Located in western Bohemia in the Czech Republic, Karlovy Vary is a spa city founded in 1370. It was named after the King of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and it’s known for its numerous warm, healing mineral springs, which are fed by the Tesla River.
For hundreds of years, physicians have sent their patients to the Karlovy Vary resorts for both hydrotherapy and "drinking water" cures. Common treatments include baths (oxygenated, herbal), massage and more high-tech treatments, like irrigation of the intestines or 'magnetic therapy"' and detoxifying water drinks.
It’s not unusual for guests to spend several months at the Karlovy Vary resort for digestive disorders or rheumatological conditions or to relax and rejuvenate. Understanding that the water’s unique mineral content was responsible for its health benefits, the Czechs have exported Karlovy Vary mineral water to all parts of the world since 1764.
The Mineral Water
Centuries ago, Karlovy Vary mineral water was christened “the healing gift from the earth.” Because of its renowned healing properties, Karlovy Vary water has been studied for centuries, and hundred of research papers have been published on its health benefits.
Especially known for its ability to heal pancreatic disorders, Karlovy Vary water, with its alkaline properties, has been found to supply the ingredients needed to replenish pancreatic juice and to reduce pressure in the pancreas. The water is also known to restore function to the valve between the pancreatic and bile ducts and the duodenum known as the Sphincter or Oddi, which helps increase bile flow.
The mineral content of the water is related to the unique geological zone of the region. Here, rainwater seeps to a depth of about two kilometers below the earth’s surface, where it is heated by residual volcano activity from the Vridlio (Sprudel) geyser. During evaporation and migration to the surface, the water is saturated with carbonic acid, minerals, and about 40 other micro- and macro elements possessing high biochemical activity essential for a healthy body.
Bottles of mineral water and dried solution of the mineral salts are available throughout the world. Karlovy Vary water is especially rich in potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfates, bicarbonates, chlorides, zinc, cobalt, selenium, lithium, and copper along with other minerals.
The Carlsbad (Karlsbad) Spa
The Carlsbad is the most famous spa in Karlovy Vary. Dating back to 1350, the spa has 13 unique healing springs. The basic composition of the various springs is similar but the springs differ in temperature and carbon dioxide content, which causes them to have different effects. The colder springs usually have a slightly purgative effect, while the warmer ones reduce the production of bile and stomach juices.
The strongest is the Vrídlo spring, rising from the depth of 2,000-3,000 meters. Its temperature reaches 73° C whereas the temperature of the other springs is around 40° C. The springs cure mainly metabolic disorders although they are also used for inhalations and baths.
Thermal Hotel Karlovy Vary
Located in the center of the spa district, the Thermal hotel Karlovy Vary overlooks the town’s main promenade. Similar to other hotels in the area, some rooms offer views of the Karlovy Vary spa zone. With its thermal pool and spa facilities the Thermal Hotel is one of the region’s most popular attractions.
Healing Properties
Karlovy Vary hydrotherapy treatments and also the mineral water itself are used for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Liver diseases
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Stomach ulcers
- Joint diseases
- Lipid disorders
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