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DEAD
SEA SALTS THERAPY
In order to ascertain
and confirm the beneficial therapeutic effects of Dead Sea Bath Salts, a
series of clinical research projects have been carried out both in Israel
and in other countries where the use of the salts has become an established
practice.
Dr. I. Machtey (1)
studied the influences of Dead Sea Bath Salts on rheumatic patients
suffering from osteoarthritis or a localized type of tendonitis. 103
patients were treated for one or two weeks with daily Dead Sea Bath Salts in
a sanatorium located about 400 m. above sea level.
The patients were randomly assigned to one of three types of baths (three
sub groups):
1. Bath treatment with
a Dead Sea salt concentration of 7.5%.
2. Baths with a 2% salt
concentration.
3. Baths with a 0.5%
salt concentration.
One week of proper
treatment resulted in impressive improvement in all parameters in patients
receiving 7.5% and 2% bath salt concentration, but little or no improvement
was noted in those treated with 0.5% salt concentration. The greater the
physical limitations, the more pronounced was the improvement.
Sixty-six patients
received two weeks treatment. An additional slight improvement was noted in
patients treated with 7.5% or 2%salt concentration, and those having only
0.5% salt baths improved relatively more as compared with the results after
the first week of treatment. However most of the results in the 0.5% group
were less impressive than those in the higher concentrations.
Over 80% of all the
patients reported having less pain, 70% said their mobility improved, and
about 60% were able to decrease their use of analgesics. Dr. Machtey
concludes his study by stating that “There is little doubt that the Dead Sea
treatment in those who benefit from it can be extended and repeated at home
using a 2%bath solution, which is both economical and readily available”.
A similar study was
carried out by Dr. P Engel (2) from the sanatorium clinic of the city of
Mayenbad, Bad Waldsee, in Germany. The study was performed with 60 patients
whose rheumatic discomfort could not be substantially reduced by the
customary balneotherapy of their clinic. The baths with Dead Sea Bath Salts
were then prescribed in lieu of additional medicinal therapy. Each patient
was treated for a duration of four weeks, with 3 baths per week. Salt
concentration was 2.5% (2 Kg per 801. bath), duration of bath 20 minutes,
temperature of water 37 C. Parameters examined included: Pain at rest,
spontaneous pain, kinesalgia, pain on pressure and reduced mobility.
A summary of the
results shows that in 76.2% of cases very good therapeutic results were
obtained, 10.2% responded moderately well and only in 13.6% no success was
noted.
Dr. J. Arndt, from
Germany (3) made a study of the effect of Dead Sea Bath Salts on patients
suffering from psoriasis. Fifty patients, aged between 14 and 77 years were
treated with the salts in a controlled way. Treatment consisted of partial
or total baths. For a total bath, 2 Kgs of the salts were dissolved in a
bath at a temperature of 27 C. The partial baths were made with a
concentration of about 10%. The baths lasted for 20 minutes and afterwards
the skin was thoroughly rinsed with running water. The effect is enhanced
when the patient remains in a warm packed condition for one hour after the
bath.
The treatment lasted
for 3-4 weeks, with 3-4 baths per week. The results show that most symptoms
of the illness diminished within one week of treatment, notably itch,
scaling joint complaints, and the falling asleep and sleeping through
difficulties. Other parameters such as spread , redness and infiltration
decreased somewhat more slowly. Improvement was steady-the four week
treatment left the patients essentially free from complaints.
Dr. Arndt points out
that of particular importance from the patients point of view is the rapid
relief from such irritating system as itching. There is a corresponding
relief from sleeping disturbances, which were rather wide-spread prior to
treatment. The drastic decrease in scaling within one week can be
interpreted by physician and patient alike as a further proof of the course
outlined above: healing was total in 27 patients (54%), whereas in 22 cases
there was a marked impressive improvement. Tolerance was excellent in all 50
cases. There were no side effects whatsoever, dermatological or otherwise.
(1).
“Dead Sea Balneotherapy in Osteoarthritis”, Dr. Machtey (Hasharon Hospital,
Petach-Tikya, Isreal). “ Published in Proceedings of International Seminar
on Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases”, John Wright, PSG Inc. (1982).
(2).
“On the Therapy of Rheumatic Illness with Medical Bathing Salts from the
Dead Sea”, Dr. P. Engel (Sanatorium Clinic of the City of Mayenbad, Bad
Waldsee, FRG). Published in Acta Medica Empirica, 31, 374 (April 1982).
(3).
“Salt from the Promised Land Helps Psoriasis Patients”, Dr. J. Arndt,
Published in Arztliche Praxis, vol. 34, No. 48, 1920,(15.6.1982).
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