Medical gases
Like thermal waters, different steams and gases (fumarolas, solfataras and mofettas) which came into being millions and millions of years ago due to post-volcanic activities, also can be linked to the operation of the inner powers of the Earth. They can be beneficial for mankind, too. From a medical point of view it is primarily the dry gases, the so-called mofettas containing carbon-dioxide are of special importance. The best known example is the so-called Cave of Dogs of the Solfatara crater, near Naples, Italy, where the CO2 gas, which is heavier than air can be found near the ground. A similar phenomenon can be seen in Transylvanian Hargita, where the Torjai Büdösbarlang has H2S and water at a temperature of 11-12,5°C .(Jakucs L. 1990).
„The balneotherapeutic application of carbon dioxide goes back to a past of 2,000 years. In the medical practice of Ancient Rome, later in popular medicine practitioners recognized the healing and recreational effect of baths containing carbon dioxide. Initially they used natural holes, later they made pits (similar to amfitheatres) for treatments. (Gyetvai Gy. 2011)”. Today medical gases, as physiotherapeutic medical tools have a role of utmost significance in treating the diseases of civilization, including high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic diseases of blood and lymphatic vessels and angiopathic diseases of the heart and brain.
Medical gases get into the body through the pores of the skin as well as through inhalation into the blood stream. The composition of the gas may vary depending on its source’s geological features. The gas might have multiple effects. High CO2 concentration for example dilates the blood vessels, and, in addition the healing effects of sulphur and radon are also significant.
Medical gas treatments –similar to treatments with water are organized in a series of cures. The lenth of a cure is 15 days and the treatment takes 15-20 minutes every day. The presence of trained medical staff is obligatory during treatments. The counter indications of mofetta treatment are identical with the counter indications of thermal water treatments.