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Crenotherapy: a neglected resource for human health now re-emerging on sound scientific concepts

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Abstract

Recent mechanistic evidence demonstrates that spa-based therapy (or, as we propose, crenotherapy from the Greek word κρενη, spring fountain) is indeed based on solid scientific data. This mini-review highlights the latest insights into the mechanisms of crenotherapy derived from in vitro experiments, studies on animal models, and carefully designed clinical trials. Although more basic and clinical data are still needed, crenotherapy is coming of age as a modern, scientifically sound therapy. As the underlying mechanisms are uncovered, it is becoming possible to choose the most appropriate applications of this centuries-old practice, possibly reducing medical costs, thus explaining the current worldwide renewed interest in crenotherapy.

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Notes

  1. http://www.ismh-direct.net International Society of Medical Hydrology and Climatology. Accessed February 12th, 2010; http://www.espa-ehv.com European Spas Association. Accessed February 12th, 2010; http://femteconline.com World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy. Accessed February 12th, 2010

  2. http://www.fondazioneforst.it Fondazione per la Ricerca Scientifica Termale. Accessed February 12th, 2010

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Correspondence to Mauro Vaccarezza or Marco Vitale.

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Vaccarezza, M., Vitale, M. Crenotherapy: a neglected resource for human health now re-emerging on sound scientific concepts. Int J Biometeorol 54, 491–493 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-010-0311-7

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