
balneotherapy
Sign in to saveBalneotherapy ( "bath") is a pseudoscientific method of treating diseases by bathing, a traditional medicine technique usually practiced at spas. Since ancient times, humans have used hot springs, public baths and thermal medicine for therapeutic effects. While it is considered distinct from hydrotherapy, there are some overlaps in practice and in underlying principles. Balneotherapy may involve hot or cold water, massage through moving water, relaxation, or stimulation. Many mineral waters at spas are rich in particular minerals such as silica, sulfur, selenium, and radium. Medicinal clays ar
Key facts
- Interventions.Name
- Balneotherapy
- Interventions.Image
- Roman Baths in Bath Spa, England - July 2006.jpg
- Interventions.Caption
- Roman Baths in Bath Spa, EnglandJuly 2006
- Interventions.MeshID
- D001452
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- Aguas Termales Zetaquira.jpg
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- Balneotherapy
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- Kéran National Park
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Article
7 sectionsContents
- Definition and characteristics
- Presumed effect on diseases
- Crenotherapy
- See also
- References
- Sources
- Further reading
Balneotherapy ( "bath") is a pseudoscientific method of treating diseases by bathing, a traditional medicine technique usually practiced at spas. Since ancient times, humans have used hot springs, public baths and thermal medicine for therapeutic effects. While it is considered distinct from hydrotherapy, there are some overlaps in practice and in underlying principles. Balneotherapy may involve hot or cold water, massage through moving water, relaxation, or stimulation. Many mineral waters at spas are rich in particular minerals such as silica, sulfur, selenium, and radium. Medicinal clays are also widely used, a practice known as 'fangotherapy'.
==Definition and characteristics== thumb|250px|The statue of "A man breaking a walking crutch" in the spa town Piešťany (Slovakia) – an eloquent symbol of balneotherapy