General Information on the Czech Spas

West Bohemian Spas Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne and Jachymov

The 3 Most famous spa resorts of the Czech Republic are located at approximately 2 hours from Prague airport. The characteristic feature of West Bohemian spas is their world of beautiful colonnades with their own order, rhythm and atmosphere. The Czech spas are a little bit nostalgic reminding us of a golden age when the towns were frequently visited retreats of royalty and important people of the empire and other parts of Europe.

Time seems to pass in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) at a slower, more dignified and more festive pace. Charming architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries, a colonnade swarming with spa visitors, a colorful babble of foreign languages, the endless rhythmic pulsing of the Vridlo, the murmur of springs and their hot mist, the sweet smell of wafers, the quiet town corners, the uplifting tones of the spa orchestra and the green hills embracing the town all contribute to the milieu typical to Czech spas resorts of bygone times.

The center of the town's life of course is its mineral springs, the source of all vigor and energy. Water used for the purpose of spa treatment is collected from twelve main springs, the hottest, the most powerful of which is the Vridlo gushing to surface at 72 degree Celsius. The local springs supplying sodium-bicarbonate-sulphite water with a mineralization of around 6400 mg/l have an almost identical chemical composition although they display different physical and chemical properties, produce different effects on the human organism. Their temperature ranges from 41 to 73 Celsius. Known for the successful treatment of disorders of the digestive, metabolic systems, the spa is also sought after by patients suffering from diseases of the liver and the gall bladder or diabetes and from stomach and duodenal ulcers. The complex treatment, provided in Karlovy Vary all year around, consists of drinking cure, bath, therapy of the motor system, dietetic meals and other therapies. Metabolic disorders are also treated here, including diabetes mellitus, obesity, high level of fat in the body (hypercholesterolemy, dyslipidemy) and gout. To a lesser degree patients suffering from motor system diseases, especially those of the spine, or require post-operative oncology care are also treated.

Rationalised diet : Basic spa diet prescribed for most spa medical indications as a diet regime
Pancreatic diet : Fatless diet for pancreas diseases
Sparse diet with reduced fat : Diet for diseases of gall bladder, gall duct and pancreas after alleviation of the acute state. During convalesce after viral hepatitis and intestinal dyspepsia.
Low cholesterol diet : Diet for hypercholesterolemy, dyslipidemy, for patients with risk factors of arteriosclerosis and heart and vascular diseases
Reduction: 1200 kcal, 1000 kcal, 600 kcal : Diet for patients who are recommended to reduce their weight
Diabetic diet : Diabetes mellitus diet
Diabetic sparse diet : Diet for diabetes mellitus, chronic disease of gastrointestinal tract, chronic hepatitis, chronic pancreatitis
Diet without gluten : Diet for gluten intolerance
With reduced purines : Diet for gout
Salt-free diet : Diet for kidney diseases
Precisely defined reducing food : Low-fat, with high content of vitamins, minerals and necessary components of food, for those who suffer from clinical obesity.
Biotherapy : Together with drinking of Orion natural spring mineral water– ischaemic heart disease, dyslipoproteinemia, obesity, neurovegetative dystonia, fatigue syndrome, prevention of diseases of civilization

Type of Treatmnets Included in Spa Daily Prices:
Hydrotherapy, baths in thermal water (carbon dioxide baths, pearl baths, baths with additives, whirlpools etc.), underwater massages, Scotch douches, hydroxeur, hydro-jet, moor packs, peloid compresses, parafango, peat mineral baths, cryotherapy, paraffin, classical partial massages, reflex massages, group therapeutic physical exercise (LTV), group LTV in the swimming pool, fitness electrotherapy – solux, diathermy, four-chamber galvanic bath, artificial sun, endo-vaco, ultrasound therapy, magnetic therapy, diadynamic, vasotrain, instrumental lymph drainage, tractions, inhalations, dental irrigation, pneumatic acupuncture, gas injection.

Additional Treatments Available for extra Cost:
Special laboratory immunochemical, microbiologic and serologic examinations, genetic examination, bicycle-ergometry, 24-hour monitoring of EKG and blood pressure, echocardiography, spirometry, cardiologic examination, video-gastroscopy, video-coloscopy, pH testing, oesophagus manometry, gastroenterologic examination, densitometry, apnea (interruption of breathing during the sleep) examination, dermatologic examination, sonography of abdominal organs and kidneys, consultative urologic, gynaecologic, orthopaedic, neurologic, paediatric and otorhinolaryngologic examination. Aroma-massages of the head and neck, manual lymph drainage, colon therapy, laser, Gerovital treatment, oxygen-therapy, acupuncture, manipulation, intra-articular application of Synvisc, individual therapeutic physical exercise. Patients pay for medicaments and for the food delivered to the room. Ambulatory procedures can only be provided after medical examination.

