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.

If you are staying with us for one week or longer on a traditional or therapeutic spa stay, it is likely that you will receive a weekly control check up with one of our spa doctors. The purpose of this consultation is to ensure that your treatment plan is having the best results possible and that you are getting the best out of our spa services. In some cases the treatment plan might be adjusted and additional treatments advised, depending on your progress.

This is a special health examination based on the analysis of live blood cells that have taken from a finger pin prick.  The small drop of blood is placed onto a slide and magnified through a camera onto the computer screen. Both the doctor and guest are able to see the state of the magnified cells in perfect clarity and it shows clearly an overall picture of the health of the client. Poor diet, lack of hydration, stress and hidden signs of disease are all reflected in the size, shape and pattern of the blood cells. In addition to explaining the findings and giving advice, the doctor can also prescribe spa treatments and lifestyle advice to help address the risk factors found in the examination.  In many Danubius Health Spa Resorts the live blood cell analysis is used as an essential part of the doctor’s consultation at the beginning of our preventative and medical wellness programs.  It is particularly useful in ‘detox’ stays where a noticeable difference can be seen in the health of the blood cells before and after the treatment. The live blood cell analysis is often done in combination with a lifestyle questionnaire assessment.

The carbon dioxide bath is an individual bath of normal water at a temperature between 32-34°C into which small ‘fizzy’ bubbles of carbon dioxide gas are pumped. The same carbon dioxide used in the food industry is pumped into the water through a tube. At our spa resort of Marienbad, natural gas is used, making this a signature treatment (See Balneotherapy: Individual Mineral Bath). The treatment can last between 10-20 minutes, during which you lie relaxed as small carbon bubbles caress and coat your skin while 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 improving 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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Salt pulverized in mineral water or medicinal water is inhaled through a tube into the mouth. In Sovata, Romania, natural salt water is used. During the inhalation process, tiny salt particles are inhaled into the respiratory system and lungs. Since salt has an antibacterial effect, the salt particles help dissolve mucous and have a cleansing reaction in the respiratory system. Since salt is a natural substance, this treatment naturally is entirely based on natural resources. It is effective in the treatment of chronic respiratory conditions, allergies or the after-effects of a cold or respiratory infection.

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.