CO(2) Balneotherapy in Japan

Natural CO(2) springs have been scarcely utilized in Japan, whereas artificial CO(2) bathing has become popular by the introduction of CO(2) tablets and other apparatus for CO(2) water supply. Artificial CO(2) bathing is indicated for degenerative connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma, common stiff and painful shoulders, chronic joint pain, lumbago, and trophic changes due to insufficient peripheral circulation by virtue of the increase of tissue pO(2) and the improvement of tissue perfusion. Artificial CO(2) bathing promotes recovery from fatigue and is beneficial in women whose health has been adversely affected by cold.

日本では，天然の二酸化炭素泉は殆ど利用されていない。一方，CO(2)錠剤，CO(2)給水装置が開発されて人工二酸化炭素泉がよく用いられるようになってきた。皮下組織の酸素分圧の上昇と組織循環の改善という好ましい生理作用により，結合織の退行性変化による慢性障害，すなわち強皮症，関節症，慢性関節痛，腰痛症，および末梢循環障害に伴う組織の栄養障害に適応がある。また，疲労回復を促進し，いわゆる冷え症に好ましく作用する。