ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus and its complications are a source of considerable morbidity and mortality, with important medical and social implications. The aim of our study was to establish the efficacy of combined application of seawater, Pomorie therapeutic mud and lye in diabetic polyneuropathy rehabilitation. Materials and methods: The study was carried out during the 2011 and 2012 summer seasons in 43 patients (18 male and 25 female) with diabetic polyneuropathy from Germany, Russia and Bulgaria. The average age was 62±2.15 years and the average duration of diabetes was 16±3.4 years. All patients underwent combined treatment with mud baths (temp 37°C, duration 15-20min, 10 applications) and 10 lye electrophoresis procedures to the lower limbs, and sea water baths. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used before and after the course of treatment to objectively measure the pain and parasthesiae of the lower limbs. Results: Following a 2 week treatment course there was significant improvement in the clinical symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy. 90% of patients reported improvement in pain, with VAS decreasing from 4.85±0.31 to 2.75±0.24, p<0.05. There was also a decrease in lower limb parasthesiae in 95% of patients, with VAS decreasing from 5.61±0.65 to 3.26±0.31, p<0.05. Conclusion: The clnical symptoms and quality of life of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy imroved significantly following combined treatment with Pomorie natural resources as a result of the trophic and pain-reducing properties of therapeutic mud, lye and sea water. We support the combined application of these treatments in the rehabilitation of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.
ABSTRACT
<b>Background:</b> Diabetes mellitus and its complications are a source of considerable morbidity and mortality, with important medical and social implications. The aim of our study was to establish the efficacy of combined application of seawater, Pomorie therapeutic mud and lye in diabetic polyneuropathy rehabilitation.<BR><b>Materials and methods:</b> The study was carried out during the 2011 and 2012 summer seasons in 43 patients (18 male and 25 female) with diabetic polyneuropathy from Germany, Russia and Bulgaria. The average age was 62±2.15 years and the average duration of diabetes was 16±3.4 years. All patients underwent combined treatment with mud baths (temp 37°C, duration 15-20min, 10 applications) and 10 lye electrophoresis procedures to the lower limbs, and sea water baths. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used before and after the course of treatment to objectively measure the pain and parasthesiae of the lower limbs.<BR><b>Results:</b> Following a 2 week treatment course there was significant improvement in the clinical symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy. 90% of patients reported improvement in pain, with VAS decreasing from 4.85±0.31 to 2.75±0.24, p<0.05. There was also a decrease in lower limb parasthesiae in 95% of patients, with VAS decreasing from 5.61±0.65 to 3.26±0.31, p<0.05.<BR><b>Conclusion:</b> The clnical symptoms and quality of life of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy imroved significantly following combined treatment with Pomorie natural resources as a result of the trophic and pain-reducing properties of therapeutic mud, lye and sea water. We support the combined application of these treatments in the rehabilitation of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: The study and use of marine and fresh water microalgae in therapy is a very recent phenomenon. Fresh water microalgae are used in food and to a lesser extent in cosmetics, however, not much is known about the applications of marine microalgae. The Department of Applied Physics at the University of Vigo (Spain) has developed a marine microalgae culture system, and the species obtained are used to prepare products fit for thalassotherapy and spa treatments. The aim of this study is to develop a procedure for designing, manufacturing and characterising spa products made from marine microalgae. Method: The growing interest in natural tested quality products for use in Spas has stimulated the search for product mixtures frequently used in Spas, such as clays and medicinal-mineral waters, with laboratory cultivated microalgae to guarantee quality and optimum growth. A review of scientific literature on the applications of marine microalgae in skin care was the first stage in this study. Marine microalgae are a source of vitamins, pigments, proteins and other beneficial substances for the skin (Spolaore et al, 2006). Only a few microalgae species are consolidated in the skin care market, wherein the principal ones are Chlorella and Spirulina (Stolz et al, 2005). Protein rich extracts of Spirulina have been used in cosmetics for preventing stretch marks and extracts from Chlorella vulgaris have been used to stimulate collagen synthesis in skin, thereby fostering tissue regeneration and reduction of wrinkles (Stolz et al, 2005). Other microalgae used are Nannochloropsis oculata and Dunaliella salina. Tests done with an extract of Nannochloropsis oculata have shown that this microalga acts as an optimum protective sheath against oxidative stress and positively influences collagen synthesis (Stolz et al, 2005). An ingredient of Nannochloropsis oculata has excellent skin elasticity properties (short and long-term) and was already in the market in 2005 (Stolz et al, 2005). Microalgae culture has been on the rise in the past years. This is generally done in tanks or pools using a controlled culture medium and with either natural or fluorescent light that imitates the natural solar cycle (photobioreactors). A species of Nanocloropsis was selected to study its use in Spas. This is an alga which can be cultivated using photobioreactors such that its growth and profitability can be controlled. Mixtures with varying proportions of clays and mineral waters and seawaters were prepared. Research equipment was used to analyse the behaviour of the mixtures. To that end, density, specific heat and thermal conductivity, which are important thermophysical properties, were used to assess these products for heat therapy. Results and Discussion: The preliminary studies have provided results on culture conditions of the microalgae. Results of heat behaviour were also collected using varying mixtures of clays and waters. These results show that marine microalgae can be used in Spa treatments either in baths or as poultices, thus indicating that thermal retention capacity is improved upon mixture with clays, an aspect which is important for their use in heat therapy.