Karlovy Vary Lázně Jáchymov Spa and Wellness Františkovy Lázně The highest concentration of spa towns in the Czech Republic is the West Bohemian spa region covering most of the Karlovy Vary region. One can find 5 important spa centres there: Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně, Lázně Jáchymov and Lázně Kynžvart. Tradition of Balneotherapy in the Region of Karlovy Vary Spa treatment has a very long tradition in this area. In the 14th century, first visitors came for their spa treatments, after King Charles IV gave orders for building the first spa resort and called it Karlovy Vary. The most significant bloom of balneotherapy, however, did not take place until the 19th century. Many of the applications from that time are used in modern spa treatment today. The current level of spa treatment in the Czech Republic is one of the best in the world. It has been developed in compliance with long term experience and scientific methods and it has been applied by top specialist therapists, highly qualified doctors, balneologists, and professional medical staff. The spas in the Karlovy Vary Region have helped people to attain a good quality of life. Specialised medicinal treatments, wellness and beauty programmes are prepared for spa guests. One can also recommend spa treatment to patients recovering from an acute illness, and people trying to reduce their chronic complaints, to strengthen the immunity of their organism against stress and genetic health issues and to improve their physical and mental efficiency. Spa Treatment The length of a spa treatment can be determined individually but it is essential to point out that it really starts to become highly beneficial if one stays at least 3 - 4 weeks. Spa centres offer a health programme to their guests based on the traditional use of natural healing resources abundant in the Karlovy Vary region. Their beneficial use has been proved by several hundred years of experience and demonstrable scientific methods. Spa procedures are prescribed by a specialist, a balneologist, who puts together an individual health programme for each client based on the client’s health needs. Some of the procedures can be purchased without prescription. Natural healing resources Natural healing resources in the Karlovy Vary region are represented by thermal and cold mineral waters, mud and peat, gas and suitable climatic conditions. The mineral springs are used for bathing and drinking, inhalations and mucous membrane irrigation. Medicinal gas is used for dry gas baths and hypodermic injections. Peat and mud are used for wraps, bathing etc. Rehabilitation and physical methods are used to reduce health complaints and to improve patients´ health conditions. The methods used range from several types of individual and group activities in a gym and a swimming pool, but they also include outdoor treatment in the unique countryside. One can also take advantage of various types of massage, and a wide range of electrotherapy, magnetic therapy, ultrasound, applications of cold or heat, water procedures, sauna, acupuncture, oxygen therapy etc. An integral part of spa treatment is also information on a healthy lifestyle, good diet and working habits. Indications for Spa Treatment The great diversity of natural curative resources in the region enables each individual spa town in the Region of Karlovy Vary to specialize in the treatment of specific conditions. i map menu www Mariánské Lázně