The spa town boats a theatre, a number of art galleries, a museum, a library, a symphonic orchestra, 5 cinemas, shops, restaurants, an observatory, churches, parks and a mineral water beer brewery. It also hosts an international film festival, and a Dvorak fall music festival, summer opera and operetta festival , Beethoven and Mozart days.

Marianske Lazne, more quite and less crowded than Karlovy Vary is a protected nature area. The local mineral springs located in the forest surrounding the town have been known since the 16ht century. But it was not until the 19th century that the spa town began to flourish when the spa section of the town was modeled after an English park blending smoothly with the surrounding landscape. Marianske lazne (Marienbad was also popular by former notables like Goethe, Chopin, Wagner, Ibsen, Nietzsche, Liszt, Strauss, Kafka and the English King Edward VII.

The local predominantly cold mineral springs, the most popular of which are the Cross, Rudolph, Ferdinand and the Ambrosius Springs are mostly used for treating metabolic disorders, diseases of the respiratory and urinary organs and also to a lesser degree, disorders of the nervous and loco motor systems.

Maranske Lazne Spas Specialize in Disorders of the Kidneys and of the Urinary Tract
Chronic inflammations, conditions following operations of kidney and urinary stones or crushing them with shockwaves, kidney and urinary tract post-operation conditions, prostate disorders (inflammations, post-operation conditions).

The town is famous for its "Singing Fountain" an artificial geyser producing interesting musical and lighting effects.

Type of Treatments included in Daily Spa Prices:
Colon Hydrotherapy
During this procedure, irrigation of the large intestine and the removal of deposits from the intestine mucosa is done by a special apparatus /colon-hydromat/, water and belly massage. It is recommended to eat light pulpy meals, fruit and vegetables and to drink plenty of liquid, one day before the procedure.
Indication: chronic constipation, digestive disorders, flatulence, tiredness, headaches, precaution of large intestine tumours, allergic diseases and immunity disorders /eczema, nettle rash/, obesity
Counterindication: acute inflammation of large intestine especially with the formation of ulcers, tumours, congenital defects intestine and intestine narrowing, pregnancy, cardiac decompensation

Drinking Cures
A drinking cure is important and, for kidney and urinary tract diseases, the main part of a spa treatment. The principal of a drinking cure consists of drinking 1 – 3 times per day, a certain amount of mineral water according to the medical prescription. A recommended amount is 1.5 – 2 l per day. The drinking cure affects the organism by temperature, chemical composition and the volume. It influences urine composition by inducing a water diuresis, it stimulates the kidneys into faster activity and positively affects intestine peristalsis. Drinking mineral springs before eating increases the efficiency and enables better absorption of mineral substances. An important element of a drinking cure is to establish the correct drinking regime. Within a calm atmosphere of the spas, the fluids intake is unforced and the habit can even be transferred home.

Relaxation Exercises
This uses yoga elements for releasing muscle and psychic tension, inducing balance in the area of autonomic nervous system, to influence disturbed functions of inner organs. It is possible to combine it with aroma-therapy.
Indication: conditions of exhaustion and over irritability, sleep disorders, functional disorders of the stomach, intestines, hypertension, menopausal syndrome, stomach ulcers, increased irritability of the urinary bladder, asthma bronchiole, some forms of eczema and dermatitis

Mineral water used for inhalations, improves the mucosa function of the respiratory system, produces anti-inflammatory effects, liquefies mucus and make expectoration easier. Medicines may be added to the mineral water to relive severe dyspnoea; in addition, natural salts and herbal extracts may be added to treat catarrhs in the upper air passages.

Infra-Sauna
Infra-sauna serves for warming the body with infrared radiation to a depth of 4 cm. It uses the effect of warm and dry air at a temperature 45°C, within the enclosed area of the sauna. A thermal regulating mechanism is applied in a form of perspiration, it improves the blood circulation in the skin and muscles and connective tissues are warmed up and loosened. The recommended length of time is 20 - 30 minutes for an adult, but it is always regulated by the subjective feelings of a client. The infra-sauna is used for inducing the overall release, relaxation, for relaxation after muscle strain, with muscle rheumatism, pain in joints and spine or for warming up and muscle relaxation before a classical massage. Half an hour before and after the sauna, it is recommended to drink a glass of still or mineral water. The procedure is not suitable during acute illnesses, further for cardiac patients, oncological patient and patients with epilepsy and with bleeding.
In the case of any health problems, please consult your doctor, who will recommend you suitable procedures.