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: The Bulgarian Black Sea coastline is 378km long and offers many opportunities for prophylactic and rehabilitation treatments in a number of conditions of significant social impact. Of special importance is the favourable temperate continental climate, the calm and safe sea ideal for swimming, with low salinity and endless beaches. Another key factor for the development of Black Sea rehablitation and balenology is the abundance of mineral waters and therapeutic mud, which has excellent physical-chemical indicators. Diabetes mellitus and its complications are a source of considerable morbidity and mortality, with important medical and social implications. The aim of our study was to establish the efficacy of combined application of seawater, Pomorie therapeutic mud and lye in the diabetic polyneuropathy prophylaxis and rehabilitation. Materials and methods: The study was carried out during the 2011 and 2012 summer seasons in 43 patients (18 male and 25 female) with diabetic polyneuropathy from Germany, Russia and Bulgaria. The average age was 62±2.15 years and the average duration of diabetes was 16±3.4 years. All patients underwent combined treatment with mud baths (temp 37°C, duration 15-20min, 10 applications) and 10 lye electrophoresis procedures to the lower limbs, and sea water baths. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used before and after the course of treatment to objectively measure the pain and parasthesiae of the lower limbs. Results: Following a 2 week treatment course there was significant improvement in the clinical symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathy. 90% of patients reported improvement in pain, with VAS decreasing from 4.85±0.31 to 2.75±0.24, p<0.05. There was also a decrease in lower limb parasthesiae in 95% of patients, with VAS decreasing from 5.61±0.65 to 3.26±0.31, p<0.05. Conclusion: The clnical symptoms and quality of life of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy imroved significantly following combined treatment with Pomorie natural resources as a result of the trophic and pain-reducing properties of therapeutic mud, lye and sea water. We support the combined application of these treatments in the prevention and rehabilitation of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.
ABSTRACT
New ways to attend patients and pathologies are developing due to scientific results and evolution of installations, techniques, aparatology at water treatment centers. We present a way to understand changes in mentality and patients needs. Our model proposes a combination of water centers, spa, balneary and thalassotherapy. The first center is a Spa with medical wellness clinic in the city of Marbella. A favorite holiday destination in Spain. Objective of clients is having a holidays plus some spa programs, mostly, relaxing with psychological concerns. Slimming programs to lose weight are indicated along with individualized diet and a complete special physical exercise program based on aquagym and some attractive sports. Beauty programs are demanded by the female public that can be completed with small non invasive aesthetical procedures. Bioenergy medicine and natural treatments based in bioelectricity, electromagnetic fields and oriental techniques. Programs recommended at Carratraca Balneary: The balneotherapy center is located in the mountains of Malaga. Climatological conditions are special and the thermal waters rich in sulfur, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium and radon. Traditional programs as rheumatological treatments, rehabilitation, respiratory, dermatological and digestive by hydropinic cure, but there is a new concept: The medical offer can be extended and divided in several units: - Fertility and women unity. Due to the excellent results as antinflamatory and endocrine stimulation. - Cardiovascular unit: most of the patients present some risk factors as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, tabaquism, cholesterol…that have indication for a deeper approach. - Healthy Aging and preventive medicine by the antioxidant properties of water and also because the genetic unit can provide early detection of potential genetic variants and information about the oncotest, cardiogenetic test, and nutritional genetic test. - The traditional slimming programs can also be implemented by new devices for physical activity; this allows the specialists to control the type of exercise and results, not only at the stay but by distance through several on line and video applications. This way responsible specialists have a complete control of the patient over the time, fidelization, coming back to our centers for periodical controls. - Detoxification programs. The third option is the thalasso therapy center, due to the benefits of sea water and climatology of the coast are ideal for several programs: - Dermatological problems - Osteoarticular pathologies, with physiotherapy and osteopathy specialists. - Psychological and psychosomatic problems. - Retreat treatments where not only physical and psychological helps are provided by spiritual approach by the specialist and group techniques and individual coaching. - Oncological diseases, as useful to help syntomathology and quality of life. Finally all the compounds of sea water are part of thalassotherapy such as micro and macroorganisms. Assisted therapy with sea lions and dolphins (otaridotherapy and dolphintherapy) could be part of the programs. A complete team of professionals with psychologist, physiotherapist, special educators, doctors, nurses and animal trainers are necessary. Pathologies such as hyperactivity, autism, Down’s Syndrome for children can be treated. Families can participate not forgetting pathologies such as rheumatic fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and so on with scientific results published in the last years.
