ARS Rehabilitation Centre launches mud therapy: local applications of mud accelerating the body’s ability to regenerate and recover.
Dr Ingrida Tambora, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine physician of the ARS Rehabilitation Centre, explains what mud therapy is intended for and how it is applied.
Mud therapy – a unique natural health product
Mud therapy or peloid therapy (from the Greek word pelos meaning mud) is one of the most popular methods of natural treatment in many European spas where mud, a unique natural product, is used. Mud has formed over the course of several thousands of years through the decomposition of products of flora and fauna, which form the substance of mud, in an oxygen-free environment. Mud contains proteins, hormone-like substances, fatty acids, humic acids, microorganisms and countless other substances which are very valuable in the treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of many diseases, and provide an opportunity for the body to recover faster. The healing effect is caused by the biological, thermal, chemical and mechanical effect of mud.
When is mud therapy recommended?
- it is mostly used for local applications in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the skeleton, muscles, joints, skin, heart and blood vessels;
- for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, polyarthritis, health problems after injuries, osteochondrosis, radiculitis, healing bone fractures);
- for the treatment of disorders of the peripheral and central nervous system and respiratory system diseases;
- for the treatment of skin diseases;
- for faster body recovery after prolonged stress, illnesses, physical exertion etc.;
- mud has excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cleansing and abrasive properties for skin treatment.
Benefits of mud therapy:
- local improvement of blood circulation and metabolism;
- supply of tissue and cells with more oxygen and nutrients;
- accelerated body cleansing, removal of harmful substances from the body;
- activation of hormonal activity and immune system;
- mud therapy has a marked regenerating, relaxing, anti-inflammatory, oedema-reducing and pain-relieving effect therefore it is sometimes used as an alternative to pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and sedative medications.
Important note: a consultation with one’s treating physician is required before mud therapy because of some diseases, in the case of which the activation of blood circulation can have negative consequences.
Contraindications of mud therapy:
- an acute inflammation (see infectious skin inflammation), haematopoietic organ diseases, tuberculosis, tumours (both benign and malignant), exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- severe diseases of the cardiovascular system, condition after a myocardial infarction,
- rheumatism at an active stage;
- myoma;
- infectious diseases;
- varicose veins of the legs,
- during the last months of pregnancy.
Procedure description
The duration of a mud treatment procedure is 20-25 minutes, or as specified by the physician. An unheated mud pack (at room temperature) is placed on the skin at the problem area with the wet gauze side facing down. A heating element (thermal heater) at 55-65C is placed on top of the mud pack.
It is recommended to sit or lie down for a 30-60 minute rest after the procedure, especially if the treatment was applied on the joints or the back. Mud therapy puts a lot of strain on the body, therefore medical staff monitors the patient’s state of health and well-being.
To achieve a noticeable effect and to consolidate the result, a course of treatment, consisting of around 10 sessions, is recommended to be performed every other day rather than in a row.
Apply for a consultation:
ARS Rehabilitation Centre
39 Brivibas Street, Riga
Phone: +371 67 699 369 or +371 27 827 224