Hydrotherapy
Six types of hydrotherapy are applied, in accordance with the patient´s condition of health. Rehabilitation pool is included in each of them. Leave your clothes in the cloak room and take a shower. You will then go through individual steps of the prescribed therapy instructed by the bath attendant. After all parts of treatment are completed, a 30-minute rest is recommended, preferrably in the rooms with relaxing music. Hydrotherapy is rather a demanding treatment, in terms of both time and physical strain. Be sure to have sufficient time reserved in your schedule.

Underwater Massage
It is one of the most efficient types of massage as it is performed by means of a water jet at a pressure of 0,5 ? 2 atm. Duration 5 ? 20 minutes. Lie down in a special bath-tub, relax all your body. The massage should not be painful, if it is, tell the staff attending you and your physician.

Mud Packs
It is a specific type of thermotherapy, performed by applying the mud straight on the determined part of body in a layer 3 ? 5 cm thick. Temperature of the mud is 38 ? 45°C. Duration 15 ? 30 minutes, according to the physician´s prescription. The mud wrap consists of three layers. Should the wrap be producing subjectively unpleasant sensations, ask for a heart cooler and notify your physician. A minimum of 30-minute rest is recommended after the exercise. The treatment is demanding, please, respect your phycision´s decision and your prescription. After the treatment is completed, take a substantial shower, assisted by the bath attendant, to avoid soiling of your clothes. If prescribed, the mud wrap is followed with a massage.

Electrotherapy
Types used: Interference currents Diadynamic currents Ultrasound Diathermy Hydrogalvanic effect The period of application varies in accordance with the physician´s order, intensity should conform to the patient´s sensitivity. Please, be careful about 4-chamber bath. Do not step out after the treatment is completed, wait to get the assistance of a nurse.

Carbonated Baths
Duration of the bath is 10 - 20 min, according to the physician´s prescription. Temperature is 32 - 34°C. When lying in the bath-tub, rest still with your head slightly tilted back to avoid any sudden breath-in of the carbon dioxide. Rest in a wrap after the bath.

Gas Injections
Gas from local natural reserves is applied hypodermically after being screened trough special filters. Injections are administered by a nurse, the dosage is 20 – 50 ml per one injection. Maximum dose is 200 ml per 1 session, frequency 3 x a week. The area of injection is puffy for about one hour and you would feel cracking when touching it. It is caused by gradual absorption of the gas. Rest is not needed; on the contrary, movement will speed the absorption up. Disposable hypodermic syringes/needles are used.

Paraffin Therapy
White paraffin with some paraffin oil added is applied at a temperature of 50 ? 52°C. Hands may be dipped directly into the bowl, about 3 ? 5 times, to get a smooth layer on them. On other parts, the paraffin is applied with a brush. Duration 20 minutes. Removal of paraffin is very simple, paraffin is easy to peel away

With its mountainous terrain characterized by deep valleys and steep slopes the town is a paradise of hikers and nature lovers. Jachymov is a town with a myriad of low and high walls, a variety of banks and ramparts. From every point of the town you can reach a forest or mountain meadows located only a stone's throw away. As much as 77% of Jachymov;s area is covered by forest and almost 13% by meadows and pastures hiding a labyrinth of underground galleries covering dozens of kilometers reveled only by the radon emissions and sometimes of holes in the earth giving birth to radioactive thermal springs rising up from the granite massif. The historic town is dominated by the ruins of Freudenstein Castle and once was famous for its silver mines and coins.

Treated here are diseases of the locomotor apparatus -inflammatory and degenerative-, post-traumatic conditions, and follow-up treatment after orthopaedic, rheuma-orthopaedic and peripheral nerve operations, treatments of diseases of the peripheral nervous system, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, and people of advanced age can receive special roborosing and toning treatment. Treatment methods include: radon baths, acupuncture, acupressure, reconditioning, electrotherapy, reflex methods, magnetotherapy, brachyradium therapy. Examination methods used: examination on admission, check and treatment methods, post-treatment examinations, laboratory examinations, RTG diagnostics.

In the beginning of 20th century it was discovered that some of the water springs collected deep underground show a high radon content and that they have a positive effect on healing wounds and can improve certain medical conditions. Based on this founding the first radon spa-house was established in 1906. Water from the so-called "Štěpové Springs" collected on the Daniel floor of the Rovnost mining pit was used for the bath treatments. At first the water was transported down to the spa-house in buckets or by a team of horses. Since 1908 the water was brought down by a pipeline to bath cabins, since 1911 to the bath tubs in a newly built Spa Building (Lázeňská budova

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