Spa & wellness
Are you in the best of health, with every intention of staying that way? Then this publication is for you! Or perhaps you are struggling with some illness or injury? Then it is almost certain that within these pages you will find something that can lead to a cure or at least relieve the complaint.
Hippocrates, father of medicine, was the first to proclaim: "Nature is the physician of our diseases". In fact, Mother Nature has been especially bountiful towards Hungary: the country sits on one of the richest geothermal and medicinal water resources anywhere in the world. The local culture of bathing goes back two thousand years; excavated remains of bath houses, frescoes and mosaics demonstrate that the Romans discovered and exploited these thermal water resources.
Of the approximately 1300 thermal springs currently registered, nearly 300 are used for bathing purposes and no fewer than one in every ten, which means about 130 mineral and medicinal water springs, are located in the capital, Budapest! What is the difference between mineral and medicinal water? Medicinal water is a kind of mineral water with medically-proven therapeutic, healing effects. Most medicinal waters in Hungary are effective in the treatment of locomotor disorders, but there are some which are particularly efficacious in the treatment of gynaecological and dermatological disorders, and - as part of a drinking cure - renal and metabolic conditions as well as stomach complaints.
Experienced doctors and fully trained assistants oversee the treatment of guests attending medicinal baths and staying in sanatoriums, spa and wellness hotels. Before prescribing personalised courses of treatment and special cure packages, doctors carry out a general health check.
Cave cures are recommended for those with respiratory problems. The therapeutic effect derives from the crystal-clear air and relatively high humidity to be found in many caves. Jósvafő Cave is located in Aggtelek National Park and is listed as a World Heritage site.
The mofette (a vent in the earth's crust) in northern Hungary is a truly unusual feature in the field of medical science. This so-called dry bath employs naturally occurring carbon dioxide of volcanic origin and is recommended for the treatment of heart conditions and circulatory disorders, blood pressure irregularities, dermatological complaints, after-care and recreation.
Then if you would like to spend some time relaxing and "recharging your batteries", or perhaps feel you are ready for a little pampering, the list of wellness hotels is for you! Our publication lists only those reputable service providers meeting the requirements laid down in the Decree on Wellness Hotels published by the Ministry of Economy and Transport in the autumn of 2003.
In order to make it easier to find exactly what you need, we have prepared tables summarising the services offered by medicinal baths, spa hotels and wellness hotels in Hungary.
Around the world, ever more people are coming to realise that a healthy lifestyle has an enormous role to play in disease prevention and the creation of a general sense of well-being. There is an equal understanding of the fact that natural methods of treatment are able to promote healing without side effects.
All these factors make Hungary - thanks to its natural conditions, developed infrastructure and hospitable people - the ideal location for you! Choose from our varied and broad selection, revitalise your body and enjoy yourself. Choose Hungary for health!
