Sources of Karlovy Vary and their healing purposes. Healing springs of Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary mineral water has the following indications for use:

metabolic disorders and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract;

weight normalization;

elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels;

left spinal syndromes;

• reduced immunity

As a result of using a drinking treatment course with water from local sources, the secretory activity of the liver increases, the secretion of bile increases, which leads to the elimination of chronic inflammatory processes.

As a result, the function of the gastrointestinal tract is restored, the motility of the stomach and intestines is normalized, and therefore the quality of digestion improves. Thanks to these positive changes in the body, there is better absorption of vitamins, enzymes, minerals and other nutrients.

It has been proven that Karlovy Vary water improves metabolism, so it is very effective in reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels and normalizing weight.

Drinking treatment also improves the elimination of various toxic substances from the body. As a result, immunity grows before our eyes. Local doctors confidently claim that they can put even a bedridden patient back on his feet in three weeks.

Treatment in Karlovy Vary is also indicated for problems with the musculoskeletal system. To combat arthrosis, compresses with local parafango mud are effective, which activate the work of the corresponding centers in the brain and adrenal glands, increasing hormonal and vitamin metabolism in the body.

This course relieves pain and enhances recovery processes. Parafango also has an anti-inflammatory and absorbable effect.

Local water is also used in the form of mineral baths: whirlpool baths, with carbon dioxide, and herbal infusions. Thermal salts and mud are also used for external treatment. This composition further enhances the healing effect.

Actually, in Karlovy Vary you can take a course not only of hydrotherapy. Vacationers are provided with services such as magnetic therapy, various types of massage (classical, aromatic, reflex, underwater), electrotherapy, mineral water inhaler, and gas injections.

Europe's first laser therapy center operates in the Bristol resort complex. Thanks to him, holidaymakers have an excellent opportunity to perform low-traumatic operations using a laser.

For example, get rid of birthmarks, stretch marks, tattoos, remove capillary vessels on the face and legs, smooth out wrinkles and scars, remove tonsils and polyps, and undergo a course of treatment for snoring.

There are also weight loss programs in Karlovy Vary. Diet, massage, lymphatic drainage, general rinsing of the body with mineral water - and ten to fifteen extra kilos are gone!

King Charles IV was also treated with the local unique water. A story has survived to this day about how, back in 1370, he injured his leg while hunting. The monarch suffered from unbearable pain for a long time, continuing to move on horseback.

Suddenly his horse stumbled and slipped into a hot stream. The rider's feet sank into the water. And a miracle happened - the wound stopped hurting. In gratitude, the king founded Karlovy Vary here.

Interestingly, in the first years of operation of the resort, patients from among the representatives of the European aristocracy were treated only by immersion in mineral baths. Taking local mineral water internally for medicinal purposes began only in the 18th century.

In total, there are as many as 132 hot mineral springs in the vicinity of the Karlovy Vary resort. Of these, only twelve are used for medicinal purposes. The chemical composition of the water in them is the same - sodium - bicarbonate - sulfate acidic.

They differ only in temperature. Its gradation starts from 34° C and reaches 73° C.

A positive result of treatment with the mineral waters of the Karlovy Vary hot springs will be a noticeable improvement in your condition, which usually occurs four weeks after your stay here.

Karlovy Vary mineral springs and the possibility of its almost universal use, patients with various diseases are treated in Karlovy Vary.
The most common include:

The offer of treatment procedures differs somewhat depending on the sanatorium. This depends on the equipment of the sanatorium and its attending physician.

Contraindications to treatment at the Karlovy Vary resort:

• All diseases during the period of exacerbation, as well as conditions requiring hospitalization and hospital stay.
• General severe diseases of various origins (cachexia, progressive tumor diseases, jaundice, renal decompensation, circulatory disorders).
• Active tuberculosis.
• Recurrent bleeding of various origins.
• Bacilli carriers.
• Some mental and neurological diseases without the permission of a specialist.
• Urinary and fecal incontinence (decided individually by a specialist).
• Pregnancy.

