Mud baths are one of the types of mud treatment (along with mud wraps, mud applications and intracavitary mud procedures). There are several types of mud used for mud treatment procedures: peat mud (dark brown), sapropelenic (brown, blue or dark olive), sulphide (black). All these varieties of mud have different composition and slightly differ in properties, however, they all have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and resorptive action and help to increase overall tone.
Mud baths, as a therapeutic and cosmetic procedure, contribute to the renewal of cells, the normalization of metabolism, the restoration of the affected nerves, the resorption of salts in the joints, the reduction of purulent discharge of skin inflammation. Thus, mud baths have, basically, the following indications: diseases of the digestive tract (including peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum), diseases of the musculoskeletal system, gynecological diseases, ENT diseases.
At the same time, mud baths (as well as other mud treatment procedures) have certain contraindications: tuberculosis, chronic diseases during an exacerbation, a tendency to bleeding, cancer, endocrine disorders, blood diseases, any acute inflammatory processes, nephritis and nephrosis; problems with the cardiovascular system, as well as pregnancy.
Mud baths differ in concentration - distinguish between weak, medium and strong baths. Strong mud baths can cause overheating in the patient, thereby increasing the heart rate.
Mud baths are also distributed to common and local mud baths. Common baths are rarely used, as they have more contraindications for health reasons. Local baths are so-called lumbar baths (mud cover the lower back and lower limbs), "gloves" (bath for upper limbs) and "boots" (bath for the lower limbs).
Before taking mud baths, it is recommended to take a shower and make a light body peeling, where the bath is planned. Many doctors make recommendations to take two hot baths before the course of common mud baths, in this case, the course of mud baths should begin after a day of rest after the "preparatory" stage.
In the mud bath can be no more than 20 minutes. The water temperature can be in the range from 34 to 40 degrees, as much as the patient's health allows. To prepare a bath, use sea or thermal water (however, you can use a common salt solution). Very useful will have a function of the whirlpool in the bathroom, as it will increase the impact of dirt.
After the end of the mud procedure, you need to rinse under the shower without soap and moisturize the skin with cream. Mud baths can be used as a separate course, or in combination with other procedures (such as massage and masks). Complex programs are most often aimed at combating obesity and cellulite.
Pearl baths
In medicine, pearl baths are also called oxygen baths. Do not think that such baths add natural or artificial pearls. The name of the pearl baths is due to air bubbles, which poured like pearls.
The pearl bath is prepared artificially. At the bottom of the bath is placed a grill, allowing air to flow, which is pumped by a special compressor. Then the bath is filled with water. During the procedure, a jet of water is applied to the body, which contains a lot of bubbles. The jets alternately affect the body, and you observe the bubbling of the bathroom. This creates a hydromassage effect.
In addition, the impact occurs at the level of the difference between the temperatures of water and air. Water in this procedure has a temperature of 35 to 36 ° C, while air - from 15 to 20 ° C.
The duration of the procedure is ten to fifteen minutes. The course of treatment includes 12-15 sessions of pearl baths, which occur daily or every other day.
For cosmetic purposes, to enhance the beneficial effects on the skin and the general condition of the body, aromatic oils and sea salt can also be added to the "pearl" bath.
In order not to overdry the skin, after the procedure it should be properly moistened. Immediately after taking a bath, it is recommended that there be no physical exertion and rest.
Indications for use of pearl baths
Pearl baths are recommended for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, metabolic disorders, functional disorders of the nervous system. People suffering from hypodynamia, stress and depression will also benefit from pearl baths.
In addition, regular use of water procedures helps to normalize blood pressure, increase tissue elasticity and joint mobility, stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, cope with back pain, overcome insomnia or get out of stress.
If you are not happy with your appearance, skin condition, if you suffer from excess weight and cellulite, a specialist can assign you a course of pearl baths.
Contraindications
Like other medical-cosmetic water procedures, a pearl bath should be prescribed by a doctor. Medical staff should observe the session of taking a pearl bath. The use of pearl baths is contraindicated in the following cases:
- thrombophlebitis;
- fungal diseases;
- pustular skin diseases;
- acute inflammatory processes;
- cardiovascular diseases.
If you suffer from varicosity, vascular asterisks or diabetes, be sure to notify the doctor before prescribing the bath and starting the procedures. Pregnant women also require a doctor's consultation.