SODIUM CHLORIDE HEALING SPRINGS

Among all the mineral waters in the world, the most common are sodium chloride waters. The degree of mineralization of such waters has a very wide variation: from 2 g / l to 600 g / l. The ionic composition in different sources can also differ significantly. In addition to sodium and chlorine ions, which are predominant, sodium chloride waters may also contain calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and other substances. However, if their quantities are not significant, their effect on the human body will be minor or none. (The effect of the acid-, alkaline-, sulfur-sodium chloride waters, will be described in other articles)

When taking baths in such springs, the temperature of the water and the amount of salts dissolved in it are of great importance. The more salt in the water, the greater its heat capacity. On average, compared to freshwater, the heat capacity of salt water is one-third greater.

During the procedure, potassium and chlorine ions are not absorbed into the skin, but remain on it, forming a so-called «salt coat», due to which dehydration of the skin occurs. After the bath, it is important not to wash off with fresh water so as not to wash off the salt «film».

Depending on the concentration of salts dissolved in water, - weak (10 - 20 g / l), medium (20 - 40 g / l) and high (40 - 60 g / l) concentrations are distinguished. The most common example of sodium chloride water is seawater, which contains salt at a concentration of 40 g per 1 liter.

Sodium chloride waters normalize the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, improve the body's immunological reactions, and strengthen the walls of peripheral vessels. Due to enhanced metabolism, such waters promote better oxygen absorption by tissues and reduce inflammation. In addition, they reduce tactile sensitivity and reduce pain. Dehydration, which occurs when a «salt coat» forms on the skin, improves microcirculation and increases energy resources.

How it works:

«Salt coat», which remains for several hours after the bath and is a source of long-term impact on nerve endings, microcirculatory channels of the skin, and reflexively on many physiological systems of the body. Salt binds to proteins and fats of the skin (epidermis) for a long time changes the skin environment, which leads to changes in its reactivity and metabolism in it. It has been established, for example, that salt waters change the threshold of excitability of skin receptors, cause increased impulse frequency in peripheral nerves, and increase in the strength of the response to tactile irritation of the skin. As well as the sensitivity of the skin and the whole body to the action of ultraviolet rays under the influence of these waters, an increase in the content of biologically active substances (for example, histamine), which, in turn, affects nervous excitability and conductivity, as well as microcirculation processes. An important point in the mechanism of the therapeutic effect of sodium chloride waters is their pronounced effect on heat exchange, greater heating of the body than when taking baths from ordinary water or gas (carbon dioxide, radon, hydrogen sulfide). This is due to the fact that the formation of a «salt coat» on the skin reduces the evaporation of water from the skin, causing a restructuring of the thermoregulation systems.

A comparison of the thermal effect of waters with sodium chloride and ordinary (fresh) water of the same temperature showed that when taking a saltwater bath, more heat enters the body, the internal body temperature rises more, and skin blood flow increases. An increase in body temperature causes, in turn, the expansion of peripheral vessels, increased blood circulation, increased oxygen absorption by the body, and an increase in the function of the endocrine glands.

An increase in skin blood flow under the influence of temperature and chemical factors is accompanied by the release of blood from the depot, an increase in the volume of circulating blood and its inflow to the heart, which stimulates the pumping function of the heart - an increase in cardiac output. This reaction helps train the heart. It has now been proven that sodium chloride waters improve venous tone and stimulate venous blood flow to a greater extent than all others. Great importance in the mechanism of the therapeutic effect of the baths is given to the reduction in blood viscosity revealed under their influence, a decrease in intra- and extravascular microcirculation disorders, and an increase in the number of functioning capillaries. These processes lead to an increase in the efficiency of the function of the final link of blood circulation, i.e., the delivery of oxygen to tissues; improving venous outflow helps remove metabolic products from tissues so that ultimately tissue feed improves and their functional activity increases. There is evidence of an increase in the level of lipid metabolism, and normalization of impaired metabolic processes in experimental atherosclerosis under the influence of sodium chloride waters. These waters have a regulating effect on the central nervous system, normalizing the ratio of excitation and inhibition processes.

Indications for sodium-chloride healing springs:

• inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system;

• thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, post-thrombophlebitic syndrome;

• cardiovascular diseases: vegetative-vascular dystonia, hypotension, hypertension stage 1-2A, ischemic heart disease, cardiac neurosis, rheumatic heart disease with circulatory failure not higher than stage 1, myocardial dystrophy;

• non-tuberculous polyarthritis and arthritis, Bechterew's disease, spondylosis, consequences of muscle and tendon injuries;

• skin diseases: neurodermatitis, psoriasis; except for the skin fungus.

• diseases of the nervous system: radiculitis, dystonia, neurasthenia, insomnia, neurosis, consequences of brain and spinal cord injuries.

Among all the indications for the procedures, it is also worth highlighting that sodium chloride waters are indicated for myoma. Sodium chloride waters are extremely beneficial for this disease.

Contraindications:

Contraindications for the use of salt baths are:

• Complex diseases of the cardiovascular system;

• Bleeding;

• Pregnancy;

• Skin fungus;

• Oncological diseases;

• Tuberculosis (open form).

Before taking sodium chloride baths, be sure to consult a doctor to exclude the above-mentioned diseases and other risks to the body.