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Peat Therapy

By

Liam Counihan

&

Associates

Email: info@liamcounihan.com

Website: www.liamcounihan.com

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Peat Therapies

People behind peat therapy

Paracelsus was a Swiss German physician, chemist, botanist,

alchemist, astrologer and general occultist who is famous for his

rebellion against the conservative medical orthodoxy of his day, as

well as for his bold, new ideas in medicine. During his life, he

garnered a lot of fame for his cures and medical advances, which

made him not only highly sought after as a physician and healer, but a

controversial figure around whom many fantastic stories and legends

accrued. He is also widely held to be the father of chemical medicine,

or chemotherapy, in Europe, as well as the science of toxicology. His

ideas were also important to the founding of homeopathy as well.

Toxicology is a branch of knowledge dealing with the scientific study of the characteristics and

effects of poisons on living organisms. Paracelsus is considered to be the ‘father’ of this discipline.

He described peat as the “Quinta Essentia Vitae” (the quintessence of life), because he considered

peat to be the ultimate remedy or elixir of life. Numerous clinical studies on peat therapy have since

been carried out. Today, based on the results of these studies, thousands of doctors all over the world

use and endorse peat treatments for various ailments.

He also emphasised cleanliness and antiseptics in surgery, telling his students that if the surgeon only

takes care to keep a wound from getting infected, Nature will take care of the rest, and heal the

wound.

Paracelsus believed in planetary and alchemical correspondences for every organ and function of the

human body, and maintained that a state of health and wellbeing was the result of a harmony between

the microcosm of the human body and the macrocosm of Nature and the universe.

World Natural Resources - Mud

Types of mud

Mud baths come from many sources: lakes , saltwater sea (e.g. Dead Sea) hot springs, mud volcano,

bogs (moors)

Mud found in different parts of the world has different properties. Mud composition varies with the

place of origin. Firstly, mineral constituents of mud varies with the kind of rocks found in the region

and the process of soil formation. Secondly, mud property is influenced by kind of flora and fauna of

the region.

Clay: French Green Clay is by far one of the most effective, and most commonly used mineral skin

clays. Green clays consist of curative volcanic ashes which are found near ancient volcanoes. Unlike

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the other clays, only smectite can absorb toxins. Often referred to as Bentonites or Montmorillonites

(not a significant difference) by the suppliers of clays. Montmorillonite is the name given to a

smectite clay that was found in the Montmorillon area of France. Clays are often named after their

location. Bentonite is the name given to a smectite clay found near Fort Benton Wyoming USA. A

healing clay bath should predominantly consist of green or grey sodium/calcium smectite

Mud from Dead Sea: Cleopatra and Queen Sheeba used it for enhancing beauty, black mud of the

Dead sea has beautifying and therapeutic powers. It contains more than 20 kinds of salts and minerals

including Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium Bromide, Silicates, Natural Tar and organic elements.

While these beneficial minerals are useful for healing any kind of skin disorders, the presence of

silicates make its masks very beneficial for softening and cleansing skin. The mud enhances blood

circulation and leaves the skin with a glow.

Moor Mud/Peat: It is mud produced over thousands of years from organic residue of flowers, grasses

and herbs. This residue transformed over several years to fine paste which contains fulvic acids,

vitamins, amino acids, plant hormones, humic acids in a form which could be easily absorbed by

human body. The mud has chelatic properties which enables its top layer to filter out

impurities/pollutants and preserve purity of the mud. This mud has therapeutic properties and is useful

in detoxification, healing, beautification, nourishing human body. The mud has anti-inflammatory and

anti-aging effects. It is also useful in conditions such as Arthritis and recovery from injury in sports.

The peatland ecosystem is the most efficient carbon sink on the planet, because peatland plants

capture CO2 naturally released from the peat. It takes thousands of years for peatlands to develop the

deposits of 1.5 to 2.3 metres which is the average depth of Irish bogs.

Naturopathic Doctor Sussanna Czeranko: “Peat can be said to be a living pharmacy derived from

hundreds of plants” The microorganisms in a peat bog essentially transform vegetation into organic,

biologically active constituents. Wolfgang Paul, a researcher who spent decades studying the

therapeutic benefits of peloids, remarked that “soil microbes are necessary for the entire formation of

all living beings” The abundance of microorganisms in the soil parallels the proliferation and function

of gut flora found in the intestines, similar to microorganisms in the peat bog.

