Balneological studies and the use of peat

Korhonen, Riitta

In English

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Riitta Korhonen

Turpeen balneologisista tutkimuksista ja käytöstä

Korhonen R. Turpeen balneologisista tutkimuksista ja käytöstä.

English title: Balneological studies and the use of peat

Tiivistelmä

Peat therapy has been used in Continental Europe with good results to treat rheumatic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis in particular, and also gynaecological and urological ailments. Peat preparations have also been used in the treatment of eye diseases and diseases caused by the Herpes virus. Peat balneology is studied in numerous balneological research institutes where minerals waters are also investigated. The physicochemical properties of peat are determined. The most important parameter to be taken into account when selecting bath peat appears to be the degree of decomposition. The degree recommended for Sphagnum peat is H6 — H8 and for Carex peat H8 — H10 measured on the von Post scale. The mean degree of decomposition of the bath peat used in the German Democratic Republic fluctuates, however, between H5 and H7 . The curative power of peat therapy is attributed to the thermophysical properties of peat, which allow the human body to become overheated, and to the special properties of the biologically active substances in the peat. Key words: peat, medical geology, balneology.

Avainsanat
peat; medical geology; balneology

Tekijä