Thermal Effects of Balneotherapy

Hyperthermia – exogenous elevation of the body temperature, local or systemic – by means of a bath or poultice, has been demonstrated as a beneficial therapeutic measure for centuries.

Therapeutic Effects of Heat in Balneotherapy:

• Reduction of pain
• Acceleration of collateral blood circulation
• Elevation of cellular fluids
• Relaxation of the skeletal musculature
• Enhanced range of motion, stretching capacity of collagen structures
• Antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) effect
• Stimulation of the sympathetic nerves
• Increase in heart rate and stroke volume
• Overall sedative effect
• Hormonal stimulation
• Immunostimulation (mild Hyperthermia)
• Immunosuppression (extreme Hyperthermia)
• Adaptation of the vegetative functioning