The effect of the hot peat is extremely relaxing to the muscles, and helps strengthen the immune

processes within the body. It is used for locomotive system disorders, gynaecological disorders and

respiratory tract disorders.

Mud Bath in Volcan del Totumo Colombia Peat Bath in European Spas

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Peloid

Peloid is mud, peat, or clay used therapeutically, as part of balneotherapy. Peloids consist of humus

and minerals formed over many years. Peloidotherapy involves dissolved and highly mineralised,

purified therapeutic mud/peat/clay in water and applying to the body as a thermal therapy.

Peat

Peat and your skin

Medical evidence shows that peat is both anti-inflammatory and astringent. This means it is

particularly useful for detoxification, in treating skin disorders such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Peat contains many chemical constituents that can interact with organic and inorganic compounds in

our skin. In bath treatments, peat water possesses astringent and antiseptic properties, and is a very

useful application in many forms of skin disease.

Its rejuvenating effects are attributed to the presence of

essential oils, fatty acids and lipoids. These penetrate the

skin and correct its pH balance. The application of peat on

the skin stimulates blood circulation, which can be observed

by the red colour of the skin after washing the treated skin.

Due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory effect, humic

substances are useful supplements in the topical treatment of

inflammatory skin diseases. It has an anti-aging effect as it smoothens, tightens and rejuvenates the

skin. It also has a positive effect on burns, stretch marks and cellulitis.

The treatment cleanses the body from toxins. In balneotherapy treatments strong perspiration occurs.

The body absorbs all the valuable substances from the peat, but at the same time the sweat, exfoliated

epithelium, bacteria and other elements are excreted from the skin. The skin is cleansed, this process

has been referred to as a form of skin dialysis.

Peat helps to oxygenate the deep layers of the skin and activate blood circulation. Moreover, its

application helps to revitalise, nourish and hydrate the skin.

Symptoms of acne can be alleviated by peat therapy. Treatment has succeeded in softening the skin,

removing the impurities and repairing the damage, and in some cases, the skin colour changes have

been reduced. The causes of acne can also be reduced as peat baths remove metabolic waste products

from the body.

Peat can be used to remove the thickened, peeling layer on the surface of the skin in psoriasis cases.

After few treatments the colour of the skin will even out and the irritation diminishes.

A lot of health spas today use peat as a skin treatment and many supply peat in the form of facemasks

with excellent results. Others use the peat, not for beauty but for comfort. Bathing your feet in peat

rids them of impurities and softens the skin.

Peat contains natural acids and nutrients plus it opens the skin pores allowing nutrients in and it

actively draws out lactic acid and metabolic wastes from tissues.

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A bog body is a human cadaver that has been naturally mummified in a peat bog.

Such bodies, sometimes known as bog people have been found in peat and are

partially preserved. Unlike most ancient human remains, bog bodies have retained

their skin and internal organs due to the unusual conditions of the surrounding area.

Some found in Irish bogs are on display at the Natural History Museum Dublin.

Peat Baths and Fertility

In Germany many studies have been carried out to derive what affects peat therapy has on estrogen.

Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone as well as a medication. It is responsible for the

development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.

In an article published by The Department of

Natural Cure, Blankenstein Hospital, Hattingen,

Germany an abstract states “Peat and different

peat preparations are successfully used in clinical

therapies for different indications (as, for

instance, in the field of gynaecology)…… As

regards estradiol, a significant increase could be

measured after peat-mush baths had been applied

to 17 postmenopausal female patients.

Comparing these results with those of the group

of patients treated with water baths, we noticed

that the increase of estradiol was remarkably lower and not significant. The effect of the peat

components is thought to be the reason for this.”

The full article can be viewed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11294580

A further study is referred to at http://www.frantsila.eu/therapeutic-peat-treatments

It says that in post-menopausal women, peat baths have increased estrogen levels. A study of 28

patients diagnosed with immature follicle sterility was divided into three groups. The treatment group

consisting of 16 sterile women received 3 peat baths per week for a total of 12. In this group, 11

women became successfully pregnant [with one miscarriage] resulting in 68.8% success than the

controls.

