title: [Balneology--myth versus reality].
abstract: Even though spa resorts play an important role in the history of medicine and even if in almost every culture archaeological discoveries of hot springs and treatment at spa exist, modern medicine hardly accepts the effectiveness of spa treatment. Only few studies exist on evidence based medicine. In balneology the empirical side is extremely important and the therapeutic value of mineral springs, known for millenniums, should be evidence enough to allow this healing power a place (a status) in the today's mechanised world. Studies over decades prove the specific as well as the unspecific efficacy of it. For the patient, however, it is most important that his family doctor knows and introduces him to the possibilities of balneo-therapy.
authors.affiliation: Rheuma- und Rehabilitationsklinik Valens. o.knuesel@klinik-valens.ch
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Knüsel
mesh_terms: D001452:Balneology / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods*; D001494:Baths; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D005060:Europe; D006294:Health Resorts; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D007455:Iodine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008900:Mineral Waters / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013455:Sulfur / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D008900:Mineral Waters; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013455:Sulfur; D007455:Iodine