The use of mineral-medicinal water, ingrained in Western culture since ancient times, has persisted until today with great validity as a traditional complementary therapeutic modality in various chronic diseases. Medical Hydrology, Balneotherapy or Thermal medicine comprises a wide spectrum of therapeutic modalities that use mineral-medicinal waters and thermal products accompanied by other therapeutic resources, mainly physical medicine, Meijide Faílde R Actualidad de la medicina termal Bol Soc Esp Hidrol Méd 2020, Vol. 35, Núm. 1, 17-32 18 health education, exercise, diet and environmental factors, used during the stay in a thermal establishment. Since the late 80s of the last century, medical hydrology begins to acquire a new dimension and recognition due to various factors derived from the important changes in current socio-sanitary demography and to advances in research aimed at demonstrating therapeutic efficacy with the methodological bases of evidence-based medicine. Basic research has also made important advances in the knowledge of the mechanisms of action of balneotherapy allowing to establish a current scientific approach to thermal medicine. Currently, thermal treatments are used with 3 objectives: the management of chronic diseases usually accompanied by comorbidity, with musculoskeletal pathology being the most frequent, followed at a great distance by respiratory diseases; secondly in the prevention of common diseases, and thirdly in recovery after acute processes and in rehabilitation medicine.
espanolEn Espana, se consideran aguas mineromedicinales sulfatadas aquellas que tienen una mineralizacion de al menos 1 gr/l de residuo seco y contienen mas de un 20 % de mEq/l de ion sulfato. El objetivo del trabajo es determinar el contenido de esta sustancia en las aguas mineromedicinales de 93 balnearios espanoles. Asi como sus aplicaciones e indicaciones en los distintos sistemas o aparatos del cuerpo humano. De las aguas de los 93 balnearios analizadas 27 (25 %) pueden clasificarse como sulfatadas. El rango de concentraciones varia de 48.824 a 307 mg/L. Las aplicaciones de las aguas en estos balnearios son en aparato locomotor, respiratorio, digestivo y dermatologia, por este orden. EnglishIn Spain, sulphated spring waters are considered as those with a mineral content of at least 1g/L of dry residue consisting of over 20% mEq/L of both sulphated ions. The aim of this work is to determine the content of these substances in the water of 93 spanish spas. As well as the application and indications in different systems or apparatus of human body. From the waters of the 93 spas analysed 27 (25 %) can be classified as sulphated water. The range concentration from 48824 to 307 mg/L. Applications these spas are rheumatic, respiratory, digestives and dermatology diseases, in this order.
espanolEntre las categorias de usos directos de la energia geotermica, aplicaciones para banos y el turismo (hidro-balneoterapia, salud, bienestar, recreacion y piscina) representan casi la totalidad de la capacidad instalada en Brasil; donde los recursos mejores y con mayor capacidad termal se encuentran en el Sistema Acuifero Guarani (SAG). En un extenso proyecto internacional sobre el uso y la proteccion de este acuifero transfronterizo, se recomienda evaluar los posibles usos y caracteristicas de sus recursos geotermicos. Por medio de los manantiales de aguas termales se desarrollan, resorts, parques acuaticos, SPA, balnearios y estancias; con beneficios economicos reconocidos e inductores de la sostenibilidad. Este trabajo recopila datos fisicoquimicos (temperatura, STD, pH, SO4 -2, HCO3 -, Cl-,F-, Na+, Ca+2, Mg+2, Si, B-3, Fe, Li+, Mn+2, Zn+2) de 85 fuentes termales situadas en el SAG (Brasil, Argentina, Uruguay y Paraguay), donde se observan actividades turisticas relacionadas o no con la balneologia. Los valores obtenidos se comparan con los niveles minimos de bioactividades beneficiosas que se hace referencia en la literatura para la balneoterapia. Los resultados indican potenciales compuestos biologicamente activos (BAC), presente en la mayoria de las fuentes y manantiales de aguas minerales termales aqui evaluados; a traves de experiencias SPA, banos, relajacion, cuidado de la piel, el bienestar o medicina termal, y de acuerdo con las formas y la continuidad de las exposiciones. Se espera contribuya al desarrollo y promocion del turismo regional, asi como, para inspiracion y fundacion en investigaciones conexas. EnglishAmong the geothermal energy direct-uses categories, bathing and tourism applications (balneotherapy, health, well-being, recreation, and swimming pool) correspond to almost all installed capacity in Brazil; where the best quality resources with the highest thermal power range occur in the Guarani Aquifer System (GAS). In a comprehensive international project on the use and protection of this transboundary aquifer, it is recommended to evaluate the potential uses and characteristics of its geothermal resources. Through the hot/mineral springs are developed resorts, water parks, SPAs, bath centers, and wellness destinations, with recognized economic benefits and inducers of sustainability. Thus, this work compiles physicochemical data (temperature, TDS, pH, SO4 -2, HCO3 - , Cl- , F- , Na+, Ca+2, Mg+2, Si, B-3, Fe, Li+, Mn+2, Zn+2) from 85 hydrothermal wellsprings located in GAS (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay), where tourism activities related to balneology are observed. The values obtained are compared with minimum levels of beneficial bioactivities, literature referenced to balneotherapy. The results indicate potential biologically active components (BAC) present in most of the sites, fountains and thermal/mineral waters evaluated here, through baths to experiences of SPA, relaxation, skincare, well-being or thermal medicine, according to the forms and the continuity of the expositions. It is expected to contribute to regional tourism development and marketing, as well as the promotion of related biomedical research.