An excerpt from Textbook of Natural Medicine By Joseph E. Pizzomo: A study on infertility due to

immature follicle maturation syndrome demonstrated good results with peat therapy in comparison

with pharmacotherapy. In the peat therapy group, the rate of pregnancy was very good, along with a

practically non-existent spontaneous abortion rate, whereas in the pharmacotherapy group, the rate of

spontaneous abortions was very high.

Another article on this topic can be viewed at http://ndnr.com/womens-health/for-the-love-of-peat/

Other research has shown how it benefits in cases of PMS, lumbago, sciatica, fibromyalgia,

osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, trauma, strains, sprains, fractures, sports injuries, post-

operative rehabilitation, metabolic disorders, obesity, gynaecological disorders, orthopaedic or

neurological disorders, eczema, colds, flu, stress and general detoxification.

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Natural minerals and trace elements

Minerals and trace elements found in peat: Minerals and trace elements found in seaweed:

Calcium Calcium

Magnesium Magnesium

Potassium Potassium

Sodium Sodium

Sulphate Iron

Chloride Iodine

Copper Copper

Iron Chromium

Manganese

Zinc

Calcium benefits skeletal health, heart health, nervous system function. Magnesium activates

enzymatic activity and is essential for heart health. Potassium naturally prevents high blood pressure

and provides cellular energy. Sodium is essential for the correct balance of body fluids. Iron as

haemoglobin, transports and distributes oxygen to all your cells. Sulphates SO4 a compound of

sulphur and oxygen are essential for the optimal health of joints, skin, and nervous tissue. Iodine

benefits thyroid health. Chromium works with insulin to regulate blood sugar. Copper protects

nerve sheaths, builds supple arteries and is required for iron absorption. Zinc is good for the body's

defensive (immune) system to properly work. Manganese plays a role in fat and carbohydrate

metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation. Manganese is also necessary for normal

brain and nerve function.

Fulvic Acid: Considered the ultimate “nutrient booster,” we can benefit from fulvic acid when we

take it as a supplement or acquire it naturally from coming into contact with more mud/soil.. As an

active chemical compound, fulvic acid works in a way that helps us absorb and use other nutrients

better — such as microbiota/probiotics, antioxidants, fatty acids and minerals. Because it’s able to

improve how our cells take up things like antioxidants and electrolytes, fulvic acid has become

popular for slowing down aging, improving digestive health and protecting brain function. Due to its

unique chemical structure, it’s able to fight free radical damage that contributes to the process of

aging and nearly every chronic disease there is. Peat is rich in Fulvic acid, one of two classes of

natural acidic organic polymer that can be extracted from humus found in soil, sediment, or aquatic

environments.

Humic Acid: Humic acid has a special ability to bind to positively charged ions in the human body. It

binds to the deposits that form when particles of magnesium, calcium, iron, cadmium or phosphorous

dissolve in water because these deposits are positively charged. This purifies the body and helps

revitalise natural balance. Not only are scientists studying new ways that humic acid might be used to

help with metal detoxification, they’re also looking at how it might be used to keep high levels of

unwanted metals out of the body to begin with.

Hot Springs depending on where in the world they are, and the type of rock in which the water rises

from, have different levels of natural minerals. For example Sulphur springs contain hydrogen

sulphide gas and Salt springs contain salts of calcium, magnesium or sodium. The concentration of

minerals and trace elements however are similar and just like in peat or seaweed you will find natural

minerals and trace elements similar to the table above.

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More on Fulvic Acid and Humic Substances

See https://wellnessmama.com/25300/what-is-fulvic-acid/ for full text

We live in a world where everything is sanitized, food is irradiated and we are so removed from our

food supply that we never interact with the soil. Doesn’t seem like a big deal, right? Turns out, it is a

really big deal!

Fulvic acid is defined as a “humic substance,” meaning that it is a major component of organic matter.