ABSTRACT
<b>Objectives: </b>The study and use of marine and fresh water microalgae in therapy is a very recent phenomenon. Fresh water microalgae are used in food and to a lesser extent in cosmetics, however, not much is known about the applications of marine microalgae.<BR> The Department of Applied Physics at the University of Vigo (Spain) has developed a marine microalgae culture system, and the species obtained are used to prepare products fit for thalassotherapy and spa treatments. <BR> The aim of this study is to develop a procedure for designing, manufacturing and characterising spa products made from marine microalgae.<BR><b>Method: </b>The growing interest in natural tested quality products for use in Spas has stimulated the search for product mixtures frequently used in Spas, such as clays and medicinal-mineral waters, with laboratory cultivated microalgae to guarantee quality and optimum growth. <BR> A review of scientific literature on the applications of marine microalgae in skin care was the first stage in this study.<BR> Marine microalgae are a source of vitamins, pigments, proteins and other beneficial substances for the skin (Spolaore et al, 2006). Only a few microalgae species are consolidated in the skin care market, wherein the principal ones are Chlorella and Spirulina (Stolz et al, 2005). Protein rich extracts of Spirulina have been used in cosmetics for preventing stretch marks and extracts from Chlorella vulgaris have been used to stimulate collagen synthesis in skin, thereby fostering tissue regeneration and reduction of wrinkles (Stolz et al, 2005). Other microalgae used are Nannochloropsis oculata and Dunaliella salina. Tests done with an extract of Nannochloropsis oculata have shown that this microalga acts as an optimum protective sheath against oxidative stress and positively influences collagen synthesis (Stolz et al, 2005). An ingredient of Nannochloropsis oculata has excellent skin elasticity properties (short and long-term) and was already in the market in 2005 (Stolz et al, 2005).<BR> Microalgae culture has been on the rise in the past years. This is generally done in tanks or pools using a controlled culture medium and with either natural or fluorescent light that imitates the natural solar cycle (photobioreactors).<BR> A species of Nanocloropsis was selected to study its use in Spas. This is an alga which can be cultivated using photobioreactors such that its growth and profitability can be controlled. <BR> Mixtures with varying proportions of clays and mineral waters and seawaters were prepared.<BR> Research equipment was used to analyse the behaviour of the mixtures. To that end, density, specific heat and thermal conductivity, which are important thermophysical properties, were used to assess these products for heat therapy. <BR><b>Results and Discussion: </b>The preliminary studies have provided results on culture conditions of the microalgae. Results of heat behaviour were also collected using varying mixtures of clays and waters. <BR> These results show that marine microalgae can be used in Spa treatments either in baths or as poultices, thus indicating that thermal retention capacity is improved upon mixture with clays, an aspect which is important for their use in heat therapy.
