Rich in minerals and warmed by the heat of the earth’s interior, thermal mineral water is probably one of the most remarkable natural remedies known to mankind. Thermal water is the basis of our natural treatments in Hungary and Slovakia. It is particularly effective in the treatment of chronic inflammatory and degenerative locomotive disorders, and is also excellent in rehabilitation programmes. Relaxing in the warm water is also a perfect antidote to unwinding from the stresses and strains of modern life. In fact, its effect is so strong that a weekly visit to the local spa is routine for many people living in Central Europe. Thermal water naturally arises, or is pumped artificially up to the earth’s surface, typically from a depth of around 2,000 meters. After this, it then cools to a temperature suitable for bathing, which is usually between 36-39°C. You are encouraged to relax in the thermal bath for 15-20 minutes daily unless otherwise advised by one of our doctors. In some of our more traditional spas, your thermal bathing treatment will conclude with a 15-minute full body dry wrap (See Other: Dry Wrap). Some of our older thermal bathhouses are true architectural gems, whilst our newer facilities combine thermal water with sauna facilities, swimming and hydro pools. 

If you are staying with us on a traditional or therapeutic spa package you will, upon arrival, be booked in for a check up with one of our spa doctors. The aim of this initial consultation is to check your health complaints, health history, that the treatments prescribed are safe and effective. If necessary the doctor may prescribe additional examinations and/or laboratory tests.

The treatment is given in a bath at a temperature of 35-37°C. A powerful, pressurised (0.5 – 2.0 atm) jet of water is released through a hose underwater 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 on 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 is also probably one of the most effective spa treatments for relaxation available.

Therapeutic exercise is a crucial part of the recovery process and instrumental to any rehabilitation program. This therapy is led by an expert physiotherapist, normally for a group of guests with a similar diagnostic profile. An example of our classes includes therapeutic exercise for spine or joint conditions, osteoporosis, obesity, vascular conditions of the brain and exercise for cardiac patients. The therapy uses exercises designed to relax overloaded muscles, strengthen weak muscle groups, improve joint, spinal and pelvic mobilisation,and strengthen static/dynamic functions necessary for correct body positioning. An inseparable part of these classes are breathing exercises, in addition to training for speed, agility, endurance, balance, strength and overall fitness.

After the doctor’s examination and diagnosis, a specific area of the body is prescribed for massage.  The aim is to stimulate blood circulation in this specific area, release muscle tension and improve the mobility of the connective tissue and joint.

Ultrasound uses sounds of high frequency and intensity that are converted to mechanical and heat energy. 30% of this mechanical energy results in a type of micro-massage in the tissues of the body that are targeted, resulting in heat generation. The treatment is administered by placing the head of the device in continuous or pulse application into the skin, which has been given a coating of paraffin oil or conductive gel. The depth of impact varies between 2-6 cm and the effect stimulates the molecules, causing subsequent chemical reactions. It also improves blood circulation as well as nutrition of the tissues with an analgesic and antispastic effect. The site of application needs to be prescribed by a doctor, but it is generally an area that is in pain or in need of relief.

In this treatment, different electrical pads at a medium frequency are placed onto the body together with a small vacuum. The effect is one of a micro-massage on the damaged tissue. Depending on the pre-set frequency, the muscles can be stimulated to a so-called muscle gymnastic condition, or alternatively produce relaxation in the muscle tone to have an analgesic effect. The treatment has two advantages: firstly, it reduces pain, and secondly, the micro-massage improves the circulation and flow of oxygen to the tissue, resulting in a healing effect.

This treatment is especially beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis. The forearms and lower limbs are placed into water trays at a temperature of 34°C. Water and a gentle electrical current are the components of this treatment, and an electric current is passed through these particular body parts. Because only the limbs of the body are immersed in water, the electric current in the four-cell bath can be given at a stronger intensity that the full galvanic bath (See: Galvanic Bath). The treatment also has the benefit of improving circulation.

This is a treatment whereby medicine is absorbed into the body through the skin by means of an electric galvanic current. This is normally recommended as treatment in cases of arthritis and chronic inflammatory spinal problems.

This treatment uses a mixture of electric currents, (both galvanic and impulse), which have an inhibitory or facilitatory effect, depending on the frequency, intensity and other parameters. The result is both pain relief and an improvement in circulation. In general, the treatment is prescribed for conditions such as sprains, bruises, oedemas, joint and spine deterioration and disc degeneration.

The mud used at our hotels comes from the famous Hévíz thermal spring in Hungary, and from sediment collected by the hot springs of the river Vág in Piešťany in Slovakia. The therapeutic mud has a similar effect to that of the medicinal waters. The most characteristic feature of mud is its good heat storage and heat dissipation capacity. Warmth dilates the blood vessels and accelerates the metabolism. As a consequence, the treatment eases chronic inflammations. Warmth also relaxes the muscles and tendons and eases cramps. Of the mineral components of mud, iodine and bromine have a loosening effect, calcium, bromine and magnesium have a relaxing effect and sulphur boosts local metabolism. The temperature of the mud pack is usually 38-42°C, but the doctor can specify a lower temperature. The mud pack is applied on the body areas and joints prescribed by the doctor. The body is then wrapped into an insulating sheet. After 20 minutes, the mud is washed off, which at some hotels can be followed by a 15-minute dry body pack, but at least 15 minutes of rest is definitely recommended. The treatment eases the swelling of joints, muscular tension, and improves the nutrient supply of cartilages, connective tissue and spinal discs. Furthermore, it also strengthens the body’s anti-inflammatory and immune processes. The mud can also be applied partially (see: Partial mud pack). In Sovata, Romania, the mud is extracted from Bear Lake (Lacu Ursu) (see Balneotherapy: Salt bath) and is used in the same way. In addition to musculoskeletal disorders, the salty mud is also suitable for the treatment of certain skin disorders and gynecological diseases (see: Gynecological mud/peat therapy treatment).

Oxygen is inhaled through an intranasal tube into the nose whilst you lie comfortably in a reclining chair. The air being inhaled is enriched with about 40-60% oxygen at a reasonable level of humidity. An increased supply of oxygen into the body enhances the immune system, improves heart activity and the elasticity of the lungs, helps the condition and efficiency of the mind and is excellent for overall health. Sometimes a vitamin drink is also offered as part of the treatment.

This treatment is similar in principal to the stepping bath (See: Stepping Bath) and is based on the Kneipp principle of hot and cold water on the body. The difference between the two treatments is in the stepping bath: you physically step into baths of alternating temperatures, whereas with our alternating temperature bath you sit comfortably with your feet in a basin whilst a gentle jet of water is sprayed onto the feet at a warm temperature with intervals of cold water. This procedure is repeated for the wrists and hands in the arm bath with water. This treatment improves the immune system, circulation and metabolism and leaves one with a rejuvenated feeling.