A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Beliefs and Perception on Medicinal Properties of Natural Hot Spring Bath for Musculoskeletal Problems

Abstract

<jats:p>Natural therapy modalities such as thermal therapy and balneotherapy are commonly being practiced for the management of chronic aches and pain all over the world. Nepal has many such natural hot water springs among which few are famous for therapeutic purposes. Thousands of people with some musculoskeletal problem visit those places in the hope of getting rid of their problems. This study aimed to understand their belief in such therapies, expectations, and satisfaction after treatment along with their knowledge of the safety of hot spring water bath. Among 126 participants interviewed, 31% had inflammatory arthritis, followed by degenerative disorders in 29.4% and soft-tissue rheumatism in 12.7%. Around three-quarters believed that hot spring water has natural healing power and thus can improve their pain. Many even believed that water in natural springs is devoid of any chemicals. So, it is a safe treatment option. Regarding the expectation of cure, they had mixed opinions. Naïve participants hoped they might find a permanent cure in thermal baths. However, repeated visitors said that the effect usually lasted for a few months and they have to visit there regularly. Almost two-thirds of people thought that such natural treatment does not have any side effects. Few stated that they had faced certain problems after the treatment. The water tested from the study site showed that it contained a higher amount of chlorine and sulfate in comparison to other hot water springs in Nepal. The minerals present in water might be a cause of temporary relief of pain. Also, outbreaks of infection from common spring baths have to be considered as such cases have been reported in the past. In conclusion, the medicinal benefits of such natural hot water springs have to be studied further and awareness regarding safety should be given to the people seeking treatment.</jats:p>

Current report on the prevalence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in natural hot springs: a systematic review

“…Regardless of how hot springs are formed and how they are classified in terms of origin, they offer both medical and biological significance. Medically, hot springs are known to relieve musculoskeletal problems (Vaidya & Nakarmi 2020). Although there is no direct evidence on the medical effectiveness of hot springs, documentation showed a great number of microbial enzymes isolated from these water sources that may explain the partial, although still inconclusive, medicinal effects to the body (Akanbi et al 2019).…”

The effect of thermal mineral waters on pain relief, physical function and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis

“…The environment, density, buoyancy, specific gravity, viscosity, hydrostatic pressure, temperature, and dissolved substances of mineral water will affect balneotherapy. [ 14 ] In vitro tests and clinical studies have shown that certain water-soluble minerals can be absorbed through the skin. Immersion during thermal mineral waters therapy has many physiological effects and causes changes in the neuro-immuno-endocrine system.…”

The effects of hot spring spa-bathing habits on physical and mental health in Japan

“…Subjective mental status was associated with higher health consciousness, increased hot spa-bathing behavior, and fewer illnesses, while hot spa-bathing behavior was also associated with more illnesses. A report described that most patients suffering from chronic pain believe that hot springs have a healing effect to improve their pain [17] . Therefore, our result may be due to the use of hot spa bathing to alleviate or ameliorate symptoms in the population with diseases.…”