Chronic venous insufficiency, phlebopathies, poor peripheral circulation are typically female disorders responsible for visible capillary reticulations, varicose veins, heaviness, swelling, cramping, tingling and burning in the lower limbs.
Treating and preventing these is possible through spa therapy.
We talked about this with Dr. Moana Manicone.
Diseases related to the arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels can result in far more serious diseases if not treated in time.
Women in particular suffer from them due to physiological conditions, such as pregnancy or hormonal imbalances such as menopause.
These are compounded by behavioral conditions, such as tight clothing and walking on stilettos, sedentary living, and weight gain.
Vascular exercise in thermal water.
To address these ailments naturally, we rely on spa medicine.
The treatment consists of two phases: exercises performed out of the water, under the guidance of movement experts, with the aim of starting to activate the peripheral circulation of the legs, which is followed byphysical activity and walking in thermal water at varying temperatures (hot thermal water pool and cold thermal water pool) that causes a natural alternation between vasoconstriction and vasodilation, further stimulating blood, venous and lymphatic circulation.
In addition,immersion in water causes 12 times the resistance of air, stimulating the muscles more.
The two tubs are about 80 centimeters deep (they should reach more or less to the pelvis) with water jets at different pressures that help drain fluids that stagnate under the skin.
The course generally involves 12 sessions, based on the doctor’s instructions.
The alternative to the course with vascular gymnastics, for less trained or older women, issingle-tub whirlpool: its effectiveness is equally proven.
The method for the treatment of vascular disorders at Monticelli Spa.
“The vascular path in thermal water makes use of multiple mechanisms of action: physiological plantar massage of walking, natural massage of movement in water, toning action of the thermal surge on the walls of capillaries, action of the whirlpool that is achieved thanks to special jets of water, beneficial effect of the intrinsic characteristics of thermal water,” explains Dr. Moana Manicone, a specialist in thermal medicine.
“In particular, salso-bromo-iodine water has a powerful draining and anti-inflammatory action: the former reduces leg swelling and the latter fights inflammation underlying vascular disease.”
The vascular course can be completed and supplemented with lymphatic drainage massage sessions and pressure therapy.
To prevent and counteract disorders related to this disease, lifestyle is also important.
For example, diet.
“L’anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich diet alongsideregular physical activity (walking, swimming and aqua aerobics) represent good habits.”
Cellulite and water retention: the Kneipp vascular pathway.
The vascular pathway, which is ideal in cases of peripheral vasculopathies, is also useful in combating water retention and cellulite.
“Thermal, mechanical and chemical stimuli reactivate microcirculation in the legs, thanks in part to alternating cold and warm water.
Cold water constricts blood vessels and helps reduce congestion and inflammation, while hot water reduces muscle tension, swelling, and cellulite.”
When to perform spa treatment.
The spa treatments for the treatment and prevention of vascular diseases can be performed year-round, but the best times are:
- spring months, to play ahead;
- summer to counteract the symptomatology most manifested by high temperatures;
- the early autumn months to reinforce the beneficial effect of beach vacations.
Cures and spa treatments for peripheral vasculopathies are available privately but also in agreement with the National Health Service..
In the latter case, you only need to contact your primary care physician for a prescription for the course of treatment.