Scientists from Klaipėda University, Lithuania have conducted a unique scientific study that revealed the importance of natural resources in combating stress and ageing. The study documented impressive transformations in participants’ well-being – decreased stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, along with improvements in skin appearance, increased energy, better sleep, reduced pain, decreased biological age, and enhanced other health indicators.
Researchers conducting the study confirmed that natural resources found in Lithuanian resort towns can significantly improve people’s health and sometimes even replace traditional medicines or assist them in overcoming health concerns, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19. This provides a clear signal to actively develop balneology and resort management and to utilize natural resources as a preventive measure in combating the consequences of stress or ageing.
The scientific study conducted in three cities – Palanga, Birštonas, and Druskininkai – was led by Klaipėda University (KU). The research team included a family physician who interacts with patients daily, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lolita Rapoliene and five colleagues attracted more experts from both Lithuania and abroad.
Balneotherapy with mineral water and therapeutic mud is an excellent, eco-friendly method that complements conventional therapy
The results of the study revealed that stress is widely prevalent in society. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, increasing the frequency of negative health consequences. Therefore, it is important to seek effective and natural methods to reduce stress and improve health. Balneotherapy with mineral water and therapeutic mud is an excellent, eco-friendly method that complements conventional therapy and has been used safely and effectively for thousands of years. The study showed that balneotherapy procedures with various natural resources improve mental and physical health by enhancing musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory system function, metabolism, and skin conditions, especially during the winter season.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. L. Rapoliene, “It seems unbelievable, but it turns out that even a three-day course of procedures in a medical spa is enough to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue levels, and life brightens with new colours, improving work and social adaptation and reducing biological age by 2.2 years.” And the effect of a two-week course of procedures lasts up to six months.
This study has opened up new opportunities in the field of balneology and resort management to more effectively combat stress and improve the health of the population. “Mineral water, therapeutic mud, halotherapy, and time in nature – gifts of the Earth that can strengthen or restore health in any season, in any regime, using various natural resources.”
More information on the next Congress of the European Spas Association in Druskininkai/Lithuania, 25-26.September 2024.