Balneological resorts use mineral waters as therapeutic factors, formed under the influence of geological processes in the bowels of the earth and containing ions of various salts.
According to the gas composition, rhodon, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide waters are distinguished; according to the mineral composition, chloride, bicarbonate, nitrate and sulfide waters are distinguished.
In addition, the chemical composition of the waters allows us to subdivide them into glandular, siliceous, arsenic, iodine bromine and containing various biologically active trace elements. By the number of mineral salts in grams contained in 1 liter, they are divided into waters of high, medium and weak mineralization.
Balneological resorts, their healing effect are based on the action of mineral water baths on the human body. Gases and salts dissolved in water have a specific local effect on skin receptors.
Carbon dioxide mineral baths improve the activity of the cardiovascular system, their effect is favorable for coronary circulation, they normalize blood pressure, activate the central nervous system and the work of the endocrine glands. Russian balneological resorts using this type of water are located in Kislovodsk and Darasun.
Hydrogen sulfide baths expand the vessels of the skin, facilitating the work of the heart, help the healing of skin lesions, and remove protein decay products from the body. Hydrogen sulfide has a resolving, anti-inflammatory, desensitizing and analgesic effect. On the cardiovascular system, its effect is the same as that of carbon dioxide baths. Russian balneological resorts that are treated with hydrogen sulfide baths are located in Pyatigorsk and Sochi-Matsesta.
The effect of radon baths on the body is due to alpha radiation, which is released during the decay of radon atoms. Radon has a painkiller and sedative effect, reduces blood pressure, improves heart activity. Under its influence, more rapid healing of injuries in the bone and muscle tissues occurs.
Balneological resorts also use the therapeutic effect of mineral water, which it has when taken orally. It is caused by salts, trace elements, and gases contained in the liquid. Mineral water is used, as a rule, in the treatment of organs of the digestive system.
Usually, for medicinal purposes, mineral water is taken right at the source - pump room. Thus, its beneficial properties are better preserved.
Drinking mineral water acts on the body in accordance with its chemical composition.
Hydrocarbonate waters of resorts of the CIS countries (Essentuki, Borjomi, Zheleznovodsk, Darasun, Morshin) regulate the motor and secretory functions of the stomach.
Chloride waters increase the secretion of gastric juice, as well as its acidity.
Sulphide waters, on the contrary, reduce the secretion of gastric juice and have a choleretic and laxative effect. In Russia, sulfide waters treat in Pyatigorsk.
Bulgaria also has a lot of mineral springs. Balneological resorts in Bulgaria, of which there are over 50, are located throughout the country. The most famous are Albena, Pomorie, Velingrad, Hisara.