Date added: 2010-04-12 13:13:07

Thermal springs – known, loved and often visited in ancient Rome, today once are back in grace again. And although their primary function has changed, today's thermal pools also enjoy great popularity. Small wonder – taking the waters is a balm for the soul and body.

Not every warmer water flowing from the spring is qualified as thermal water. By definition it must exceed 5°C below the annual average air temperature in the area. In practice, the temperature of the “hot springs” fluctuates from 25 to 30°C, although there are waters, which reach even over 80°C. And certainly, therefore, open thermal pools enjoy great popularity, even in frosty, snowy winter. Swimsuit instead of the scum? Nice perspective.

Hot Springs of the Health

Healing properties of thermal springs are unquestionable and mainly thanks to them there are more and more swimming pools complexes, where come people with different diseases. Among them prevail rheumatism and diseases associated with the progress of civilization, primarily these which are caused by stressful lifestyle. Taking waters in therma is relaxing, induces dilation of blood vessels and improves blood supply of internal organs. After such treatment a person feels relaxed and full of energy.

Most centers also offer various types of water treatments such as hydromassages, jacuzzi, water aerobics or underwater massages. In their opinion it is increasing the efficiency of absorption by the body minerals and organic substances dissolved in thermal waters. Then it is worth before the departure acquainting with the character of the waters occurring in the village. Thanks to it we can determine which water will best match our needs. For example ferruginous-carbonate water helps in the treatment of the digestive system diseases, respiratory and metabolic disorders. In turn, springs rich in sulfur and magnesium compounds improve blood circulation. For people with rheumatic and traumatic conditions especially taking waters rich in iron and calcium is recommended.

Polish Thermal Springs

Until recently Polish “hot springs” is not enjoyed such great popularity, such as for example thermas at our southern neighbors. Many Poles used to go to Slovakia, to Vrbov or Liptovsky Jan to take waters during longed-for leave. There is no doubt that about this direction of the trips decided more favorable price conditions, but since the Euro was introduced in Slovakia, this argument was irretrievably overthrown. The Poles started choosing native complexes, which are more and more, and not only in mountainous regions. One of more exclusive thermal plants is currently under construction in Poznan – Maltese Thermas with complex of pools and “the sauna world” will definitely be a large attraction for the Great Poland. But while the dreams of PoznaÅ„ inhabitants and plans of the investors are not coming true, you may want to know other Polish thermal centers.

Bukowina for Insomnia

The Bukowina thermas are 12 pools,  where the temperature of water is between 28 and 36°C. Taking these waters reduces stress, protects against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, reduces obesity, and even helps in the treatment of insomnia. All this thanks to a specifically mineralized water, flowing directly from the northwestern slopes of Wysoki Wierch. High content of sodium, calcium, chlorine, potassium, magnesium and chromium makes a seemingly ordinary water becomes an excellent remedy and rehabilitation mean. Hence, Bukowina TatrzaÅ„ska is visited not only by the people with rheumatic diseases, but also after fractures or other skeletal injuries. Unfortunately, the cost of a full day stay in the complex is about 70 zÅ‚ in so-called low season (from April 1 to December 18) and about 90 zÅ‚ in high season, that is during the Christmas and New Year's Eve. Consolation is, however, that the resort respects the discounts for seniors and children under 13 years and provides good fares in the evening. Although the one-week stay will not improve the condition of our wallet, the therapeutic properties of the Bukowina water will make us relaxed and free from stress.

Hydromassage in Szaflary

Termy PodhalaÅ„skie (The Podhale Thermas) is a complex of thermal pools with a total area of almost 1 km². Their undoubted advantage, in addition to the impressive size is fitting in all kinds of equipment for hydromassage: power shower, “hedgehogs “, geysers, and benches to air massage. They are designed for people with muscular and articular system disorders, although there is no lack here of recreational activities for completely healthy people. Long triple slide and the climbing net spread over one of the pools is great fun for kids and adults. And it is not very expensive – day ticket, permitting the use of the whole complex, is 50 zÅ‚.

Apart from Polish Mountains – Thermas in Uniejów in Knightly

Thermal waters in Uniejów are, in opposite to the previously mentioned, salt waters, which reaches temperatures even 68°C. They are useful in the treatment of neuroses, disc disease, diseases of the nose and upper respiratory tract, as well as rheumatoid arthritis. The patients besides the wide offer of treatments have for their disposal 3 pools, where the temperature fluctuates from 25 to 36°C. But the most attractive in Uniejów and at the same time distinguishing Uniejów from other thermal spas is the medieval Kasztel Rycerski (knight's castle), where you can not only take advantages of the accommodation in climatic dormitories, but above all, take the healing waters in the oak tubs with thermal brines. Such a bath cheers up the body, mind, and. .. interpersonal contacts, because up to 6 people can enter one tub. Then it is worth visiting the Uniejów thermal pools situated at the foot of the fourteenth-century castle to enjoy the brine bath, relax and feel the spirit of history.
Among popular watering places are also included those in Cieplice, where the fluoride-silicon waters influence the level of mineralization of bones and antibacterial function. In addition, due to the natural temperature reaching up to 87°C, even after the necessary cooling, they work really warming. On the other hand, if someone prefers “the murky waters”, should visit Mszczonów, where waters with high iron content are not subjected to filtration. In this case, however, we abandon the bright swimsuits, because the original color will never be recovered.

Text: Alexander Powierska (sportowystyl.com.pl)
Photo: sxc.hu / termypodhalanskie.pl