Treatment with mineral water.

The drinking course is prescribed by the spa doctor. Typically, water is prescribed from various sources 3-4 times a day 20-40 minutes before meals, in an average amount of 250-400 ml. The volume of water is individual, depending on body weight, age and the condition of the cardiovascular and urinary systems. The total amount of water drunk per day is 1–1.5 liters. They drink water slowly, in small, savoring sips from resort-specific porcelain mugs.
Their feature is a narrow drinking spout, which allows you to take a small sip and retain water in your mouth, because the effect of water and its healing effect begins in the oral cavity. While drinking, it is better to walk slowly, and if necessary, do not sit for long. According to existing experience and medical research, water from mineral springs with a temperature closer to body temperature (colder) is prescribed for constipation, and hot water is prescribed for a tendency to frequent bowel movements and diarrhea.

Physiological effect of Karlovy Vary mineral water.

Ordinary drinking water, when consumed orally, is warmed by the mucous membranes of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and immediately quickly flows into the intestines. Karlovy Vary mineral water flows out of the stomach after it cools below 40 degrees C, and the entire stomach gets rid of water within one hour. The later evacuation of water is facilitated by its temperature, which fluctuates in the springs from 30 to 70 degrees, the high chemical concentration of minerals, the increased content of carbon dioxide and all natural healing properties. Carlsbad water mechanically flushes out the esophagus and stomach, somewhat neutralizes the hydrochloric acid present and, with its warmth and quantity, expands the volume of the stomach. Thus, locally and through reflex pathways there is an antispasmodic effect and improves blood circulation in the mucous membrane. Calcium, magnesium, lithium, sulfate and free carbon dioxide ions directly act on the mucous membrane: they lead to the production of a number of enzymes that actively help and facilitate the processes of digestion and breakdown of food. Water enters the duodenum in a chemically altered form due to the influence of gastric contents. Under the influence of absorption of magnesium ions and sulfates, the duodenal mucosa secretes a hormone necessary for further digestive processes - cholecystokinin. This hormone increases the secretion of bile and pancreas, which have a huge necessary effect on the chemical breakdown of nutrients in the lumen of the duodenum.
Cholecystokinin also increases intestinal motility, which is not caused by regular drinking water. The content of sulfates in Carlsbad water helps treat constipation and normalize stool.

Effect on intestinal flora.

The point is that the quantitative and qualitative composition of the intestinal flora changes. The amount of physiological microflora and E. coli increases.

Effect on the liver and bile ducts.

After being absorbed in the stomach, small intestine, Karlovy Vary mineral water is transported through the blood to the liver. The liver takes certain substances from the blood and secretes them into bile. The process of bile formation and bile excretion intensifies. The chemical composition of bile after taking mineral water showed its changes: bile becomes less viscous, cleared of the presence of mucus and stones, more liquid bile flows more easily through the inflamed ducts and the patient practically does not feel pain. In addition, drinking Carlsbad water before meals facilitates the process of releasing bile from the gallbladder.

Effect on the pancreas.

Carlsbad water helps facilitate the release of pancreatic enzymes - amylase and lipase into the duodenum.

Effect on glucose metabolism.

As a result of long-term and regular intake of Carlsbad water, the process of uptake and storage of glucose in the body's cells is normalized, the production of human insulin increases, which leads to a decrease in blood sugar levels.

Effect on water and mineral metabolism during Karlovy Vary treatment.

Each drinking course is associated with increased consumption water and minerals and gas dissolved in it.
Carlsbad water, when taken 1-1.5 liters per day, helps to increase diuresis, i.e. urine discharge. Urine changes its chemical reaction towards alkalization. A moderate decrease in the amount of uric acid in the urine during diarrhea has been proven. The therapeutic effect of mineral water allows it to be used for diseases of the urinary and excretory system.
Due to the increased sodium content in mineral water, patients can be prescribed diuretics to remove it from the body. The prescription of such medications is within the competence of the spa doctor. After courses of treatment with diuretics (diuretics), swelling under the eyes and on the legs disappears.

