Therapeutic properties of Salsomaggiore spa water
Despite the developments in modern medical science, thermal treatments are still a precious complementary resource
The ever-growing demand for efficient natural treatments has been the new driving force behind thermal treatments. These waters, thanks to their scientific credibility can repair the evident health damage caused by increasing urbanization and modern life-style, which has become more and more mechanised and artificial, in the highly polluted and no longer humane-sized cities.
Speaking of salso-bromo-iodic water means, not only in Italy but also all over Europe, speaking of Salsomaggiore. Even though it is true that these kinds of waters can be found in other Italian spa centres (Castrocaro, Salice, Abano, Agnano, Monticelli, etc.) and also in some Russian, Romanian and Polish centres, the main spa centre is represented by Salsomaggiore because this centre, with its salso-bromo-iodic water at 16° Baumè, stands out for its concentration of dissolved mineral salts and its hypertonicity.
Salsomaggiore’s salso-bromo-iodic water is basically characterized by two main elements: iodine and bromine. Iodine is a ubiquitous-distributed element which is naturally occurring, even though in small quantities.
Free iodine and iodine in solution can only be found in some mineral waters, while combined iodine, such as sodium iodide, potassium iodide and magnesium iodide can be found in sea water, in some mineral waters such as the ones of Salsomaggiore Terme, in crude table salt, in sea animals, in some seaweeds and finally in some vegetables such as watercress, asparagus, carrots, green beans and mushrooms.
Sodium intake to the human body has to be continuous and constant, at least 3/7 micrograms per day, since it is necessary for numerous organs and structures, and it is essential for normal thyroid function.
In its natural state, iodine is one of the safest antiseptics and is easy to handle; iodine tincture was used for the first time by a French surgeon in 1839 and it is still widely used, despite the introduction of many other antiseptics. The reason behind this is that not only is it efficient, but it also has a low toxicity on tissues.
In the Salsomaggiore waters, iodine can be found in the form of MAGNESIUM IODIDE, bromine can be found in the form of MAGNESIUM BROMIDE, lithium can be found in the form of LITHIUM CLORIDE and strontium can be found in the form of strontium chloride and strontium sulphate.
Water extraction occurs through wells dug to a depth of 400-1200 metres, which use the propelling force of gases in the underground (methane); these allow the water to resurface, with petroleum and gas traces, covered in mud and with a concentration between 14 and 16 degrees Baumè.
Using the salso-bromo-iodic waters of Salsomaggiore, it is possible to practice internal and external crenotherapy; the external type makes use of muds and baths, the internal one makes use of nasal and vaginal douches, aerosols and inhalation, both wet (nebulisation) and dry (spraying), which can be done individually or collectively.
