Antrotherapy

The term “antrotherapy” describes a method of using, for therapeutic purposes, the water vapour which is emitted inside natural geological caves, or in similar artificial environments created by man.

The caves which are used are classified as hot or cold, according to the internal temperature, and only the first type are used for therapeutic purposes. They are divided into hot-wet grottoes and hot-dry grottoes, which are known as stoves. In this type the vapour issues from fissures in the earth or in the walls of the cave.

In the case of natural grottoes and stoves the therapeutic environment depends on the presence of hot thermal water or steam emissions resulting from volcanic activity. Inside the grotto, or stove, a particular micro-climate is created, to which the patient to be treated is exposed. This atmosphere is the result of a particular combination of factors: the temperature and chemical composition of the water, the degree of humidity, the constitution of possible thermal gases, the composition of the rocks and the level of ionization in the air.

The heat is believed to have decontracting and analgesic effects on the osteoarthromuscular system, and can have a very positive impact. Antrotherapy is an elective treatment for rheumatic and articular conditions and is also useful, amongst other things, in the treatment of illnesses affecting the respiratory system.