General reaction of the body to Karlovy Vary treatment.

At balneological resorts, when drinking mineral water, various spa reactions often occur: fatigue sets in, weakness, nausea appear, pain or discomfort in the upper half of the abdomen intensifies, bile may be released into the oral cavity and even vomiting of bile. Some patients have short-term mushy stools. Typically, the appearance of spa reactions occurs at the end of the first or before the beginning of the second week after the start of treatment. Within a few weeks everything disappears. This reaction is not a pattern for everyone, and if you supplement water intake with active movements and exercises, it does not occur at all. The spa reaction is not a disease, but only an adaptation of the body to receiving medicinal water. Therefore, the minimum recommended course of treatment at the resort is 21 days.

Karlovy Vary (former name Carlsbad) is a world-famous resort city on the natural thermal springs of Bohemia, a historical region of the Czech Republic (about 120 km from Prague). It is located at an altitude of 370-640 m above sea level, at the confluence of 3 rivers in a very beautiful valley, surrounded on all sides by high hills and mountains covered with dense forest. The cleanest air greatly complements the main treatment in Karlovy Vary. According to legend, the first settlement on these healing springs was founded at the behest of the Emperor of the Roman Empire, King Charles IV of the Czech Republic in 1358, who experienced their miraculous properties. The current name comes from the name of Charles IV and the word "vari" - hot springs.

In total, 79 springs are open in Karlovy Vary, but only 13 of them are used for treatment so far. The mineral compositions of the waters are similar and include compounds of calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, lithium, bromine, sodium sulfate carbonates, sodium bicarbonate salts, etc. Mineralization up to 7 g/l. The differences in water are determined by the content of carbon dioxide in them, which varies at different thermal springs from 0.37 to 0.75 g/l, and temperature - from 30 to 72 degrees C. It is these differences that are responsible for one or another healing effect on the human body. For example, colder springs have a slight laxative effect, warmer ones have a softening effect and inhibit the secretion of bile and gastric juice.

There are about 90 sanatoriums, boarding houses, hotels, and a clinic in Karlovy Vary.

The medical staff of the sanatoriums speaks, in addition to Czech, English and Russian.

Therapy includes drinking from springs, balneology, and the use of crystalline salts from thermal waters. For example, radon water from the Mill spring is prescribed for drinking, it is even bottled, and the water from the Vřidlo spring is used for all balneological procedures: intestinal lavage, irrigation, rinsing, swimming in pools, immersion in carbon dioxide, oxygen, radon, pearl, etc. .baths. When water evaporates, salt crystals are formed with a high content of sodium chloride, bicarbonate and sulfate and small amounts of potassium sulfate, calcium salts, magnesium, iron, lithium, fluorine, bromine, etc.

Moreover, the treatment of any type of disease is always complex and, in addition to “water” therapy, necessarily includes physical therapy, inhalations, ultrasound, massage, electric, light and heat therapy (mud baths, applications), torrenkur (dosed walking walks, including to the mountains, along certain marked routes, this is more than 100 km of paths along the most beautiful landscapes locality) etc.

The resort's sanatoriums are profiled by type of disease and offer treatment for the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory and cardiovascular systems.

The duration of the treatment course is 7, 14 or 21 days. It has been established that the maximum treatment result is achieved within 21 days. The course package includes:

Accommodation in a sanatorium or hotel;

Taking laboratory tests upon patient admission and initial medical examination

Full board meals, development of an appropriate diet based on a doctor’s opinion, meals are provided for vegetarians;

Prescribing a course of drinking water;

Medical examination and tests before discharge.

Patients who are sent for treatment to Karlovy Vary should not forget to take with them an extract from their medical history at the place of residence or medical care. For each arriving patient, the sanatorium doctor develops an individual treatment program depending on the diagnosis, the patient’s well-being and based on the initial examination, as well as test results.

