The Reduction of Distress Using Therapeutic Geothermal Water Procedures in a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Stress is an element of each human's life and an indicator of its quality. Thermal mineral waters have been used empirically for the treatment of different diseases for centuries. Aim of the Study. To investigate the effects of highly mineralised geothermal water balneotherapy on distress and health risk. Methodology. A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed with 130 seafarers: 65 underwent 2 weeks of balneotherapy with 108 g/L full-mineralisation bath treatment; the others were in control group. The effect of distress was measured using the General Symptoms Distress Scale. Factorial and logistic regression analyses were used for statistical analysis. Results. A significant positive effect on distress (P < 0.001) was established after 2 weeks of treatment: the number of stress symptoms declined by 60%, while the intensity of stress symptoms reduced by 41%, and the control improved by 32%. Health risks caused by distress were reduced, and resources increased, whereas the probability of general health risk decreased by 18% (P = 0.01). Conclusion. Balneotherapy with highly mineralised geothermal water reduces distress, by reducing the health risk posed by distress by 26%, increasing the health resources by 11%, and reducing probability of general health risk by 18%. Balneotherapy is an effective preventive tool and can take a significant place in integrative medicine.

The Contribution of Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Reduce Antibiotic Use: A Narrative Review of Health Concepts, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies

“…The main working mechanisms of becoming more resilient (among others to infections) after sauna are optimization of temperature and circulation regulation of skin and mucous membranes, vegetative stabilization with decrease of sympathetic tone (stress reduction), stimulation of nonspecific resistance parameters, and strengthening the antioxidative protection potential and thus the defense against free radicals [91]. Two RCTs demonstrated that balneotherapy is beneficial for stress and fatigue reduction in comparison with music or no therapy group [92] and reduces distress by reducing the health risk posed by distress (by 26%), by increasing the health resources (by 11%), and by reducing probability of general health risk (by 18%) [93]. Based on a systematic review of 23 articles [94] it was concluded among others that the administration of various forms of therapeutic massage exerted a reduced risk of neonatal sepsis and reduced neonatal stress in very preterm neonates, based on increased vagal activity, increased gastric activity, and increased serum insulin levels.…”

Geothermal water for health state improvement: randomised controlled study

“…Our previous clinical study demonstrated the positive impact of balneotherapy with 108 g/l mineralisation geothermal water on distress; it provided positive preventative results: the reduction of health risks and the growth of health recourses. The probability of distress-induced general health deterioration decreased by 18 %; also, favourable effects of balneotherapy using geothermal water on pain, sleep disturbances and intestinal problems were observed (9). Large effect sizes between geothermal water treatment versus control were found in lowering general fatigue ( (22).…”

“…Balneotherapy has a scientific evidence-based effect on various systems of the body for a wide variety of theseverity of a disease and in subjects without major impairment: it promotes active and healthy aging,improves immunity, impactspain, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, skin, mental health problems and quality of life (5)(6)(7)(8). However, balneotherapy for psychosomatic conditions are still poorly investigated and there is still a lack of clear conclusion about its role in the disease prevention and treatment on what medicine of the 21st centurysuch rely as much as possible (9). As early as the 5th century BC, the historian and physician Herodotus observed that different natural mineral springs in various parts of Greece had different therapeutic properties and he subsequently developed a rudimentary system for differentiating the therapeutic indications of various types of mineral waters.…”

Hydrothermal facilities: essential services in the age of pandemics

“…Hydrothermal therapies also provide psychological benefits that are difficult to overstate. These benefits can help overcome the trauma and feelings of helplessness from forced confinement and uncertain economic and social circumstances, and include improved sleep, reduction of stress and anxiety, connection with nature and social connection (Clark-Kennedy & Cohen, 2017;Dubois et al, 2010;Rapoliene et al, 2015). Supporting hydrothermal bathing as a regular lifestyle activity builds community resilience, provides medical personnel with respite, and contributes to culture of wellness that can mitigate the impact of current and future pandemics.…”