Peat pulp bath

A peat pulp bath is a bath prepared of peat pulp from wetlands. Balneotherapy in form of peat pulp baths is offered in many health resorts.

Form of application and therapeutic mechanism

Up to now, the mechanism of action has only partly been elucidated. Usually, peat is applied as hyperthermic full bath. Its main effects are attributed to hyperthermia of the body core with consecutive activation of neural and endocrine feedback loops that paves the way for metabolic reprogramming. This is consistent with the observation that peat pulp baths are effective in the treatment of dysregulatory disorders like rheumatism, osteoporosis or some gynecological diseases.

Alternative forms of application are peloid packs that often contain mixtures of peat pulp and mineral water. Their specific action is attributed to their contents like humic acids.

History

Already Paracelsus described "moor" as a remedy for certain diseases. Later, soldiers of Napoleon learnt about peat pulp and mud baths in Egypt and brought this knowledge to Europe. Jérôme Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother gave command to erect the first health resort with peat applications for his troops after the Battle of Leipzig in Bad Nenndorf. However, already 1802 a peat pulp resort has been alleged to exist in Bad Pyrmont. In the 19th century, peat pulp resorts have been founded in many european health resorts including Marienbad (1813), Franzensbad (1827), Karlsbad (1836) and Bad Aibling (1845).

ee also

*Balneotherapy
*Bath salts
*Mud bath
*Peloid

References

* [http://www.balneotherapy.com/textbook.shtml Online textbook on Peat therapeutics and balneotherapy]
* [http://www.syl.com/articles/howpeloidproceduresworkandwhattheyaremadeof.html How Peloid Procedures Work and What They Are Made Of]