The carbon dioxide bath is an individual bath of normal water at a temperature of between 32-34 °C into which is pumped small ‘fizzy’ bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. The same carbon dioxide used in the food industry is pumped into the water through a tube. In our spa resort of Marienbad, natural gas is used, making this a signature treatment (See Balneotherapy: Individual Mineral Bath). The treatment can last from between 10 to 20 minutes during which you will lie relaxing as small carbon bubbles caress and coat your skin as the gas is absorbed into the body. Medically the carbon strongly congests the skin with carbon dioxide, thereby slowing down heart activity, reducing blood pressure and stress on the heart and improved blood circulation. This treatment is ideal for general relaxation as there is a pleasant soothing feeling of general tickling from the carbon bubbles. The treatment in some of our spa locations is followed by a full body 15 minute dry wrap (See Other: Dry Wrap).
Colon hydrotherapy
Also known as Colonic Irrigation this practice was reputedly used in Ancient Egypt, China and India. However the method common in the West today has its origins in 19th century European Spas. The treatment is conducted lying down, whilst warm purified water is introduced into the colon via the rectum. Once this is completed the therapist uses special massage techniques to stimulate the release of the water. The whole process takes between 30-45 minutes and has the effect of cleansing the bowels from built up toxins, bacteria, parasites and other unwanted substances.
Hydromassage / Whirlpool
This treatment is taken in a hot bath of 35-37 °C and using the currents of whirling water gives a relaxing massage. The effects are improved blood circulation and a release of muscle and joint stiffness. Aroma oils and essences can be added to the water to enhance the experience. The treatment can last from between 10-20 minutes.
Individual bubble bath
The individual bubble bath is similar to the individual thermal bubble bath (See Balneotherapy: Individual Thermal Bubble Bath), however, instead of using thermal water, ordinary water is used that has been heated to a temperature of between 32-34 °C. Into this is pumped small ‘fizzy’ bubbles of air. The treatment lasts from between 10 to 20 minutes during which you lie relaxing as small air bubbles relaxingly caress and coat the skin. The treatment is ideal for general relaxation as there is a pleasant soothing feeling of general tickling from the bubbles. The treatment in some of our spa locations is followed by a full body 15 minute dry wrap (See Other: Dry Wrap).
Underwater jet massage
The treatment is given in a bath of 35-37 °C. A powerful, pressurized (0,5 – 2,0 atm strength) jet of water is released through a hose under the water and directed manually by the therapist to the main muscle groups from a distance of between 10 and 15 cm and at an angle, in strokes. By varying the distance and angle it is possible to change the intensity of the water jet pressure upon the body. The aim of this deep massage is to release stiffness in the muscles and connective tissues and to partially release the joints. It also is probably one of the most effective relaxing spa treatments available.
Underwater traction (in thermal water)
Traction therapy is a passive procedure (designed by Moll Károly a Héviz rheumatologist) that uses mechanical force to induce stretching of the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, sinews, joint capsule), the pulling force during the traction being constant and continuous. Traction in water uses the weight of the body which is suspended by the neck or below the arms in a special pool of warm thermal water. Sometimes additional weights are added to the middle or feet to increase the stretching effect. During treatment the body is gently stretched out releasing the muscles and stiff spinal connective tissues. The treatment is supervised by a professional therapist and lasts for 15 minutes. Underwater traction in thermal water has the double benefit of the traction and also the healing effects of the minerals and heat from the thermal water. In this case the sulfur and minerals are absorbed through the skin after which they migrate to other structures in the body such as ligaments, cartilages and sinews. The sulfur once it is in the body inhibits the degradation of elastine and collagen.
