Thermal Medicine

Thermal Medicine is a branch of medicine which uses thermal treatments (relating to thermal waters, mud and grottoes) for therapeutic and rehabilitative purposes.

Thermal waters: there are various types of thermal waters. They have a high salt content, can be used in many different ways (baths, inhalations, irrigations etc) and perform a variety of curative functions.

Thermal mud treatments: thermal mud treatments (mud-packs) can be of various types:  hot mud, at a temperature of 38-40°, is applied in a gradual way to various areas of the skin, avoiding the thorax, head and genitals. At the end of the mud-pack application the mud is removed, the client washes under a hot shower and then soaks in a bath for about ten minutes. Following, he lies on a bed for 30 minutes to 1 hour, at the same time experiencing a sweat reaction.
During this rest period he may be given a general toning and stimulating massage. The principal curative effects of thermal mud therapy are anti-inflammatory and analgesic, involving a relaxation of the muscles and the stimulation of many functions of the organism, including the immune system. The effect can either be local, confined to the area of application, or general, involving the whole organism.
 

Thermal grottoes: Some thermal facilities, and in particular some wellbeing centres, provide a thermal grotto for their clients. This consists of a rocky cavity, either natural or man-made, containing a source of high temperature thermal mineral water which fills the cavity with steam. This thermal treatment can help relieve arthritic conditions and those affecting the respiratory tract and can have very beneficial effects on patients recovering from trauma. Grotto treatment also appears very efficacious in cases of patients with dermatological or gynaecological problems.