"RADON" HEALING SPRINGS

Radon (Rn-222) is a noble gas that comes from the decay of radium Ra-226 and emits α-particles, and as the water gushes to the surface of the earth, part of the radium is converted into gaseous form, radon. Almost all of the thermal waters of Greece are radioactive, it is a rare exception that a mineral spring does not present weak radioactivity. However, for the thermal spring to be characterized as radioactive with therapeutic properties, the radioactivity must be from 3.5 Mach and above regardless of their chemical composition and temperature.

Radon thermal springs are subdivided into low, medium, and high radon content, depending on the concentration of radon in water:

• Low concentration 500 Bq/l

• Medium concentration 3000 Bq/l

• High concentration > 3000 Bq/l

With the increase of the spring’s temperature, the concentration of the radon gas also increases. However, its lifespan remains short and is quickly eliminated from the body: 80% - during the first hour after bathing through the lungs and exhalation, and the remaining 20% - within 24 hours through sweat, skin pores, and urination. Due to its rapid excretion from the body, there is no risk of accumulation of radon in the human body.

Radon contained in thermal waters penetrates the skin and is absorbed by fatty tissue, while its daughter compounds are absorbed by the kidneys, and unbound radon that has entered through breathing is transferred from the lungs to the blood.

The weakly radioactive gaseous substance penetrates the blood, and lymph, and is carried throughout the body, having a beneficial effect on organs and tissues. Increases production of red blood cells - erythrocytes.

The vessels are toned, which first narrow and then expand. Vascular "gymnastics" makes the walls of arteries and veins elastic, and improves the condition of patients with cardiovascular lesions, atherosclerosis, and cerebrovascular accidents.

Regeneration processes are accelerated - bones, muscles, and ligaments grow together faster. Tissues destroyed by rheumatism are regenerated. Cells damaged by a stroke are restored. A weak radiation background activates immune defense cells - immunity increases and the risk of colds decreases.

Radon gas normalizes the activity of the nervous system, and partially blocks nerve endings, providing an analgesic effect. Neuroses, panic attacks, insomnia, and depression go away. The vagus nerve, responsible for the digestive tract, lungs, heart, bladder, and intestines, functions correctly.

Urinary function improves - swelling goes away, and waste and toxins are excreted with urine.

Hormonal secretion is normalized. The treatment improves the condition of patients with diabetes, adrenal dysfunction, and thyroid dysfunction. The procedures are useful for men suffering from intimate problems caused by a lack of the hormone testosterone. The therapeutic effect is based on the ability of radiation in small doses to activate the body's functions.

Indications for the use of radon waters:

The main effect of radon on human health is the normalization of metabolic processes, which helps to stabilize the functioning of various body systems. Both healthy people and people with diseases of the following can take baths with this chemical element:

• musculoskeletal system (arthrosis, polyarthritis of various etiologies, osteochondrosis, osteoporosis, radiculitis, vibration disease, plexitis, myositis, bursitis);

• cardiovascular system (angina pectoris, post-infarction state, hypertension, hypotension, atherosclerosis, mitral valve defects, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and endarteritis);

endocrine system and metabolism (diabetes mellitus, diffuse toxic goiter, obesity, lipid metabolism disorder);

• respiratory system (chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia);

central and peripheral nervous system (residual effects of craniocerebral trauma, neuritis, neuralgia, neuroses, vegetative-vascular dystonia, and insomnia);

• gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, colitis, enterocolitis);

skin (seborrheic eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, trophic ulcers, lichen planus, urticaria, scars, keratoses, ichthyosis);

• gums (periodontosis, condition after dental implantation).

For women, radon baths are especially useful during menopause, as well as in the treatment of gynecological diseases, including infertility. This chemical element can help reduce inflammation of the genitals and normalize hormonal levels, which helps restore the menstrual cycle. Radon baths are recommended for men for prostatitis, urethritis, impotence, and infertility.

Contraindications:

Despite many positive health effects, radon baths have a number of contraindications, so be sure to consult a doctor before the procedures.

Usually, this method of balneological treatment is not used if the patient has:

• Acute infectious diseases, including open tuberculosis;

• Epilepsia and mental disorders in the decompensation (exacerbation) stage;

• Active bleeding, circulatory pathologies of IIB-III degree, and leukopenia;

• Benign and malignant neoplasms (oncology);

• Endocrine diseases, such as hypothyroidism and ovarian hypofunction;

• Radiation sickness.

Radon waters are also not prescribed for children under 5 years of age, as well as for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Radon baths have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative effects. They help improve blood circulation, normalize blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system. In addition, radon has a positive effect on the nervous system, helping to fight stress and fatigue.