espanolEste trabajo presenta una breve vision de lo que sucedio desde el origen de los tiempos hasta que el hombre poblo la tierra, descubrio sus propios origenes y su composicion polimerica, sintetizo sustancias de caracter polimero, con ellas fabrico objetos que mejoraron su vida, aprovecho sus valiosas propiedades en su beneficio, y envaso en ellos la sustancia mas importante, el agua. El hombre, el gran polimero, por desidia e incluso dolo, contamino con polimeros sus aguas y su propio planeta y ahora busca afanosamente como deshacer el entuerto. EnglishThis paper presents a brief vision of what happened from the beginning of time until man populated the earth, discovered his own origins and its polymeric composition, synthesized polymeric substances, with them made objects that improved his life, took advantage of his valuable properties for their benefit, and packed in them the most important substance, water. The man, the great polymer, out of carelessness and even fraud, contaminated the waters and his own planet with polymers and now he is eagerly seeking to undo the mess.
espanolTermales El Batan queda ubicado en Colombia, en una zona de alta montana a 2600 metros sobre el nivel del mar en donde emergen aguas hipertermales, bicarbonatadas sodicas, de baja mineralizacion. Busca posicionarse como uno de los primeros centros de medicina termal en el pais. EnglishTermales El Batan is located in Colombia, in an area of high mountain at 2600 meters above sea level where hyperthermal waters emerge. They contain bicarbonate, sodium and are waters of low mineralization. It wants to position itself as one of the first thermal medicine centers in the country.
Among the geothermal energy direct-uses categories, bathing and tourism applications (balneotherapy, health, well-being, recreation, and swimming pool) correspond to almost all installed capacity in Brazil; where the best quality resources with the highest thermal power range occur in the Guarani Aquifer System (GAS). In a comprehensive international project on the use and protection of this transboundary aquifer, it is recommended to evaluate the potential uses and characteristics of its geothermal resources. Through the hot/mineral springs are developed resorts, water parks, SPAs, bath centers, and wellness destinations, with recognized economic benefits and inducers of sustainability. Thus, this work compiles physicochemical data (temperature, TDS, pH, SO4, HCO3, Cl-, F-, Na+, Ca+2, Mg+2, Si, B-3, Fe, Li+, Mn+2, Zn+2) from 85 hydrothermal wellsprings located in GAS (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay), where tourism activities related to balneology are observed. The values obtained are compared with minimum levels of beneficial bioactivities, literature referenced to balneotherapy. The results indicate potential biologically active components (BAC) present in most of the sites, fountains and thermal/mineral waters evaluated here, through baths to experiences of SPA, relaxation, skincare, well-being or thermal medicine, according to the forms and the continuity of the expositions. It is expected to contribute to regional tourism development and marketing, as well as the promotion of related biomedical research.
espanolEl termino factor terapeutico natural (FNT) tiene denominaciones similares (local / curativo fisico / medicinal / curativo / recurso remedio / producto / agente), cuando las publicaciones internacionales lo relacionan con sectores: salud, bienestar, turismo, recreacion, lugar saludable, centro turistico, balneario, sanatorio, bioactivos naturales, medicinas alternativas tradicionales o complementarias (CAM), medicina termal, hidrologia medica, balneologia o climatologia, geomedicina, naturopatia, ... NTF puede ser considerado como un recurso en un entorno preservado por la naturaleza, con componentes activos biologicos, donde la exposicion controlada a corto plazo, las visitas locales mejoran o mantienen el funcionamiento, disminuyen o previenen las discapacidades, benefician el bienestar o la salud e incluyen muchas practicas medicas, terapias intervencionistas o enfoques holisticos. EnglishThe term “natural therapeutic factor” (NTF) has similar denominations (local/physical curative/medicinal/healing/remedy resource/product/agent), when international publications related it to the sectors: health, wellness, tourism, recreation, salutogenic place, resort, SPA, sanatorium, nature bioactives, traditional or complementary alternative medicines (CAM), thermal medicine, medical hydrology, balneology or climatology, geomedicine, naturopathy, … NTF can be considered environments or resources from preserved nature, with biological active components, were controlled exposure at short term local visitations improve or maintain functioning, minimise or prevent disabilities, benefits well-being or health and including many medicine practices, therapies interventions or holistic approaches
