treatment of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine glands, as well as diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Currently, mineral waters from more than 50 springs in Western Bohemia are used primarily for the treatment of diseases of internal organs, as well as nervous and rheumatic diseases. In the town of Františkovy Lázně, a special hydrotherapy clinic has been opened for the treatment of women's diseases. The small resort of Lázně Kynžvart specializes in childhood ailments. In the last decade, the West Bohemian resorts have developed a new direction: in the town of Mariánské Lázně, anti-stress courses for managers have been developed.
Of those who have visited Turkey, few know that this country is known not only for its beaches but also for its thermal resorts. Turkey's thermal hotels in Pamukkale, Yalova, Oruçoglu are an ideal place where relaxation and treatment combine.
The medical and therapeutic properties of Pamukkale's mineral waters were discovered in antiquity, when the Romans built the thermal resort of Hierapolis near the local springs. According to legends, Queen Cleopatra visited the thermal pools of the ancient city. Pamukkale consists of hot calcareous springs, the action of which has led to the formation of limestone deposits on rocky terraces.
Types of diseases treatable with Turkish thermal waters: rheumatism and salt deposits, skin diseases (psoriasis, neurodermatitis, eczema and burns, various allergic reactions), some nervous paralyses, such as facial paralysis, vascular disease and blockage, hemorrhoids. Treatment in Pamukkale promotes the healing of scars after operations and ulcers.
Calcareous hot waters (water temperature here is 35-37 degrees Celsius) gush from underground. In Turkish thermal pools, the water is highly ionized, contains bicarbonates, and has hypotonic properties, stimulating blood pressure. The goal of most thermal procedures is to help a person overcome a stressful state.
Another well-known European thermal resort is Germany's Baden-Baden. The fact that thermal water has a beneficial effect on well-being was known to the Romans, who founded the first resorts here. A treatment course in Baden-Baden is especially recommended for the following indications: nervous exhaustion, disorders of the musculoskeletal system (arthrosis, spondylosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondylitis), functional disorders after strokes, neuritis, neuralgia, consequences of road accidents, cardiac and circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, chronic female diseases, chronic respiratory diseases.
Currently, on the territory of Baden-Baden, there are about 12 thermal springs (temperature up to 68.6 degrees Celsius). The composition and temperature of the springs differ from each other, but sodium and chloride predominate in the water, which gives it a slightly salty taste.
It should be known that, for example, balneotherapy treatment is prescribed for at least three weeks. If necessary, the course can be extended to six weeks. So you should not try to cure all your ailments in a one-week tour by multiplying the number of medical procedures several times. It is worth remembering that even a regular massage cannot be done every day. The total number of procedures varies from 15 to 20. Toward the end of the course, as prescribed by the doctor, baths can be taken once a day or twice every other day.
Thalassotherapy
The second most popular type of recreation combined with treatment is thalassotherapy. Tunisia is famous for this, having been the first to reveal to our compatriots the delights of seaweed treatment. They are rich in minerals, trace elements, and vitamins, prevent the accumulation of ballast substances in tissues, and promote their rejuvenation. Seaweeds cleanse not only tissues but the entire body. Thalassotherapy is an ideal means for strengthening the skin and hair. As part of thalassotherapy, you will be offered the following procedures: skin cleansing with seaweeds, thermal bath with hydromassage, wrapping, stimulation of reflex zones of the body with marine and aromatic therapy, applications of seaweeds.
France also specializes in thalassotherapy. The resorts in Monte Carlo and Deauville have become among the best thermal and mud therapy establishments in the world.
French thalassotherapy centers offer various programs based on three individual and one group procedure per day. The average duration of courses is five days.
Guests of these centers are provided with hydrotherapy, pools, hydromassage, manual massage, electro-massage, pressotherapy, underwater shower, mud treatment, oil baths, and so on. There are various rejuvenating programs - for young mothers, for businessmen, etc.
In pursuit of beauty
Switzerland stands apart on the European medical services market. Hollywood and European stars have appreciated this small country as a trendsetter in plastic surgery. It is also worth mentioning the La Prairie clinic, which enjoys a well-deserved reputation among wealthy people, where a unique method of revitalization, or cell rejuvenation through injections of sheep embryo cell extract (CLP extract), was created, which revolutionized medicine. Clinical tests have proven that CLP extract causes regeneration and revival of healthy but aging cells, while inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and metastases, and has a positive effect on the immune system and hormonal metabolism.
In addition to cosmetic treatment, Switzerland offers many programs for detoxification, renewal and rejuvenation of the body, restoration of shape and vital energy, as well as weight loss programs at the resorts of Yverdon, Ovronnaz, Burgenstock, at the Crans Ambassador hotel in Crans-Montana and at the Biotonus clinic in Montreux.
Natural pressure chamber
Speaking of medical trips, one should not forget about the Dead Sea resorts in Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon. Clinics located on the shores of this protected area specialize mainly in the treatment of skin diseases, especially psoriasis. Atmospheric pressure in this region is the highest compared to other points on the globe, and the oxygen content in the air is 15% higher, which creates the effect of a natural pressure chamber. The high content of salts, various minerals and trace elements in the water of the Dead Sea, which provides a unique high density of water, creates a weightlessness effect and helps unload the musculoskeletal system during bathing. Hydrogen sulfide springs rich in minerals and organic components, therapeutic muds - aromopiloidotherapy in combination with balneotherapy - give a high and lasting therapeutic effect for many diseases.
In which country to treat what
The USA, oddly enough, specializes not in surgery, cardiology or therapy, but in cosmetic treatment. If you want to use the services of a plastic surgeon or improve your health in numerous spa centers, then it is better to go to California, where up to 70% of clinics working for the beauty industry are concentrated.
The second country in the world in terms of popularity and quality of spa is Indonesia. Each spa procedure is a whole ritual combining traditionally Indonesian and international massage techniques, thalassotherapy, body care with the help of aromatic oils and creams.
In Romania, balneological and mud-therapy, climate-therapy, balneotherapy, mountain-climate-therapy, and seaside resorts are widespread. The main indications for treatment are diseases of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, skin, digestive organs, respiratory organs, gynecological diseases, and metabolic disorders. Romania is famous for its sapropel muds, and the concentrated salt water from Lake Techirghiol has the same therapeutic effect as the water of the Dead Sea. The salty waters of the heliothermal Lake Ursu help with infertility. And at the Slanic Moldova resort there are unique salt mines whose microclimate helps cure bronchial asthma.
In Vietnam, tourists are offered to combine recreation and treatment at natural mineral springs in Binh Chau (170 km from Saigon). Treatment at these springs is recommended for general recovery and strengthening of the body, as well as for the treatment of rheumatism, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and neurological diseases. Mud therapy, all types of massage, a pool with hot mineral water, therapeutic mineral baths (40-80 degrees).
South Africa is also known for its spa centers and cardiology clinics. After all, it was South African surgeons who were the first to start heart transplants. They are considered among the best specialists in this field of medicine.
The most famous wellness center in South Africa is Aventura Spa Warmbad. It is located 200 km from Johannesburg. On its territory there are open and closed pools with natural warm and hot mineral water, with a complex of various wellness procedures.