The patient is required to follow the prescribed diet and undergo 12-19 procedures in 7 days.

Healing springs

Garden colonnade:

Snake spring, 30 degrees C, opened in 2001. Compared to other springs, it contains much more CO2, but less minerals. It is called so because the source itself is enclosed in a low architectural composition with a snake sliding down, from whose mouth water flows. Located directly in the Garden Colonnade;

The Garden Spring, 47.4 degrees C, was discovered in the mid-19th century during the laying of the foundation for the Military Sanatorium and was then called the “Imperial Spring”. It comes to the surface on the territory of the Military Sanatorium near the colonnade, access to the source from 6.00 to 18.30 daily;

Source “Svoboda”, 60 degrees C, opened in the 2nd half of the 19th century. during the construction of Lazne III and was named “Spa”, then it was renamed the spring of Franz Joseph I. It received its current name after the end of the 2nd World War. It is located between Lazne III and the Mill Colonnade.

Mill Colonnade(1871-1881, architect Joseph Zitek) consists of 124 Corinthian columns and has a length of 132 m, it contains several mineral springs, in addition, there is an orchestra pit so that the orchestra can delight patients with music:

Rocky spring, 53 degrees C. Until 1845, it flowed into the Teplu River, but then the area was redeveloped, after which it began to flow into the Mill Colonnade;

The “Libushi” spring (formerly “Elizabethan Roses”), 62 degrees C, combined 4 small springs;

Spring of Prince Wenceslas I, 65 degrees C, the water of the spring is taken out in 2 vases, it is also used to obtain medicinal salt;

The spring of Prince Wenceslas II, 58 degrees C, is located directly opposite the orchestra pit in front of the colonnade;

Mill spring, 56 degrees C. Known for treatment since the 16th century, then mainly for bathing;

The “Rusalka” spring, 60 degrees C, has been known since the 16th century. Until 1945 it was called the New Source. At one time its water was valued higher than the water of the Mill Spring.

Market Colonnade(built in 1883, architects Fellner and Helmer) - made in the Swiss style, made of wood, was designed to last for several years, but after serving for more than 100 years, it was decided to preserve it, it was completely reconstructed, now it includes :

The market spring, 62 degrees C, was discovered in 1838, it disappeared several times, but then reappeared, after which several wells were made, which now made it possible to use the spring constantly;

The source of Charles IV, 64 degrees C, according to legend, it was this that Charles IV discovered for himself in the 14th century, which is why he ordered the establishment of a settlement here. The relief above the source depicts just these events.

Castle Colonnade(built in 1911-1913, architect Friedrich Ohmann) is located directly above the Market Square. It is two-tiered: the colonnade of the Upper Source and the colonnade of the Lower Source. In the lower tier there is a relief of the Spirit of the Springs. In 2001, a complete reconstruction of the Castle Colonnade was completed, after which it was reopened to patients; the spring of this colonnade is intended only for clients of Castle Spa:

Lower source, 55 degrees C, Upper source, 50 degrees C - in both of them, water comes from the same source, it just goes into 2 different vases at different heights and from this the sources have different temperatures and contents CO2. The lower one was brought to the market square for public use.

Vrzhidelni colonnade(built in 1969-1975, architect Prof. Votruba), placed above a hot spring, known since the 16th century, in the past it has survived several buildings in different styles and from different materials(cast iron, wood). The current structure was erected in the late 1960s. In the upper part there is an exhibition of minerals; in the old part of the dungeon it is planned to open a tourist route:

Vřídlo, 41, 57 and 72 gr.S. This geyser, which sometimes soars to a height of 12 m, produces about 2 thousand liters of mineral water per minute. There are a total of 5 containers in the colonnade; visiting hours are from 6.00 to 19.00. This water is intended for both drinking and bathing, and Vrdjilo is the only source for bathing.