ABSTRACT
New ways to attend patients and pathologies are developing due to scientific results and evolution of installations, techniques, aparatology at water treatment centers.<BR> We present a way to understand changes in mentality and patients needs. Our model proposes a combination of water centers, spa, balneary and thalassotherapy.<BR> The first center is a Spa with medical wellness clinic in the city of Marbella. A favorite holiday destination in Spain. Objective of clients is having a holidays plus some spa programs, mostly, relaxing with psychological concerns. Slimming programs to lose weight are indicated along with individualized diet and a complete special physical exercise program based on aquagym and some attractive sports. Beauty programs are demanded by the female public that can be completed with small non invasive aesthetical procedures. Bioenergy medicine and natural treatments based in bioelectricity, electromagnetic fields and oriental techniques.<BR> Programs recommended at Carratraca Balneary:<BR> The balneotherapy center is located in the mountains of Malaga. Climatological conditions are special and the thermal waters rich in sulfur, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium and radon.<BR> Traditional programs as rheumatological treatments, rehabilitation, respiratory, dermatological and digestive by hydropinic cure, but there is a new concept: The medical offer can be extended and divided in several units:<BR>- Fertility and women unity. Due to the excellent results as antinflamatory and endocrine stimulation.<BR>- Cardiovascular unit: most of the patients present some risk factors as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, tabaquism, cholesterol…that have indication for a deeper approach.<BR>- Healthy Aging and preventive medicine by the antioxidant properties of water and also because the genetic unit can provide early detection of potential genetic variants and information about the oncotest, cardiogenetic test, and nutritional genetic test.<BR>- The traditional slimming programs can also be implemented by new devices for physical activity; this allows the specialists to control the type of exercise and results, not only at the stay but by distance through several on line and video applications. This way responsible specialists have a complete control of the patient over the time, fidelization, coming back to our centers for periodical controls.<BR>- Detoxification programs.<BR> The third option is the thalasso therapy center, due to the benefits of sea water and climatology of the coast are ideal for several programs:<BR>- Dermatological problems<BR>- Osteoarticular pathologies, with physiotherapy and osteopathy specialists.<BR>- Psychological and psychosomatic problems.<BR>- Retreat treatments where not only physical and psychological helps are provided by spiritual approach by the specialist and group techniques and individual coaching.<BR>- Oncological diseases, as useful to help syntomathology and quality of life.<BR> Finally all the compounds of sea water are part of thalassotherapy such as micro and macroorganisms. Assisted therapy with sea lions and dolphins (otaridotherapy and dolphintherapy) could be part of the programs. A complete team of professionals with psychologist, physiotherapist, special educators, doctors, nurses and animal trainers are necessary.<BR> Pathologies such as hyperactivity, autism, Down’s Syndrome for children can be treated. Families can participate not forgetting pathologies such as rheumatic fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and so on with scientific results published in the last years.
ABSTRACT
We report here on the current situation, regulations by law, and education of spa therapy and massage in France, as determined through a survey study on massage conducted by our university in France between March 19 and 28, 2012. Spa therapy is one of France natural therapies and means‘health through water’in Latin. It includes balneotherapy (le thermalisme) using thermal spring water, thalassotherapy (la thalassothérapie) using sea water, and hydrotherapy (la balnéothérapie) using water. At present in France, there are 105 balneotherapy centers (Thermés) at 89 sites with thermal spring water, located mainly in mountainous regions. National medical insurance can be used for 18-day balneotherapy treatment of 12 symptoms, provided as a 3-week stay (excluding Sundays) in sites with thermal spring water. Thalassotherapy, on the other hand, is currently regarded as a form of relaxation. Balneotherapy and thalassotherapy both include bathing with jets, showers (douche), exercise in the pool, mud therapy (mud pack and wrapping), and massage among other treatments, but there are differences between the two: balneotherapy uses thermal spring water while thalassotherapy uses sea water; the aim of balneotherapy is to treat or prevent disease while that of thalassotherapy is to promote well-being (relaxation); subjects for balneotherapy are patients, whereas those for thalassotherapy are generally healthy people. The term‘massage’in France refers only to massage provided in medical practice, by massage therapists (masseur-kinesithérapeute) who hold a national massage therapy license. The treatment they provide is covered by national medical insurance. They work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and balneotherapy centers and can run their own massage clinics. In contrast, the term‘relaxation massage’(praticien bien-être), which refers to massage for well-being and is never called “massage” in order to distinguish it from medical massage, is not regulated by law. There is a self-regulatory body, that issues licenses for aestheticians, Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP). Their practice is known as modelage. The balneotherapy centers we visited employed licensed masseur-kinesithérapeutes, hydrotherapists who received 600 hours of training, and assistants with no licenses. The thalassotherapy centers mainly employed estheticians with CAP.
