|
The Jáchymov Spa has an outstanding position in the treatment of locomotory system illnesses due to the basic treatment instrument - the radon mineral waters. This natural treatment medium with high content of radioactive gas radon, a source of soft alpha rays, has a strong overall influence on human body. Just the treatment in the form of overall baths has a clear anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and brings patients long-term pain relief. The radon baths apparently improve the mobility of joints, raise the immunity of the body, rectify the blood pressure values and promote the blood circulation. The 20-minute baths are administered in the temperature of 35 - 37 °C, with the ideal radon concentration of 4,000 - 4,500 Bq/l. Eighteen baths is the minimum number to reach the therapeutic effect; the maximum number of baths per stay is 24. The isothermic temperature of the baths allows for treatment even to elderly clients and to patients with cardiovascular ailments. A very important part of the treatment programme is the active rehabilitation care, administered by trained physiotherapists following the most recent methods. In addition, several kinds of hydrotherapy, physical therapy and various types of massage are used. For patients with severe affliction of the locomotive system there is the brachyradium therapy, a special radiation therapy called also the „Jáchymov Boxes”. It is the minimal anti-inflammatory and analgesic dose of gamma rays, the source of which are the radium salts. It is administered to patients with indication only once per stay, lasting 6 – 10 hours in a special bed ward. Throuhout their stay the patients are in care of their doctor of medicine - a specialist in balneology and therapeutic rehabilitation. After the check in medical examination, according to need accompanied with other lab tests, x-rays and function testing, the doctor determines an individual treatment plan. The patient is invited to regular medical check-ups. Should any complication arise, a non-stop medical and nurse service is available. There are also performed medical specialist consultations with the internist, surgeon, orthopaedic specialist, neurologist and ENT specialist. An integral part of the therapy is a quality diet system, health education and cultural and social pastime, which have a positive influence on the patient’s state of mind. Such complete spa therapy, the basis of which is the radon bath, results in remarkable relief of patient’s medical problems lasting several months, reduction in the drug treatment dosing and thus overall improvement in the quality of life. Healing Sources The Svornost mining pit represents an integral part of the Jáchymov spa. This is the place where the radon waters are collected and then brought to the spa-facilities down town. The Svornost pit, established almost in the same time as the town itself (in 1518), bears its present name, meaning concord (Einigkeit in German), since 1530. Thus it is the oldest mining pit still in operation not only in Czech Republic but perhaps also in the entire Europe. In the beginning of 20th century it was discovered that some of the water springs collected deep underground show a high radon content and that they have a positive effect on healing wounds and can improve certain medical conditions. Based on this founding first radon spa-house was established in 1906 consisting of two bathtubs in the house No. 282. Water from the so-called „Štěpové Springs„ collected on the Daniel floor of the Rovnost mining pit was used for the bath treatment there. At first the water was transported down to the spa-house in buckets or by a team of horses. Since 1908 the water was brought down by a pipeline to bath cabins, since 1911 to bath tubs in a newly built Spa Building (Lázeňská budova). However the capacity of the Štěpové Springs became insufficient by the twenties of last century. A decision was made to use the powerful spring of the radon water hit in 1864 while deepening in the Svornost pit from the 12th to the 14th floor, which flooded the Svornost pit from the 12th floor up to the Daniel floor. For this purpose, in 1924, the flooded premises of the pit were drained, the entire pit was restored and the basic technical objects for collecting and pumping the water were installed. In memory of Marie Curie’s visit in the Svornost pit in 1925 the spring received its name - Curie. This spring was the main source of the radon water covering the needs of the spa treatment. At the same time (early 60s), relative to the planned future development of spa practice it was decided that the Svornost mine, comprising the Svornost and Josef pits, shall be used for collecting and drawing radon water even after the termination of the mining activity. For this purpose necessary support work was performed there in 1962-64 such as the construction of pressure levees separating the Svornost pit from the remaining of the deposit, which was to be flooded. At the same time an extensive geologic survey was made discovering another two springs of the radon water on the 12th floor of the Svornost pit, the C1 Spring in 1960 and the Běhounek Spring in 1962. The Svornost pit was transferred to the Jáchymov State Spas organisation on 1st April 1964 after all the support works and surveys were finished. During the past forty years, extensive restorations of the Josef Pit (1983-87) and the Svornost Pit (1992-96) have been carried out. In year 2000 a new spring, called Agricola, was drilled. Recently there are 4 springs being used on the 12th floor of the Svornost mine in the depth of 500 meters under the surface. Indications, contraindications Indications
Contraindications
|
|
|