How to drink water correctly

It is very important to know that it is unacceptable to drink any Karlovy Vary water without permission, in accordance only with your own decisions, because this can cause great harm to the body. All sources are aqueous mixtures with complex, highly concentrated compositions of natural minerals, these mixtures can be consumed strictly in accordance with certain rules:

Only after consultation with a sanatorium doctor and according to his recommendations;

Drinking water close to where it comes to the surface is necessary to obtain the maximum effect of treatment;

Drink water only from porcelain or glass cups of traditional shape, which is very important for the absorption of water by the body;

During the entire course of treatment, do not drink alcohol or smoke; even passive inhalation of tobacco smoke will neutralize the treatment process;

When drinking water, you must walk slowly, because... movement contributes to better absorption of all the healing substances of water by the body;

You should drink water slowly, your state of mind at this time should be completely calm, your body should be relaxed;

The drinking course must be repeated periodically, in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations;

When collecting water from a vase, you should not touch the source column or outlet pipes, which is dictated by basic hygiene.

Indications for treatment

The sets of procedures in all sanatoriums are different, which is explained by the profile specialization and the level of medical equipment of these medical institutions.

Main indications:

Post-oncological condition without signs of process activity: gastrointestinal organs, gynecology, mammary glands;

Diseases of the cardiovascular system: congenital or acquired defect, ischemia, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, cardiac asthma, arteriosclerosis, post-infarction or postoperative condition;

Diseases of the circulatory system: vascular spasms, pressure changes, etc.;

Diseases of the digestive tract: intestinal disorders, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, proctocolitis, postoperative conditions of the stomach, intestines, gall bladder, chronic diseases of the pancreas, liver and gall bladder with and without cholelithiasis, dysfunction of the colon, chronic constipation, conditions after acute hepatitis of any etiology and acute pancreatitis;

Metabolic diseases: obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, gout, fat metabolism disorder, hyperlipoproteinemia;

Gynecological diseases: infertility, menopausal syndrome, postoperative condition, chronic pain in the pelvic area, menstrual disorder;

Periodontal diseases: periodontal disease, periodontitis, gingivitis;

Diseases musculoskeletal system: spinal lesions, degenerative joint diseases, osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbar spinal column;

Diseases of the respiratory and ENT organs: bronchial asthma, allergic diseases of the respiratory tract, allergic runny nose, chronic pneumonia, chronic bronchitis;

Neurological diseases;

Skin diseases;

Eye diseases.

Contraindications

Malignant tumors;

Epilepsy;

Elevated creatinine levels;

Liver failure, history of acute pancreatitis, advanced liver failure;

Metabolic disorders;

Gout kidney;

Uncompensated diabetes;

Stone obstruction;

Exacerbations of acute pancreatitis;

Holangoitis;

Ulcer penetration;

Clinical signs of circulatory disorders;

Pathological changes in the biliary tract;

Biliary tract obstruction or infection;

Anus preternaturalis;

Cholangitis;

General weight loss or loss of strength;

Tuberculosis of the respiratory system;

Incontinence of urine and stool;

Pregnancy;

Labile or decompensated diabetes mellitus;

Psychiatric illnesses, psychoses, alcoholism.

Helpful information

The international airport is 4.5 km from the resort.

Karlovy Vary has a well-developed resort infrastructure and excellent transport links with the cities of the Czech Republic and other countries (air, road, and rail transport).

The resort has 2 funiculars that take you to a high mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the beautiful surrounding area. There is a theatre, concert and cinema halls, a discotheque, a casino, and sports clubs for practicing almost any sport, including horse riding and golf.

At the beginning of July, the annual international film festival takes place in Karlovy Vary.

Almost everyone arriving at the resort buys the famous “Becherovka” here - a tincture with some content of universal salts from mineral springs. Becherovka is jokingly called another healing spring of Karlovy Vary.

Karlovy Vary is an ancient city in the Czech Republic, which has been surprising visitors for many centuries with its exquisite beauty of architecture, rich history and the hospitality of friendly residents. But the main feature of this resort town is its healing springs, which have long gained great fame throughout Europe. Actually, thanks to these sources, the city began to actively develop in a recreational direction.

