Thermal Water: Relaxation and Health

bathing in thermal waters

Immersing yourself in hot water is fantastic and above all leaves the skin soft. What could be better than taking time for yourself in a thermal bath? Do it immersed in nature, in the midst of breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by clean air. This is why we want to recommend spas in Slovenia. But let’s first of all see what we are going towards.

What do we mean by thermal water and why should you choose spas in Slovenia?

Thermal water is water drawn from natural springs. It contains minerals that have been shown to enrich the skin, help the musculoskeletal structure and help relax the body and mind.

Immersion in thermal baths is known as balneotherapy. (This is different from hydrotherapy, which consists of soaking in plain tap water.) The benefits of balneotherapy are thought to come in part from the composition of the water itself. Slovenian spas are particularly rich in minerals that can help the psychophysical well-being of bathers. This is why they are chosen as one of the main tourist destinations for wellness holidays.


In balneotherapy, various minerals have been shown to penetrate and benefit the skin. The most common soluble minerals include calcium, bicarbonate, silicates, iron compounds, sodium and magnesium salts, sulfur compounds and metals, along with trace elements such as selenium.

There are various categories of thermal baths, including those rich in sulfate, bicarbonate, chloride and sulphide. The location of a spring plays a role in the effectiveness of a thermal water, as each spring has its own unique physical properties and chemical composition. In Slovenia you will find spas of all kinds.

Slovenian Spas and a Bit of History

The idea of ​​bathing in thermal waters has been around for centuries and has also inspired the modern spa as we probably know it. Thermal baths are an important cultural tradition all over the world, from Japan to Ecuador to Iceland. Thermal baths have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Many of the natural hot springs are rich in minerals such as sulfur, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Since their introduction, studies have suggested numerous health benefits of thermal baths. Thermal baths have historically been used to relieve symptoms of conditions such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Ankylosing spondylitis

• Psoriasis

Research suggests that bathing in warm mineral water impacts the body’s immune and hormonal systems, which can lead to anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and antioxidant effects.

Relaxing massage in spas in Slovenia.
Take a massage in spas in Slovenia. Image source: Thermana Laško

Selenium-rich water, for example, has been used in balneotherapy for eczema and psoriasis for decades, he says, while the Dead Sea’s high levels of magnesium salts have been shown to be effective in treating psoriasis.

Some relatively promising benefits of thermal water include:

Skin Hydration

Some research suggests that using thermal water on the skin can make it feel softer, more supple and comfortable.

Reversal of the effects of UV damage

The minerals in thermal water appear to have antioxidant properties that some studies suggest help neutralize free radicals and possibly reduce the risk of sunburn.

Inflammation reduction

Thermal waters have been shown to calm irritation from harsh skin treatments such as retinoids and reduce skin inflammation in eczema.

Balancing the microbiome, thermal water helps balance the microbiome or levels of healthy and unhealthy bacteria that naturally live in the skin and reduces inflammation in people with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Some spas claim that thermal baths treat a number of health conditions, such as chronic digestive diseases, constipation, diabetes, gout, and liver problems. Although thermal water likely has benefits for the body, there is no definitive scientific evidence to prove these benefits.

Benefits of bathing in thermal water.

Steam baths were traditionally recommended as a treatment for gout and still are. Some research suggests that hot baths can improve circulation and lower blood sugar levels in obese people with diabetes. But obviously, even the thermal water is unable to work miracles.

Immersing yourself in hot baths rich in minerals in areas rich in greenery, unspoiled nature and far from the stress of the city such as spas in Slovenia is certainly a great way to take care of yourself regardless of particular pathologies.