It is one of the oldest techniques in medicine, although this statement still surprises many people today. We are talking about balneotherapy, i.e. the use of mineral-medicinal waters to treat a wide variety of conditions.
If you are not yet familiar with this ancient therapy or if you have doubts about what it can do for you, read on. Balneotherapy has powerful health benefits and in this post we are going to explain them to you in depth, and we will tell you where you can take advantage of its incredible properties!
What is balneotherapy?
If you have ever heard of thermal springs or ancient Roman baths, you already have an idea of what balneotherapy is.
Balneotherapy is a therapeutic treatment that uses mineral-medicinal waters with the aim of curing or preventing illnesses. These waters come from underground sources and are loaded with minerals that, when they come into contact with our body, have beneficial effects on our health.
Since time immemorial, ancient cultures, such as the Romans, already used thermal waters to treat pain, illness and as a means of relaxation.
Today, it is still one of the practices most recommended by doctors and therapists to improve health in a natural and non-aggressive way, although we often forget about this possibility.
The principles of balneotherapy: What is it based on?
Balneotherapy is not magic, but science. Its effectiveness is based on three key principles:
- Water temperature. When you immerse yourself in mineral-medicinal waters, the heat dilates your blood vessels, which improves circulation.
- Its mineral composition. The minerals present in the water, such as calcium, magnesium or sulphate, penetrate your body and work to relieve inflammation, muscle pain and improve overall health.
- Its relaxing and well-being effect. But that’s not all: in addition to the physical action of the minerals, the simple fact of being in a natural environment, away from the hustle and bustle, allows the body and mind to disconnect, favouring deep relaxation.
A wonderful place to enjoy balneotherapy is Balneario de Fitero, and here we fulfil these three pillars to perfection. The properties of our spring water are worthy of mention: it is hyperthermal water at a temperature of 52º and rich in minerals such as chloride, sulphate, sodium, calcium and radon. A source of wellbeing in every sense of the word!
Benefits of balneotherapy
Over the centuries, balneotherapy has been shown to be much more than just a pleasant way to relax, it has proven health benefits:
- Relief of muscle and joint pain. If you suffer from chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain, balneotherapy can help you a lot. The warmth of the water and its minerals reduce inflammation and relieve pain naturally.
- Improved blood circulation. Heat also increases blood flow, which promotes better oxygenation of the tissues. This is very beneficial for people with circulatory problems or cardiovascular diseases.
- Injury recovery. If you are undergoing any kind of rehabilitation process, balneotherapy treatments can speed up your recovery by helping to relax muscles and restore joint mobility.
- Benefits for the skin. Mineral-medicinal waters, especially those rich in sulphur, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe skin problems such as acne, psoriasis or dermatitis.
- Reduced stress and anxiety. Did you know that balneotherapy also leads to emotional well-being? After all, the deep relaxation we experience when immersed in thermal waters lowers our stress levels and improves the quality of our sleep.
Smoother breathing. This type of therapy is also known for its beneficial effects on respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or sinusitis. In the end, the high temperature of the water and the humidity help a lot to clear the airways and relieve congestion.
When is the perfect time for balneotherapy?
Whenever you need to disconnect and leave your routine behind, balneotherapy is a wonderful plan. But, as we have been saying, it is also the perfect treatment for various health problems.
In which cases or moments is it most advisable to resort to it? In all of these!
- When you suffer from all kinds of chronic pain, muscle or joint pain.
- In the midst of post-surgical recovery or after an accident.
- In periods of stress, anxiety or mental exhaustion – even during pregnancy!
- If you suffer from skin conditions of any kind.
- When you want to prevent ailments and maintain your well-being.
Now that you know that balneotherapy is a scientific practice with real and proven benefits, would you like to try it?
There is no better place to enjoy all that balneotherapy has to offer than the Fitero Spa. Wonderful hyperthermal waters, a professional team of experts in medical hydrology and all the hydrothermal treatments you need await you here. In short, a unique experience if ever there was one.
Make your reservation now and let balneotherapy cure you in health, we are waiting for you!
