Thermal waters are called the mineral waters that leave the soil with more than 5 ° C than the surface temperature.
These waters come from underground layers of Earth that are at higher temperature, which is rich in different mineral components and allow their use in therapeutics such as baths, inhalations, irrigation, and heating. These waters come from underground layers of Earth that are at higher temperature, which is rich in different mineral components and allow their use in therapeutics such as baths, inhalations, irrigation, and heating.
They are usually located along fault lines as the groundwater can be introduced along the fault plane and heated up by reaching a certain depth and then rising in the form of vapor (which can condense on reaching the surface, Forming a geyser) or hot water.
Ferruginous waters: they present mainly iron in their composition. Especially effective to relieve deficiency states and liver diseases.
Chlorinated waters: present chlorine. Stimulate digestive secretions, among others.
Sulfur and sulfurous waters: with sulfur. Very used in the field of medical hydrology, the former are acid and muddy.
Sulphated Waters: Apart from sulfur they may include sodium, calcium, magnesium or chlorine in their composition. Very used.
Bicarbonate waters: with bicarbonate. Cold and alkaline. They are used in states of gastric acidity.
Medical Properties: These waters, thanks to their high temperatures, increase the oxygenation of the body, the tissues improve their nutrition, increase the metabolism of the body and stimulate sections of the digestive system.
Repetition in its use helps control the hormones, as well as the nervous system which normalizes its functions, most of these effects are given by the content of sulfur, carbon dioxide, calcium, magnesium among other minerals.
They can also be used for the treatment of skin conditions, only if they contain sulfur, among the conditions, are:
Psoriasis
Dermatitis
Dermatophytes
In an investigation of the International Society of Hydrological Medicine, it was found that these waters have a bacterium called sulfobacteria that helps to strengthen the epidermis, in the same way, they help the anti-aging of this one.
Recommendations for use:
It is best to consult with a physician before having hot spring therapies in case of pregnancy or illness.
Avoid excessive use, the elderly should use them with caution or supervision.
Do not use if it is on the effects of alkaloids or alcohol
Do not exceed its use for more than 2 hours.
Stay hydrated.
If you suffer from skin diseases that are contagious use private pools.
Other uses: Due to its high mineral content, a certain type of thermal water can be used as a coagulant in the process of drinking water for human consumption, as it occurs in the water that supplies the city of Manizales, Colombia. Take advantage of the thermal waters of the snowy volcano of the Ruiz to carry out the purification process. The water produced complies with the microbiological and chemical requirements required by the World Health Organization for drinking water.
In Costa Rica, the best-known thermal waters are:
Hot Springs of La Fortuna de San Carlos, Alajuela
Hot Springs of San Gerardo de Rivas, Perez Zeledon
Hot Springs of the Palm of San Carlos