The Healing Powers of Springs

Senior Times

 A West Bohemian Spa Town in the Czech Republic is Gaining Fame Worldwide

 

Marianske Lazne, the West Bohemian Spa town in the Czech Republic, boasts unique natural beauties. The valley in which it is located opens to the south while being protected by forests hills on all other sides. An altitude of 630m, clear air, the silence of the woods, carefully arranged parks, spa forests, specific architecture, flourishing cultural sport and social life –all combine to give Marianske Lazne (Marienbad ) its characteristic features.

And then the Medicinal Springs come gushing out of the rock and give a sense of sparkling powers from the mysterious depths of the Slavkovsky Forest. More than 200 years ago the monks of the Tepla Monastery discovered the secrets of these springs and bottled them so they could be used at other monasteries. 

In 1818 Marianske Lazne was declared a public spa town, then the first visitors began to arrive and the fame of the spa began to spread all around the world.

Visitors come to Marianske Lazne in order to receive traditional spa treatments for various reasons:
* To relax and re-energize their body & soul
* To recuperate following an operation
* To treat various ailments mainly of these indications:
Loco-motor system * Kidney & Urinary Tract * Respiratory Problems *
* Metabolic Disorders * Gynaecological Problems * Oncological Problems

The cures are based on the use of natural therapeutic sources – mineral springs, peat, natural CO2 gas, traditional spa therapy combined with an array of modern therapeutic methods.

All are medically regulated and performed by highly qualified physician specialists and professional nurses. Treatment programmes include an initial and final medical examination, sometimes with lab tests, and are designed individually according to the guest’s condition. 

Mineral Springs

There are 40 of them sourcing in Marianske Lazne. The main four are named Ambrose Spring, Cross Spring, Rudolph Spring and Marie Spring. The springs are used for:
Drinking cures – usually ¾ litre is prescribed per day for various indications.
Inhalations – they improve the mucosa function of the respiratory system & produce an anti-inflammatory effect.
Mineral baths – are taken with a content of CO2, mineral salts and humic acids at warm temperature. CO2 is absorbed by the skin causing improved blood circulation, anti-stress effect, improved functioning of the heart and the kidneys.

All the medicinal springs in the area are cold acidulous waters. Some have a high Sulphate content which is good for metabolic disorders and the digestive tract, another is high in calcium and is used for kidney and urinary tracts as well as for treating osteoporosis and arthritis. A high quantity of iron makes another spring effective for treating anaemia.

The fact that so many springs, which differ so much in their chemical composition, are found in such close vicinity is a rarity and it means that a person can be given drinking cures for treating various organs.

Natural medicinal gas (99.7% of which is natural CO2 ) is derived from Marie Spring and is applied in the form of Dry Gas CO2 baths (Wraps) - the gas is absorbed through the skin. Plastic sacks are used to wrap the body from the waist down and Marie Gas is pumped into it. This increases blood circulation, produces anti-inflammatory effects, accelerates healing and kidney activity. Marie Gas stimulates the production of the sexual hormones of testosterone and oestradiol, and it is therefore successfully used to improve male sexual functions and to relieve menopausal symptoms in females.
Hypodermic CO2 applications - This is the application of Marie Gas to the subcutics in the area of large joints and the spine. The result is abatement of pain, improvement of blood circulation and improved healing.

Peat Baths 
This is prepared from naturally moist peat containing a high percentage of humic acids, enzymes and tannic acids at a temperature of 37c. A peat bath increases the blood circulation in the skin, activates enzymatic reaction in tissues and produces anti-inflammatory effects.

Peat packs – these are thermal compresses used to treat locomotor, gynaecological and respiratory system diseases. The heat improves blood circulation and metabolism has an anti inflammatory effect. It also softens connective tissues and loosens skeletal muscles.

Modern therapeutic methods – These include: Whirling Baths, Hydroxeur, hydrotherapy,
Classic massage, reflexive massage, reflexive foot massage, lymph Hydro massage, shiatsu massage, manual lymph drainage, therapeutic and relaxation exercises, Electrotherapy, magneto-therapy, vibrosauna, acupuncture, Ultrasound, colon hydrotherapy and Multi-step oxygentherapy - just to name a few.


The Resort’s Hotels:
The resort comprises of a cluster of stylish 5* 4* and 3* quality hotels. Among them are the famous 5*Nove Lazne where King Edward the 7th used to stay and the 4* Hvezda-skalnik .
Each hotel has its own therapeutic centre providing spa treatment procedures based on local natural therapeutic resources. A team of specialists and a nursing staff are at the guests’ disposal throughout their entire stay and there is a 24 hour emergency medical service.

How to get there:
The resort of Marianske Lazne ( Mariengad ) is easily accessible from Prague airport which is about 2 hours away. Individual transfers can be arranged and they are quite reasonably priced.

Contact details.
The resort is managed by Marienbad Kur & Spa Hotels (members of Danubius Hotels Group).
Address: Masarykova 22, CA – 353 29, Marainske Lazne, Czech Republic.
Phone: 00420 354 655 501-9, Fax: 00420 354 655 500,
E-mail: reservations@badmarienbad.cz.
For more information please visit the website www.marienbad.cz

UK representative office: Danubius Hotels Group.
Address: CP House, Otterspool Way, Watford, Herts, WD25 8 JP.
Phone: 01923 650 290 E-mail: tsvia.vorley@danubiushotels.com

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