Health & Wellness

How it all began

As early as medieval times, people started coming to the area of the present-day Františkovy Lázně and its immediate surroundings and used the mineral springs, peat pulp and later natural carbon dioxide springs to improve their health. Balneology – or the science of studying the healing effects of bathing and drinking natural mineral waters – emerged as a new scientific discipline only in the 1850s. The founder of balneology is considered to be German physician Emil Osann who became famous namely for his research of the curative waters in Františkovy Lázně.

Healing springs

The most suitable use of the mineral springs for spa treatment is determined based on their regular chemical analyses. Some mineral waters are suitable for balneological purposes, others for the drinking cure, and certain springs are used for both balneological procedures and the drinking cure. The springs rise from the ground at different locations. Those that are suitable for the drinking cure have accessible outdoor wells. The average temperature of the springs ranges between 9 – 11°C all year round.

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Iron sulphate peat pulp

Peat pulp is characterised by a dark brown colour and a very specific scent. It was formed over several centuries largely from reeds and a small amount of sedge combined with mineral waters. The mineral component consists of alluvial sandy clays, largely of outwash kaolin, fine-grained quartzites, and organic detritus deposits. It is classified as iron sulphate peat and its dry mass contains more than 4% of iron sulphide. The peat pulp is mixed with mineral water and used in its natural form for peat pulp baths. It is heated for wraps and compressions, and the so-called "virgin pulp" is utilised for gynaecological purposes.

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Natural carbon dioxide gas

The Carbon Gas Bath can be found in the centre of Františkovy Lázně. It was built around a thermal gas spring of volcanic origin – it is carbon dioxide released by the Marie source. Heavier than air, the gas flows down from the well gallery onto the floor of the room where people sit around the gallery with their feet in the gas. The gas fills the room approximately to mid-calf height and it affects the entire body. In other treatment areas, it is also used for special gynaecological procedures.

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Therapeutic treatments

The therapeutic treatments in Františkovy Lázně concentrate mainly on improving and mitigating the symptoms of following medical conditions and illnesses: circulatory system diseases, musculoskeletal system diseases, gynaecological diseases, digestive tract diseases, skin diseases, nervous system diseases, metabolic and endocrine gland diseases and post-oncological treatment care. The healing programs alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.

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