Fulvic minerals and humic minerals are similar but different: Humic and fulvic acids (fulvic acids are

humic acids of lower molecular weight and higher oxygen content than other humic acids) are

commonly used as a soil supplement in agriculture, and less commonly as a human nutritional

supplement.

Benefits of Fulvic Acids

Research is only starting to uncover the important role that fulvic minerals play and the information is

amazing! Fulvic acids support the body in a variety of ways including digestion, cell health, brain

health and more!

Fulvic Acid and Digestion

Fulvic acid benefits digestion and helps the body absorb nutrients from food. In a perfect world, our

food would naturally contain high levels of fulvic minerals from the soil, but this is not usually the

case with our modern food supply.

Fulvic acid is naturally high in electrolytes and antioxidants, which also explains how it helps nutrient

assimilation.

Fulvic Acid and Cellular Health

Fulvic acid helps water enter cells at a faster rate, leading to balanced hydration and mineral levels. Its

unique balance of chelated minerals (over 70!) helps fulvic acid enter cells quickly and increases

enzyme activity.

Consuming fulvic acid helps support proper biochemical reactions in plants and animals and

optimizes cell response.

Fulvic and Humic Acids for Brain Health and Energy

Though research is still emerging, there seem to be brain and energy supporting properties in fulvic

and humic acids:

Moreover, fulvic acid “actively takes part in the transportation of nutrients into deep tissues and helps

to overcome tiredness, lethargy, and chronic fatigue. It also works effectively as a tonic for cardiac,

gastric, and nervous systems, adaptogen and anti-stress agent.” Fulvic acid has been shown to

discourage age-related cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, jaundice, bronchitis and anaemia

as well.

The Tourism Observatory for Health, Wellness and Spa (2013) wellness, spa and travel survey of 420

operators showed that spas which have natural healing resources are becoming one of the most

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popular facilities for international tourists and that therapies using natural resources with proven

benefit (e.g. water, mud) are the most popular activities.

Countries/Areas with the largest peatland occurrences

Country/Area Peat Area in km²

Russia – Asian part 1 176 280

Canada 1 133 926

Indonesia 265 500

Russia – European part 199 410

USA (Alaska) 131 990

USA (lower 48) 91 819

Finland 79 429

Sweden 65 623

Papua New Guinea 59 922

Brazil 54 730

Peru 49 991

China 33 499

Sudan 29 910

Norway 29 685

Malaysia 26 685

Mongolia 26 291

Belarus 22 352

United Kingdom 17 113

Germany 16 668

Congo 15 999

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Zambia 15 410

Uganda 13 640

Iceland 13 366

DR Congo 11 955

Poland 11 528

Falklands-Malvinas 11 408

Ireland 11 090

Chile 10 996

Peatlands in the world amount to only 3% of the land coverage which is about 3 million square miles.

It is concentrated in the northern hemisphere where Canada and Russia between them have almost

70% of the world’s peat. A small country like Ireland may not significantly add to the world’s

coverage but in terms of concentration, peatlands cover 16.2% of this island, which is exceeded only

by Canada, Indonesia and Finland. We refer to this land as bogs but in other countries they may be

called mires, moors or muskegs. They are unique in the world and can be compared to the rainforests

in a number of remote regions.

There are two types of bog in Ireland

1) Raised bogs which are found in the midlands and

2) Blanket bogs which are found mainly along the counties on the Wild Atlantic Way, most developed

in Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal.

These blanket bogs are globally the rarest of all and Ireland possesses 8% of the world’s total. They

are generally found in wet or upland areas and their depth is usually 2 to 3 metres. The bog grows, but

only at a millimetre per year, so 2 metres can take around 2000 years. Peat used in Balneotherapy

should be mined from the deepest level in these bogs.

Formation of Raised Bogs

Irish Raised bogs began to develop 10,000 years ago in depressions occupied by shallow lakes in

which anaerobic conditions occurred. Complete decomposition of plant material is prevented. In time

this un-decomposed plant material forms a thick layer of peat that rises towards the surface of the

lake. Eventually the surface peat is invaded by sedges to form a fen. The fen peat layer thickens so

that the roots of plants growing on the surface are no longer in contact with the calcium-rich

groundwater. The only source of minerals for plants is now rainwater, which is very poor in minerals.

