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Wellbeing at the spas
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| Visiting spas to enjoy the benefits of their thermal waters is a practice that goes back to ancient times. In the writings of the Greek physician, Hippocrates, (5th century BC), we find detailed descriptions of the characteristics of thermal waters and the therapeutic actions attributed to many of them. It is a well known fact that the ancient Romans added an elaborate social dimension to the therapeutic functions associated with visiting the baths, which were housed in splendid, elaborately decorated buildings, the remains of which can still be found in many locations throughout Europe. Even during the Middle Ages, a period in which hygienic practices were rather circumscribed, being largely regarded as an expression of licentious frivolity and sinfulness, the therapeutic benefits of thermal waters were widely known and taken advantage of. Today thermal treatments are still utilized for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments and afflictions, everything from respiratory and rheumatic disorders, to skin and bone problems. |
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MINERAL WATER AND THERMAL WATER |
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Mineral waters, as well as certain muds and grottos, are considered excellent means of obtaining thermal treatments and there are many exceptional spa facilities scattered throughout Italy. And each one of these establishments is different, especially in terms of the curative properties attributed to the water and therefore also in terms of the type of conditions treated. Here the term mineral water refers to water containing significant levels of dissolved mineral salts that have been absorbed from the soil and terrain with which the water comes into contact over the course of its journey. These mineral salts imbue the water with curative properties (something that cannot be said, however, of the ordinary mineral waters that are drunk at the table).
Another very important curative factor is the temperature of the water, which picks up a great deal of heat by flowing very deeply beneath the earth before finally gurgling to the surface. This is why it is already hot by the time it gushes forth as a spring and why it is referred to as thermal water.
In Italy the various types of thermal waters have all been classified in accordance with a specific law that distinguishes them by their mineral content; the categories are the following: mud, sulfurous, arsenical, carbonic, bicarbonate, ferruginous arsenical and sodium bromide, each of which is utilized for the treatment of one or more specific conditions. For example, sulfurous water is the best suited for combating rhinitis, disorders of the pharynx, sinusitis, otitis and sundry ailments of the respiratory system.
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The first thing to bear in mind is that thermal cures are effective in treating chronic conditions, ailments that have to do with parts of the body like the nose, throat or the ears, or the bones and joints; they can also help with arthrosis and rheumatism, as well as skin problems, like acne and various kinds of dermatitis.
There are various ways of undertaking treatment with thermal waters. One cure involves drinking the water as a beverage. The classic image of the thermal cure is that of strolling about with a glass of water from which little sips are diligently taken.
There are, of course, also baths; in this case the curative powers of the water is based on its coming into contact with the skin or internal mucous membranes. In such cases the treatment consists in immerging oneself in tubs and pools fed by thermal waters (i.e. waters that gush forth from the earth already heated) or mechanically heated water; one may also receive the water in the form of a shower. The temperature may be just warm, that is, less than 34 degrees, or hot, from 34 to 38 degrees, and the duration of the bath can range from 10 to 40 minutes. The showers can be administered in a variety of ways in terms of the power and direction of the jet of water, etc.
The hydromassage is a special kind of shower administered underwater, a condition that attenuates the force of the jet of water, thereby ensuring a much more gentle massage action.
Another very common way to exploit the benefits of water is by inhalation. In this case mineral water, in the form of tiny droplets and the gases they tend to emit, is introduced into the respiratory cavity by means of a series of simple devices in order to reach and treat the pharynx, larynx, trachea and bronchi.
As already mentioned, thermal therapy also includes the use of muds which are especially effective in cases requiring an anti-inflammatory or analgesic action, in treating various kinds of pain, inducing muscle relaxation, stimulating the metabolism and generally reinforcing the immune system. A mud bath consists in the application of hot mud over the entire body or certain specific parts of it (except the head, trunk and genital area). The person's body is then wrapped in towels in order to maintain the heat of the mud. After a maximum of 20 minutes the application is removed and one proceeds to take a very hot bath or shower in order to remove all the mud. The treatment is concluded by moving to a cot and stretching out to rest, carefully covered, for 30 to 60 minutes.
Thermal treatments in grottos, or "anthrotherapy", involve remaining in an environment that is characterized by a special microclimate, i.e. a particular ratio of temperature and humidity, plus the presence of certain beneficial gases. In general, these environments are found in natural grottos that are naturally warm because of the presence of a hot water spring or their nearness to an active volcanic zone. There also exist, however, artificial grottos that are created by introducing the necessary temperature and humidity into a properly confined environment. Following the period of time spent in a grotto, an experience which must be undertaken on an empty stomach, one proceeds to take a shower or bath of mineral water and then, snugly wrapped in hot towels, rest for 20 to 40 minutes as in the case of the mud bath. Grotto therapy can be very useful in cases of rheumatism, joint ailments and inflammations of the respiratory tract.
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Today, thank goodness, health is primarily a question of prevention, striving to maintain a state of overall physical and psychological wellbeing. And spas are an excellent place to pursue these important goals.
November, for example, is the best month to undergo a series of inhalation treatments in order to get the respiratory system in good shape for facing the challenges of winter. Also remember that one or more short "vacations" over the course of the year are essential in order to free the mind from the stifling burden of daily routine and restore the tranquility and harmony that is sometimes compromised by the modern pressures of our hectic pace of life.
This is why increasing numbers of thermal facilities in Italy are developing special programs lasting only a week or even a weekend to combat stress, little wellbeing holidays for restoring energy and psycho-physical harmony, including preventive therapy sessions as well as beauty treatments, such as deep cleansing of the skin, and relaxing, anti-stress massages. It's great. Try it and find out for yourself.
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