Radon baths are a therapeutic method that is based on the use of radioactive water enriched with radon-222 (an inert gas whose dissolution is accompanied by α-radiation). Radon mineral waters are also used for rinses, inhalations, intestinal washings, vaginal and rectal irrigation, local applications.
At present, there are about 300 natural sources of radon mineral water in the world. The most popular European radon resorts are:
- Ischia (Italy);
- Jachimov (Czech Republic);
- Baden-Baden (Germany);
- Lendek Zdrój (Poland);
- Baile Felix (Romania).
In Russia, there are about 30 radon resorts, of which the following are popular:
- Pyatigorsk;
- Uvildy;
- Belokurikha;
- Liski;
- Kuldur;
- Yangan-Tau.
The action of radon baths
Radon baths are treated with a course of 10-15 procedures (baths) every day or every other day (duration of the procedure is 12-15 minutes). Radon baths contribute to the following:
- acceleration of processes of healing and resorption in the skin, muscle and bone tissue, nerve fibers;
- improvement of cardiac activity;
- normalization of blood pressure;
- removal of pain syndromes;
- vasodilation;
- stimulation of immunity;
- sedative effect, etc.
Indications for the use of radon baths
Radon baths can be recommended in such cases:
- cardiac and vascular pathology (coronary heart disease, mitral heart defects, atherosclerosis (initial phenomena), hypertension (I and II stages), varicose disease, obliterating atherosclerosis, cardiosclerosis, etc.);
- inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, polyarthritis, osteomyelitis, osteitis, osteoarthrosis, spondylitis, fractures of bones with delayed consolidation, etc.);
- chronic diseases of the digestive system, kidneys and lungs;
- dermatological lesions ( neurodermatitis , scleroderma, psoriasis, lichen planus, seborrhea);
- chronic gynecological diseases with hormonally dependent neoplasms (endometriosis, fibromyoma, polycystic ovaries);
- long-term non-healing wounds and trophic ulcers, keloid scars;
- diseases and injuries of the peripheral and central nervous system (neuralgia, neuritis, plexitis, radiculitis, neurasthenia, insomnia, etc.);
- diabetes;
- diffuse toxic goiter of I - III degree;
- obesity II and III degree, etc.
Contraindications to treatment with radon baths
Radon baths can be prescribed only by the attending physician provided that the resulting beneficial effect will be substantially greater than the damage from the effect of α-radiation on the body. At the same time, measures to limit the doses of radiation taken should be strictly observed. In view of the fact that contra-indications to radon baths exist not less than indications, and there can be various side effects, before the treatment course it is necessary to undergo a complete examination of the organism. Women are also recommended to visit a mammologist before starting treatment.
Contraindications for taking radon baths are:
- acute inflammatory processes in the body;
- unstable angina;
- atrial fibrillation;
- polytopic extrasystole;
- leukopenia of any etiology;
- epilepsy;
- vegetovascular dysfunction;
- radiation sickness;
- hyperthyroidism;
- pregnancy;
- smoking;
- malignant tumors;
- professional activities related to ionizing radiation;
- poor tolerance of radon mineral water (complaints of sweating, dizziness, dyspnea), etc.