Raised bog species, such as Sphagnum mosses begin to invade and eventually the fen becomes a

raised bog

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Formation of Blanket Bogs

Blanket bog formation in the mountains and lowlands of the west of Ireland started at the end of the

last glaciation, 10,000 years ago. Initially peat formation was confined to shallow lakes and wet

hollows. Over time an infilling sequence from open water to fen and acid peat occurred to form the

blanket bog habitat we find today. Later, acid peat spread out to form a blanket covering huge areas of

poorly drained land. While some spread may have taken place as early as 7,000 years ago, many areas

were not engulfed until 4,000 years ago when the climate became wetter. Heavy rainfall caused

minerals such as iron to be washed out or leached from the surface layers of the soil, a process known

as paludifacation. These were deposited lower down where they formed an impermeable layer known

as an iron pan. Water cannot move down through such a layer and the soil surface became

waterlogged as a result. Under these conditions the accumulation and spread of peat was made

possible.

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Evidence, Studies and Trials

A lot of evidence regarding the health benefits of natural springs, mud and peat is available in

languages other than English due to the fact that therapeutic springs and muds tend to be mostly found

in countries such as China, Japan, India and in east and central Europe. It could also be said that the

baths tended to be known as medical destinations whereas the modern spa is being reinvented as a

wellness destination. Naturopathic doctors lean towards natural cures and holistic approaches to good

health while most medical doctors (not all of them) will tend to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs.

Naturopathic physician Jim Chan, who specialises in treating cancer at his Vancouver clinic, often

uses peat balneotherapy as part of his patients’ complementary treatment regimens. Dr. Chan explains

that peat contains fulvic acid, an organic acid with the ability to neutralize a specific toxic chemical

that adversely affects the body’s P53 protein. It is this protein that helps prevent cancer by repairing

genetic faults. If the P53 protein mechanism isn’t working, then the body’s ability to repair damaged

(precancerous) genes is hindered.

The pharmaceutical industry has funding for trials and promotions that far outweigh the resources of

those in the natural wellness industry. However in a search for evidence on the internet you will find a

lot of studies have been carried out. They generally do not dismiss the benefits of Balneotherapy but

mostly conclude that not enough or insufficient strength in the trials that were carried out. The

following excerpt is typical:

Falagas ME, Zarkadoulia E, Rafailidis PI. The therapeutic effect of balneotherapy: evaluation of

the evidence from randomised controlled trials. International Journal of Clinical Practice 2009; 63(7):

1068-1084

Authors' objectives

To review the evidence for the clinical effects of balneotherapy.

Pain: There was a statistically significant improvement in pain in 17 of the 25 trials in the

balneotherapy group compared to control. There was no statistically significant difference between

groups in eight trials.

Morning stiffness: There was a statistically significant improvement in the balneotherapy group

compared to control in morning stiffness for one study. There was no statistically significant

difference in the other seven studies that assessed this outcome.

Number of tender points and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire: There was a statistically significant

improvement with balneotherapy compared to control in three of the five studies that assessed these

outcomes.

Analgesic consumption: There was a statistically significant improvement with balneotherapy

compared to control in two of the five studies.

Quality of life: There was a statistically significant improvement with balneotherapy compared to

control in all four studies.

Authors' conclusions

Balneotherapy may be associated with improvement in several rheumatological diseases, but existing

research was not sufficiently strong to draw firm conclusions.

Research: The authors stated that randomised controlled trials were required to assess the

effectiveness of balneotherapy, especially for dermatological, cardiovascular, respiratory,

gastrointestinal, allergic and gynaecological diseases.

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Indications and Contraindications

Therapists and others working in the spa and wellness industry should be aware of indications and

contraindications when giving advice or taking therapeutic thermal baths.

Indications

Indications of thermal baths are: arthritis, muscle stiffness, acne, muscle spasms, chronic pain, chronic

injury, post workout soreness, fatigue, gout, weakened immune function, cold extremities, headaches,

hematomas, muscle tension, fractures, osteoarthritis, rashes, rheumatic diseases, chronic arthritis,

spine diseases, muscular atrophy, post-traumatic and post-surgical adhesions and scarring, chronic

skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema) and chronic gynaecological post-operative rehabilitation, general

detoxification, back pain, PMS, lumbago, sciatica, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, strains,

sprains, fractures, sports injuries, metabolic disorders, obesity, gynaecological disorders, orthopaedic

or neurological disorders, eczema, colds, flu, and stress and most musculoskeletal conditions.

