Balneotherapy in medicine: A review

Abstract

Bathing in water (balneotherapy or spa therapy) has been frequently and widely used in classical medicine as a cure for diseases. This paper reviews the present literature on the use of balneotherapy in dermatologic, chronic musculoskeletal (inflammatory and non-inflammatory), metabolic and psychological conditions.We performed a systematic review on related papers appearing in the Medline and Cochrane Library database from 1966 to 2003 that included randomized controlled and non-randomized clinical trials using balneotherapy. We also determined to reflect where possible the chemical compositions of spas.The major dermatologic and musculoskeletal diseases that are frequently treated by balneotherapy with a remarkable rate of success are atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and low back pain. Moreover, the effects of spa therapy on several metabolic conditions are discussed. The mechanisms by which broad spectrums of diseases respond to spa therapy probably incorporate chemical, thermal and mechanical effects.The importance of balneotherapy either alone or as complement to other therapies should be considered after, or accompanying, orthodox medical treatments.

The effect of balneotherapy on C-reactive protein, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, total antioxidant status and HSP-60 levels

“…In the United States it has become known as 'spa therapy'-although this term refers to a more complex treatment modality, which often uses additional, natural healing factors and many elements of physiotherapy along with mineral water (Sukenik et al 1999). The body of evidence substantiating the effectiveness of balneotherapy has been increasing progressively during recent decades (Nasermoadelli and Kagamimori 2006). Notwithstanding this, publications on well-documented and controlled human studies exploring the potential role of balneotherapy in cardiovascular rehabilitation are almost non-existent.…”

Physikalische Therapie: Therapiemittel Wasser (1)

“…Ein schneller Ausstieg aus dem Wasser kann zu einem orthostatischen Kollaps führen [1]. Der Aufenthalt im Wasser fördert die Diurese [1,4,5]. …”

“…Typische, in Heilwässern häufig vorkommende gelöste Gase sind das Kohlenstoffdioxid, der Schwefelwasserstoff sowie das radioaktive Radon [1]. Die gelösten Stoffe wirken vorherrschend auf die Haut, können aber auch resorbiert werden [5]. CO 2 diffundiert gut in die Haut.…”

“…Balneotherapie und die Behandlung mit Schlammpackungen waren wirksam zur Behandlung einer Osteoarthritis des Knies: Die Schmerzen hatten abgenommen, die Funktion und die Lebensqualität wurden verbessert [7]. Nasermoaddeli et al [5] fanden einen bemerkenswerten Therapieerfolg der Balneotherapie alleine oder in Kombination mit anderen Massnahmen bei der Behandlung von rheumatischen und dermatologischen Krankheiten. Matz et al [4] empfehlen aufgrund ihrer Übersichtsarbeit Balneotherapie zur Behandlung von atopischer Dermatitis, Pruritus, Lichen ruber planus (Knötchenflechte), Rosacea, Akne, seborrhoischer Dermatitis und Ichthyosis.…”

Health resort medicine in non-musculoskeletal disorders: is there evidence of its effectiveness?

“…In other words, what non-musculoskeletal diseases respond to health resort treatment? Only few systematic reviews focusing on the effectiveness of HRM treatments in non-musculoskeletal disorders have been published so far (Nasermoaddeli and Kagamimori 2005;Pagourelias et al 2011).…”