Observations on the effect of immersion in Bath spa water.

Authors: O'Hare JP (1) , Heywood A (1) , Summerhayes C (1) , Lunn G (1) , Evans JM (1) , Walters G (1) , Corrall RJ (1) , Dieppe P (1)
Affiliations:
(1) British Royal Infirmary
Source: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1985 Dec 21-28;291(6511):1747-51.
DOI: Not specified Publication date: Dec. 21, 1985 E-Publication date: Not specified Availability: full text Copyright: Not specified
Language: English Countries: Not specified Location: Not specified Correspondence address: Not specified

Keywords

Article abstract

Immersion in water in spas has been practised for centuries and has many proponents. Despite fierce debate about its efficacy there has been little scientific evaluation of the effect of immersion in mineral waters. Eight normal subjects were immersed in Bath spa water for two hours and the renal, haematological, and cardiovascular responses were compared with those in the control periods before and after immersion. Significant, twofold diuresis and natriuresis, 5% haemodilution, and a 50% increase in cardiac index were observed in subjects immersed, sitting, in Bath spa water at 35 degrees C. These changes may constitute part of the scientific rationale for spa treatment in many states of disease.

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