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. 

The carbon dioxide bath is an individual bath of thermal water at a temperature between 32-34°C into which small ‘fizzy’ bubbles of carbon dioxide gas are pumped. The treatment lasts 20 minutes during which the small carbon bubbles fizz and coat the skin as the gas is absorbed into the body through the skin. This strongly congests the skin with carbon dioxide, thereby slowing down heart activity as well as reducing blood pressure and stress on the heart. This treatment is ideal for general relaxation, as there is a pleasant soothing feeling of general tickling from the carbon bubbles. Also during the treatment the heat from the thermal water helps the blood vessels dilate reducing blood pressure and relaxing the muscles. Additionally the sulfur and minerals from the thermal water are also absorbed through the skin where they inhibit the degradation of elastine and collagen in the cartilages, tendons and connective tissues. The carbon gas combined with the thermal water therefore has this ‘double’ effect. The treatment in some of our spa locations is followed by a full body 15-minute dry wrap (See Other: Dry Wrap).

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.

Traction therapy is a passive procedure (designed by Károly Moll, a Hévíz rheumatologist) that uses mechanical force to induce stretching of the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, sinews, joint capsules), with the pulling force during the traction both 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 torso 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 a double benefit of traction as well as the healing effects of the minerals and heat from the thermal water. In this case, the sulphur and minerals are absorbed through the skin, after which they migrate to other structures in the body, such as ligaments, cartilages and sinews. Once it is in the body, the sulphur inhibits the degradation of elastine and collagen.

A qualified physiotherapist conducts all individual therapeutic exercise sessions as prescribed by a doctor. These classes are designed to maintain or restore physical mobility as well as develop functional capabilities. The therapy includes active and passive movements as well as mobilisation and manipulation. Other methods may include visualisation, active muscle contraction, active assisted movements and free active movement. An inseparable part of these classes are breathing exercises in addition to training for balance, strength and flexibility.

Performed by qualified masseurs, the medical massage, sometimes referred to as the ‘classical’ massage, uses a variety of techniques during treatment. The massage generally targets areas where secondary changes have occurred as a result of injury somewhere in the body. Its aim is to speed up the recovery process by improving circulation to the problematic area. As well as improving blood flow to the targeted region, it can relax or stimulate muscles and mitigate pain. The massage is normally conducted in the following areas: back, arms, lower extremities, stomach, chest and neck. Depending on which areas are targeted, this is either referred to as a ‘partial’ or ‘full body’ massage.

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.

This uses a very specialised massage technique, targeting nerve connections and endings. The massage is carried out in one of four areas: the head and neck, the back, the chest or the pelvis. Using the thumb and forefinger, the masseur presses firmly along short or long, direct or curved lines. This massage action is very particular and not only promotes healing in the area being massaged, but through a ‘reflex’ effect it promotes healing in the entire body, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a ‘reflex’ massage. In addition, it has been found to be very effective in relieving stress, fatigue, sleep and digestive disorders and high blood pressure. The massage is a very sensitive body intervention that can have certain unexpected side effects, such as short breath, stomach pain, the lowering of blood pressure and sudden fatigue. As a result, prescription is given with care and under the guidance of a doctor.

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.

Transcutaneous Electric Neuro Stimulation     This uses the principle that pain and pain impulses in the body can be dispersed through stimulation of the nervous system with an electrical current. This electrical current is either applied in impulses in short bursts, in waves, or in a continuous stream. A pad is placed upon the site of the problematic area, and the current passes through the skin to the nerve. This treatment is especially effective for conditions that require pain relief, particularly on the back or neck. Specific examples include spinal diseases, headaches and post-traumatic pain.

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.

Water and a gentle electrical current are the components of this treatment, carried out in a bath at a temperature of 34°C whilst electricity is passed through the body. The electric current has a tranquillising effect for cases of agitated nerves. This makes the treatment suitable for all conditions of pain in the motor organs, in particular degenerative diseases, inflammatory arthritis and joint problems. It also has a positive effect on improving the metabolism of the tissues, the shrinking of oedemas and reducing pain and spasticity.

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 treatment is conducted while lying down on a bed or couch, while the treated body part is exposed to an artificial magnetic field (magnetic blanket, contact treatment head or magnetic cylinder). By creating a weak pulsating magnetic field around the body, it has the effect of recharging the magnetic stimulation of the cells. This results in normalising the metabolism and regeneration of cells, thereby supporting the healing process. The treatment also has contraindications, such as implanted cardio stimulators (pacemakers), fungal diseases, tumours and pregnancy.

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).

A variety of special cream packs is available for inflammatory and painful conditions. Generally, the cream is spread on the affected body part, which is covered with a special foil and kept warm with a blanket. These creams include Inno-reuma, Antiphlogistin and sulphur, which have a chilling effect when applied to the skin. They are also effective for anti-inflammation and pain relief. Likewise, the Ritex pack achieves the same effect, but creates a hot sensation when applied to the skin, which additionally helps blood circulation to the area.

Inhalation with medicine has the same effect and uses the same principles as salt inhalation or thermal water inhalation (See: Salt Inhalation), but has a stronger effect. A combination of water, sometimes mineral water and medicine, are inhaled through a tube. During this inhalation process, the medicine is inhaled directly into the respiratory system and lungs, where it helps to dissolve mucous and has a cleansing reaction. It is effective in the treatment of chronic respiratory conditions, allergies or the after-effects of a cold or respiratory infection.

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.