Hydrogen sulfide baths: treatment features, indications and contraindications

For more than a decade, hydrogen sulfide (sulfide) baths have been actively used in balneotherapy. They are used to treat the nervous, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, as well as a number of gynecological, urological and skin diseases..

On our planet, hydrogen sulfide sources are found everywhere, but for medicinal purposes they are most often used in Russia. So, for example, one of the widely known deposits of hydrogen sulfide is Matsesta – a resort in the vicinity of Sochi.

The effect of exposure to this type of water in the literature is called the Matsesta reaction.

However, it is possible to undergo treatment with hydrogen sulfide baths not only in the Matsesta sanatorium, but also in many other health resorts, salons and even at home, since today both natural and artificial therapeutic baths are used.

Features of treatment with hydrogen sulfide baths

Treatment with hydrogen sulfide baths is as follows: free hydrogen sulfide ions (as it is known to be a gas) penetrate through the respiratory tract, mucous membranes and pores of the skin and enter the bloodstream, circulate through the bloodstream, oxidize there and are eliminated from the body naturally. An important role is played by external factors – water temperature, hydrostatic pressure, concentration of a substance in water.

Distinguished medicinal waters are weak (total hydrogen sulfide content is 10-50 mg / l), medium (50-100 mg / l), strong (100-250 mg / l) and very strong (more than 250 mg / l).

note! Only a qualified doctor is allowed to prescribe the concentration of the substance for the bath. An improperly prepared hydrogen sulfide bath will not only not be beneficial, but can also cause significant harm to the body..

Hydrogen sulfide baths have the following effects on the body:

  • stabilize blood circulation, help lower blood pressure;
  • activate defenses, tone up and strengthen immunity;
  • stimulate skin regeneration, promote healing of skin lesions;
  • relieve inflammatory processes;
  • improve carbohydrate metabolism, reduce blood cholesterol;
  • normalize the functions of the autonomic and central nervous systems, increase the neuro-trophic functions of the skeletal system, accelerate metabolic and oxidative processes.

And not so long ago, Chinese scientists conducted research, during which it turned out that hydrogen sulfide slows down the aging process by activating the “youth hormone” sirtuin. That is why these procedures (in the absence of contraindications, of course) are very useful for those who care about their beauty.

Indications for use

Matsesta baths have a wide range of healing products, with their help they treat many diseases, namely:

diseases of the cardiovascular system (atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the heart, heart disease hypertension I and II-A stages);

diseases of the nervous system (injuries of the brain and spinal cord, atherosclerosis);

skin diseases (chronic and seborrheic eczema, dermatoses, psoriasis);

diseases of the musculoskeletal system (osteochondrosis, polyarthritis);

urological diseases (vesiculitis, prostatitis);

gynecological diseases (infertility, irregular menstruation);

endocrine diseases (decreased thyroid function, diabetes mellitus).

Contraindications

But as you know, any indication has its contraindication, and hydrogen sulfide baths are no exception. In what cases is it strictly not recommended to carry out these procedures?

The use of sulfide baths is excluded when:

  • pulmonary tuberculosis;
  • malignant tumors;
  • heart disease with decompensation;
  • bleeding
  • viral and inflammatory diseases, increased body temperature;
  • stable hypotension (low blood pressure);
  • diseases of the digestive tract in the stage of exacerbation or remission;
  • varicose veins, hemorrhoids;
  • severe diabetes mellitus;
  • pregnancy and lactation;
  • diseases of the liver and kidneys;
  • weeping dermatitis, fungal skin lesions.

It is important! Sulfide baths can be used only after a thorough thorough examination of the body and on the recommendation of a qualified doctor. Even if you feel like a completely healthy person, you should not take risks – this can cause serious harm to the body, because often we do not even suspect that we have certain diseases.

The course of treatment is usually 12-15 sessions, which are carried out either every other day or two days in a row, and take a break on the third. The procedure is carried out in a special room with supply and exhaust ventilation. The water temperature is 35-37 ° C, the duration of the procedure is about 8-12 minutes.

During the procedure, a pronounced reaction is observed: the skin swells, reddens, the pores open, the secretion of the sebaceous glands increases. In parts of the body that come into contact with water, there is a sensation of light burning, flushing and warmth. Do not be afraid of this – this is a completely natural reaction of hydrogen sulfide to the body.

Remember! You can not take baths immediately after eating or on an empty stomach, as well as after significant physical exertion (for example, after going to the gym or jogging), after them you should wait at least 2 hours.

In order to maximize the benefits of baths, it is not recommended to overeat, take alcohol, smoke or exert yourself physically throughout the course of treatment.

If you do not have time and opportunity to visit a resort or a specialized salon, you can organize a hydrogen sulfide bath at home. To do this, you need to purchase a special drug in the pharmacy and dilute it in a bath with water according to the instructions.

But before that, it is imperative to consult with a specialist who will prescribe the appropriate dosage, and also explain all the possible nuances.

If during the procedure you feel weakness, nausea, dizziness, respiratory failure or other malaise, you must immediately stop it and ventilate the room, and subsequently reduce the concentration of the substance.