Contraindications

Contraindications of thermal baths are: May not be suitable for patients who are pregnant or who have

cardiac, pulmonary, or respiratory insufficiencies, acute hypertension, or diabetes. Adverse reactions

including nausea, headache, dizziness, tingling, or numbness should be reported immediately to a

therapist. Also acute or chronic feverish disorders, infectious diseases during the contagious period or

in convalescence venereal diseases in contagious stage. A person who is attending a doctor with a

current problem should inform them before taking other treatments.

For the person interested in their general wellbeing - do not take hot baths every day. Not more than 2 or 3

times a week and take a break week. We don’t get super strong or fit from just a single workout,

neither do we suddenly reverse years of eating crap by eating a single piece of fruit. So it’s probably

safe to say the real benefits of therapy baths come from habitual use, as part of a holistic approach to

health.

Stay hydrated by drinking water before, during and after hot bath.

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World Spas

Here is a sample of spas where you can see their offerings of peat treatments.

http://www.alpenrose.co.uk/en/wellness/beauty-

center/detail/article/naturmoor-bad.html

(Austria)

http://www.ebners-waldhof.com/spa-hotel-austria (Austria)

http://www.goldenhaven.com/spatreat.html (USA)

https://www.grailsprings.com/spa-therapies-baths-wraps-steam-Vichy (Canada)

http://sookeharbourhouse.com/spatreatments/ (Canada)

http://www.olympiahotel.eu/en/spa-centre/hydrotherapy/peat-bath--2 (Czek Republic)

http://www.torfspa.com/moor_mud_bath.html (Czek Republic)

https://karlovyvary.cz/en/peat-bath (Czek Republic)

http://www.spa5.cz/en/treatments/baths/peat-bath.html (Czek Republic)

http://aurora.yconix.com/uploads/files/pdf/katalog/image_kat_en.pdf (Czek Republic)

http://www.villasavoy.cz/spa--wellness/bath-procedures-inthe-spa-hotel-villa-

savoy/

(Czek Republic)

http://www.hotelruze.cz/wellnesscenter-en.html#item-121_cat-0 (Czek Republic)

http://www.hotelpalacezvon.cz/en/koupele-en/ (Czek Republic)

http://www.lazne-lednice.cz/en/hydrotherapy/ (Czek Republic)

http://www.hotelfranz.cz/en/spa/ (Czek Republic)

http://www.spaestonia.ee/resort/en/spa-treatments/for-body/ (Estonia)

http://www.rokua.com/en_day_spa_peatbath (Finland)

http://www.frantsilanhyvanolonkeskus.fi/fi/Frantsila+Spa.html (Finland)

http://hotellikalevala.fi/peat-sauna (Finland)

http://www.die-neue-kur.de/en/spas-and-health-resorts-in-germany/medicinal-

mud-spa-resorts.html

(Germany)

http://www.parkhotel-bayersoien.de/en/medical-spa-hotel/moor-wellness-

germany/

(Germany)

https://www.luitpoldbad.de/en/wellness-allgaeu/luitpold-medical-wellness (Germany)

http://www.thecliffhousehotel.com/wellness-and-activities/511342/bathing-

therapies

(Ireland)

http://www.kclub.ie/en/wet-spa-treatments/ (Ireland)

http://www.clarahousespa.ie/peat-therapy.html (Ireland)

http://www.yeatscountryhotel.com/seaweed-bath.html (Ireland)

http://www.ladygregoryhotel.ie/spa-in-gort-galway.html (Ireland)

http://druskininkai.sanatorija.lt/en/treatments (Italy)

http://www.wellnesspatince.sk/en/beauty-spa/peat-bath/ (Slovakia)

http://www.luxuryscotland.co.uk/news-offers/new-treatments-and-services-at-

the-old-course-hotel-spa/

(UK)