ABSTRACT
We report here on the current situation, regulations by law, and education of spa therapy and massage in France, as determined through a survey study on massage conducted by our university in France between March 19 and 28, 2012. Spa therapy is one of France natural therapies and means‘health through water’in Latin. It includes balneotherapy (<I>le thermalisme</I>) using thermal spring water, thalassotherapy (<I>la thalassothérapie</I>) using sea water, and hydrotherapy (<I>la balnéothérapie</I>) using water. At present in France, there are 105 balneotherapy centers (<I>Thermés</I>) at 89 sites with thermal spring water, located mainly in mountainous regions. National medical insurance can be used for 18-day balneotherapy treatment of 12 symptoms, provided as a 3-week stay (excluding Sundays) in sites with thermal spring water. Thalassotherapy, on the other hand, is currently regarded as a form of relaxation. Balneotherapy and thalassotherapy both include bathing with jets, showers (<I>douche</I>), exercise in the pool, mud therapy (mud pack and wrapping), and massage among other treatments, but there are differences between the two: balneotherapy uses thermal spring water while thalassotherapy uses sea water; the aim of balneotherapy is to treat or prevent disease while that of thalassotherapy is to promote well-being (relaxation); subjects for balneotherapy are patients, whereas those for thalassotherapy are generally healthy people.<BR> The term‘<I>massage</I>’in France refers only to massage provided in medical practice, by massage therapists (<I>masseur-kinesithérapeute</I>) who hold a national massage therapy license. The treatment they provide is covered by national medical insurance. They work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and balneotherapy centers and can run their own massage clinics. In contrast, the term‘relaxation massage’(<I>praticien bien-être</I>), which refers to massage for well-being and is never called “<I>massage</I>” in order to distinguish it from medical massage, is not regulated by law. There is a self-regulatory body, that issues licenses for aestheticians, <I>Certificat d’</I><I>Aptitude Professionnelle </I>(CAP). Their practice is known as <I>modelage</I>. The balneotherapy centers we visited employed licensed <I>masseur-kinesithérapeutes</I>, hydrotherapists who received 600 hours of training, and assistants with no licenses. The thalassotherapy centers mainly employed estheticians with CAP.
ABSTRACT
Spa therapy constitutes the use of mineral springs and thermal mud to soothe and heal various ailments. Like the mineral springs, seas and oceans are also important centers for spa therapy of which the most important is Dead Sea (DS). DS has been famous for thousands of years for its miraculous curative and cosmetic properties. Intensive research is going on using DS minerals in a wide range of dermatological conditions especially psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and other eczemas and several papers have been published in various international and pharmacological journals.
ABSTRACT
Talassoterapia e balneoterapia são modalidades terapêuticas utilizadas há vários anos em outras regiões do mundo na prevenção e no tratamento de diversas enfermidades, incluindo doenças reumáticas. No entanto, só recentemente têm sido descritas na literatura em fibromialgia (FM), contribuindo para a redução da dor e de outros sintomas da doença e melhorando a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Nesta revisão são relatados os principais estudos que avaliam a talassoterapia e/ou a balneoterapia como abordagem terapêutica na FM, abordando aspectos a serem investigados no intuito de estabelecer o valor dessa forma de tratamento. Os autores ainda destacam a necessidade da realização de estudos no Brasil, utilizando principalmente a talassoterapia, uma vez que o baixo custo, aliado ao fácil acesso de boa parte das pessoas ao litoral, podem beneficiar pacientes com FM.
Thalassotherapy and balneotherapy are therapeutic strategies commonly used in other countries for the prevention and treatment of several diseases, including rheumatic diseases. However, only in the recent years its use in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM) has been reported. The potential beneficial effects include the reduction of pain and other related symptoms of FM, thus improving the quality of life. The authors revise studies focusing on thalassotherapy and/or balneotherapy in the treatment of FM, discussing their benefits and methodological biases that still preclude a more precise evaluation on the efficacy of these methods. Finally, the authors emphasize the need for such studies in Brazil, mainly thalassotherapy, since the low cost and good accessibility to sea, might well provide benefit to our patients.