espanolLa talasoterapia por definicion es el uso de agua de mar, productos del mar (arena, barro, sal, algas, aerosoles...) y el clima costero como una forma de terapia. Sin embargo, la definicion real de la talasoterapia es mas precisa si se considera el uso combinado con fines preventivos y terapeuticos del agua de mar y los productos derivados del mar, bajo asesoramiento y supervision medica, dentro de las instalaciones adecuadas de los establecimientos ubicados cerca del mar. La talasoterapia es uno de los subproductos de los programas de Turismo de Salud y Bienestar que comprenden actividades saludables como: Termalismo / Crenoterapia (usando agua mineral natural y barro / peloide natural en los Centros termales como recursos saludables); Barroterapia / Peloterapia (utilizando barro / peloide, que en general puede ser de origen marino o de agua mineral natural, como recurso saludable); Psamoterapia o Arenoterapia (utilizando arenas naturales especiales derivada del mar, como recurso saludable); Haloterapia (usando sal marina como recurso saludable); y Climatoterapia (utilizando el clima marino como un recurso saludable). Todas estas actividades saludables, turisticas y economicas se llevan a cabo en centros termales y balnearios que, por regla general, ofrecen solo una actividad saludable especializada utilizando agua mineral natural o agua de mar o productos derivados del agua mineral natural o marina, como barro, arena y sal. El uso terapeutico de cualquiera de estos recursos naturales tiene indicaciones y contraindicaciones, por lo que debe contar con la participacion (diagnostico, prescripcion y supervision) de personal medico especializado, el control de seguridad sanitaria de los recursos naturales, las instalaciones y los equipamientos que tambien lo requieren. Tales condiciones son requisitos fundamentales para obtener la necesaria acreditacion y certificacion. La salud y el bienestar estan intrinsecamente conectados, y el turismo de salud y bienestar es fundamental en lo que se refiere a la atractividad y competitividad de los destinos turisticos. En Portugal, improbable en otros paises como Francia y Espana, no existe legislacion para los 6 (seis) centros de talasoterapia existentes, la legislacion (Decreto-Lei no 142/2004) que existe es para los 41 (cuarenta y uno) establecimientos balnearios. En Lo Pagan, Mar Menor, Murcia, Espana, talasoterapia y peloterapia se practican actualmente en el mismo centro, aunque en instalaciones separadas y adecuadas. En la Isla de Porto Santo del archipielago de Madeira, a escala mundial, es uno de los territorios mas raros, donde en el mismo Centro de Talasoterapia, el agua de mar y los productos derivados, arena, barro, algas, ... se pueden usar juntos, naturalmente, en Instalaciones adecuadas individuales y separadas. Sin embargo, actualmente las aplicaciones de agua de mar (inhalacion, bano y algas marinas) solo se aplicam en el Vila Baleira Hotel Resort & Thalasso Spa, mientras que los banos de arena solo se ofrecen en la clinica y spa del Porto Santo Hotel Geomedicine. EnglishThalassotherapy by definition is the use of seawater, sea products (sand, mud, salt, algae, aerosols…) and seaside climate as a form of therapy. However, the actual definition of Thalassotherapy is more precise considering the combined use with preventive and therapeutic purposes of sea water and sea derived products, under counseling and medical supervision, inside the adequate facilities of establishments located near by the sea. Thalassotherapy is one of the by-products of Health and Wellness Tourism programs which comprise healthy activities such: Thermalism/Crenotherapy (using natural mineral water and natural mud/peloid in Thermal Resorts as healthy resources); Mudtherapy/Pelotherapy (using mud/peloid, that as a rule could be derived from the sea or from natural mineral water, as healthy resource); Psammotherapy or Arenotherapy (using special natural sands as a rule derived from the sea, as healthy resource); Halotherapy (using sea salt as healthy resource); and Climatotherapy (using seaside climate as healthy resource). All these healthy, touristic and economic activities take place in Health Resorts and spas that as a rule provide just one specialized healthy activity using or natural mineral water, or seawater, or sea and natural mineral water derived products such as mud, sand and salt. The therapeutic use of any of these natural resources has indications and contra-indications, reason why it should have the involvement (diagnosis, prescription and supervision) of specialized medical staff, the sanitary safety control of the natural resources, facilities and equipments being required too. Such conditions are fundamental requisites for getting the necessary accreditation and certification. Health and Wellness are intrinsically connected, and Health and Wellness Tourism is fundamental in what attractiveness and competiveness of touristic destinations is concerned. In Portugal, unlikely in other countries such as France and Spain, do not exists legislation for the actually existing 6 (six) Thalassotherapy spas, legislation (Decreto-Lei no 142/2004) that exists for the 41 (forty one) Thermal spas. In Lo Pagan, Mar Menor, Murcia, Spain, Thalassotherapy and Mudtherapy are currently practiced in the same spa, although in separate and adequate facilities. Porto Santo’ Island of the Madeira Archipelago, at the worldwide scale, is one of the very rare territories, where in the same Thalasso Centre, seawater and derived sea products such as sand, mud, algae, … could be used together, naturally in separate and adequate
