How do thermal waters affect health?

It is known that thermal waters rich with minerals can have different healing properties, these waters have been used for centuries for treating different diseases around the world. Serbia is rich with thermal springs and spas which treat many ailments, depending on the specific content of the water.

The content of the thermal waters depends on the location of the spring and the content of the rocks and minerals through which the water passes. When therapy choice includes thermal waters in some way, specific water is chosen for specific ailments, depending on its contents and how it affects the body.

Thermal waters can have differing healing effects on the body, for example, cold and hypothermal water can cause physiological reactions such as the reduction of local metabolic function, local swelling, muscle spasms, it can cause the dilation of blood vessels, improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure. It can have significant influence on the mobility of granulocytes and the behavior of some microbes and enzymes, they can also help increase the extensibility of tissue rich with collagen.

Hydrotherapy, a method of therapy which uses water in different ways to treat health issues, usually works on a thermal, mechanical or chemical level.

Thermal effects are achieved by exposing the body to either very warm or very cold water. While heat has the effect of dilating blood vessels and improving circulation, cold has the effect of narrowing blood vessels and relieving pain.

Mechanical effects are achieved usually when the body is completely submerged in water, buoyancy (the force which affects an immersed body, working opposite the direction of gravity), hydrostatic pressure and the resistance water provides all have a positive effect on reducing pain and promoting the ability to exercise because of the decreased stress or weight put on the specific body part.

The chemical effects are caused by minerals, ions, oxygen, mud and other things which are either put or found in the water, they create a chemical reaction when coming into contact with the skin, improving its integrity and immunity.

Bathing in water rich with minerals at different temperatures can remove microbial peptides which cause a variety of skin diseases, ease swelling, improve microcirculation, improve the regulation of processes in the immune system and generally improve quality of life.

Thermal waters significantly affect skin health and are mainly used to treat skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis, the presence of minerals in thermal waters helps enrich and hydrate the skin. Minerals in these waters can have antioxidant properties and lower the risk of damage done by the sun. They lower inflammation and alleviate irritations.

It’s also important that bathing in thermal waters has a calming effect. The process of heating and then cooling off the body helps with relaxation and promotes better and deeper sleep; people claim to feel well rested and refreshed after waking up the next morning. Aside from the healing properties it can have on physical illnesses and help in recovery, the psychological component of helping with relaxation from everyday stress is also important.

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from : https://unsplash.com/photos/leafless-tree-on-lake-at-daytime-kBnRJJ7UkyM*

An, J., Lee, I., & Yi, Y. (2019). The thermal Effects of water immersion on health Outcomes: An Integrative review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(7), 1280. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16071280

Cacciapuoti, S., Luciano, M., Megna, M., Annunziata, M., Napolitano, M., Patruno, C., Scala, E., Colicchio, R., Pagliuca, C., Salvatore, P., & Fabbrocini, G. (2020). The Role of thermal water in Chronic skin Diseases Management: A Review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(9), 3047. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9093047