The total number of healing springs in Karlovy Vary is seventy-nine, but only thirteen of them have been developed. Magic water is used mainly for drinking courses, after which a person’s health significantly improves. Bathing in thermal waters, irrigating the intestines with it, rinsing and other procedures also have a beneficial effect on the body.

The composition of mineral water flowing from different springs is very similar, but it still affects the human body differently. The type of impact largely depends on the temperature of the water and the carbon dioxide content in it. For example, cold springs have a mild laxative effect, and higher temperature water slows down the secretion of gastric juice and bile. The chemical composition of water in Karlovy Vary includes elements such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, lithium, bromine and many other substances beneficial to the body.

Each Karlovy Vary spring has its own interesting story, and the water from it has its own special use. The most powerful and best known of all is

Source #1– Vrzhidlo, or, as it is also called, Geyser.

The water flow in it originates at a depth of 2000 meters, and the height of the stream is about 12 meters. Ecologically clean water from this source, whose temperature is 72 degrees, is used for both drinking and bathing.

The healing power of the Geyser is not only in drinking, but also in bathing

The Vřídlo Colonnade contains five containers with water coming to the surface, and access to it is open to everyone from 6:00 to 19:00.

Source #2 with a water temperature of 64°C is called “The Spring of Charles IV”, and there is a long-standing legend associated with it.

According to it, back in the 14th century, Emperor Charles IV washed his feet here, after which he decided to build a resort on this site. There is even a carved painting above the spring depicting the discovery of Carlsbad.

The third and fourth springs – “Nizhny Zamkovy” (55 °C) and “Upper Zamkovy” (50 °C), in fact, are one spring, the water from which is supplied to two different vases.

But due to different altitudes, the water in them differs in temperature and CO2 content. Together, these two sources make up the Castle Colonnade, which, after a major reconstruction in 2001, is open to visitors.

Source #5 also known as “Market”, and its water has a temperature of about 62 °C.

The source was discovered in 1838, but since then it has disappeared and reappeared several times. After drilling new wells, the last of which reached a depth of 38 meters, water stopped disappearing from here.

The sixth source of healing water (56 °C) is Melnichny, and its miraculous properties have been known to people since the 16th century.

It is the local water that the Mattoni company bottles and exports to many countries around the world.

"Rusalkin source"(60°C) – the seventh of those mastered here. Previously, it was the most popular meeting place for vacationers, and this is not surprising, because the pavilion erected here was the first such structure in Karlovy Vary.

« Prince Wenceslas Spring » (65°C) number 8 was found in 1784. The water from it flowed up to 4 meters high, so in terms of power this source is compared to a Geyser. Among other sources, this is the only one that has access to two vases.

Ninth source - "Liebush's Source", with a water temperature of about 62°C.

It was first mentioned in city chronicles back in the 18th century, but it began to be actively used after the construction of the Mlyn Colonnade, to which it belongs. Previously it was called the source of Elizabethan roses.

"Rock Spring" with a water temperature of 48°C - the tenth in a row. They found him right in the bed of the Tepla River, and in 1845 they brought him ashore not far from the Mlyn Colonnade.

Eleventh source - "Source of Freedom"(60°C) - was discovered by chance during the foundation of a sanatorium in 1865. The gazebo built above it is protected by the state as a valuable historical object.

Source No. 12 – “Garden”, the water temperature in it reaches 39°C. This source is especially popular among resort patients, as it has a very high carbon dioxide content - 900 mg/l.

And last, the thirteenth source is called “Stefania”.

It was only declared fit for use in 1998, so it is quite young compared to others. The place where the mineral water comes to the surface is surrounded by a beautiful white gazebo, stylized as antique.

Using all sources is completely free, so everyone has the opportunity to get some healing water.

Naturally, before doing this, you should definitely consult with your doctors so that the course of drinking really benefits your body.