Peat belongs to the group of peloids. The word “peloid” originates from the Greek word “pelos” meaning bog and peat earth, mud, etc., which have properties and effects of natural curative sources. Peat is a time-proven curative means which has not been surpassed despite the inventions and researches of present day. Peat baths were a used in ancient Greece. Their utilization rests especially in the treatment of chronic rheumatic diseases, arthrosis, muscular contracture, pains in muscles, joints and backbone, muscular indurations, vertebral syndromes, also in the treatment of gynaecological disorders, healing of scars, atopic eczema, psoriasis, acne, excess weight, cellulites, etc.
Peat is an organic mineral containing a maximum 50% of organic material (in absolute dry matter) and was formed mostly from peat flora residue submerged due to geological and climatic changes 40 000 years ago. It is distinguished by an increased content of carbon and minerals.
Our country is rich in peloids and their occurrence puts the Czech republic in the position of being a very prestigious spa country. The main regions with peloid deposits are Slavkovský forest, Krušné hory (the Ore Mountains), Jizerské Mountains, Šumava and the Třeboňská basin.
In balneotherapy peat packs have been always used. Their health benefits have been verified by generations. Intensive study of the biochemical properties of peat began in the second half of the 19th century. It has been attested that treatment supported with peat products achieves impressive results.
Balneology only utilizes the kind of peat which is recognized as curative (from approved natural curative sources) both for whole and partial baths, compresses and packs .The effectiveness of peat lies in its thermo-physical and biochemical effects. It is purely natural matter of a geological origin. Balneo-therapeutic peat is used as a supportive means in syndromes of muscular overexertion in sport and work and in degenerative processes of the locomotive system; it breaks down adhesions, can relieve skin problems, inflammation, rheumatism, sciatica, metabolism disorders, nervous defects and can be used in anti-stress relaxation therapy. Baths and packs are suitable for promoting blood circulation in different parts of the body, especially before a massage.
Thermo-physical properties
The main advantage of peat is its long-lasting heating effect with its minimal temperature drop during the procedure. Peat retains heat five times longer than water. In this way heat supports the distinctive deep-reacting effect of the peloid.
Biochemical properties
Balneological peat is extracted from peat-bog areas of natural healing springs, either hot or cold. Salts contained in mineral springs which supply the peat-bogs, penetrate the peat substrate in which they are kept in a soluble state and thus help the formation of various chemical reactions. These have a demonstrable curative impact on the human organism. Independent researches from around the world confirmed that the organic matter is absorbed by the human body 16 times more effectively than synthetic matter.