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Thermal Sources
Aphrodite, Poseidon, Apollo and the Nymphs of Nitrodes….legend has it the Gods once bathed and swam in the therapeutic thermal waters of Ischia, apparently attracted to some divine element; today scientists have proven the benefits of the waters. Ischia's venerable thermal springs are nutrient rich, containing mineral elements important for body healing – sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen carbonate, sulphates and chlorides.
Over time, the unique properties of Ischia's thermal water have been scientifically researched and applied in the alleviation and cure of a wide range of medical pathologies using effective, natural alternative remedies. These now include a variety of therapeutic mud treatments for artery and muscular ailments, inhalation and nebulisation treatments for respiratory conditions as well as anti-stress and relaxation therapies.
Beyond these well-known therapeutic advantages, Ischia's thermal springs improve kidney function and arthritic conditions, help prevent gout, alleviate gastritis and heal ulcers, wounds and boils.
Ischia's thermal geology provides a multi-pronged approach to rehabilitation. Mineral water, mineral-rich mud and natural steam therapies can be combined with corrective exercise and nutritional programs in a favourable and invigorating environment. On-site medical supervision prescribes the best combination of these therapies and methods giving a personally tailored health programme.
Rejuvenating beauty and wellness treatments are abundant in Ischia, with day spas offering a plethora of pampering treatments and spa programmes, proving Ischia to be a wellness paradise.
For a more comprehensive idea of the numerous health conditions that benefit from thermal water therapies and the vast scope of relaxation treatment packages available, a list has been compiled below.
Health
- Rheumatic: primary and secondary arthritis, extra-articular rheumatism, dysmetabolic rheumatism, gout and pseudo-gout
- Ear, nose and throat: laryngitis, rhinitis and rhino-sinusitis, allergic rhinitis rhinopathy, rhino-otitis, chronic rhino otitis, serous otitis media, dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis
- Respiratory: chronic and acute bronchitis, allergies in the trachea, larynx or bronchial tubes
- Gastroenterological: gastric and bile dyspepsia, constipation
- Vascular: varicose veins, post-tromboflebitic syndrome, angiopathic dermatosis, angiodermatosis, eczema, dystrophic ulcers
- Dermatological: psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, acne, burn wounds
- Urinary: Gallstones and urinary tract infections
- Gynaecological: chronic vaginitis, painful Sclerosis Benefits
- Beauty and relaxation: thermal baths with air chamber, foot reflexology massage, sauna, aromatic hydrotherapy
- Wellness circuits: sauna, Turkish bath, Kneipp program, hydro-massage, oxygen therapy
- Anti-stress: sauna, full-body massage, anti-stress massage, pressure point massage, hot stone therapy, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic massage
- Facial: skin analysis, clean, tone and peeling treatment, moisturising, lymph-draining massage, therapeutic mudpack
- Thermal: mud formula, mineral shower and bath, sulphuric water inhalation and aerosol
- Energy: aqua aerobics, shiatsu, algae bath, wine therapy, Indian-style holistic massage, Reiki
- Anti-cellulite: seaweed wrap, full-body lymphatic draining, firming massage, pressure therapy
- Toning: aromatherapy, toning and strengthening treatment, cold firm compress, hydro-massage, algae therapy, phyto-thalasso therapy
- Slimming: aerobics, gym exercise with trainer, sauna, Turkish bath, toning massage, hydro-massage
- Legs: thalasso therapy, cold mud prescription, Kneipp program, pressure therapy, lymph drainage or circulation massage
Hot Springs
At Nitrodi, one of the ancient thermal centres of Ischia island stood a small temple dedicated to Apollo and the nymphs. Its construction alongside the thermal font reflected the ancient belief in the connection between the water's special healing power and the magical forces of this gift from the Gods, meant to cure the ailments of mankind. Ancient civilizations once believed that a healthy body, as opposed to an unhealthy one, was better able to spiritually connect with the Gods.
The ancient Greeks, devoted to their pursuit of 'medicine' as a science separate from philosophy and theology, were the first to begin the quest into what exactly comprised the thermal waters of these healing properties. Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of medicine, wrote his 'Use of Liquids' treaty, praising the properties of mineral water and hot springs. He was a firm believer in the use of thermal springs.
If the Greek settlements on the island were the first to discover and make use of the thermal waters, under Roman rule the springs became public baths propagating their widespread use. New sources were soon discovered and developed, such as the Cava Scura and Cartaromana springs. Centuries later, a series of bas-reliefs from the Roman era were found, including one depicting gratitude and praise to the Gods for good health obtained from these springs.
In the 1500s, with the benefit of further developed medical technology, Giulio Iasolino, doctor and university lecturer at Naples, provided a scientific census and analysis of Ischia's thermal springs. Each font and spa was analysed and classified according to its composition and distinctive properties. The waters of Nitrodi, for example, were classified medium level mineral water and hypothermal, particularly indicated for dermatological treatments.
The following century 'Pio Monte della Misericordia', a clinic for the poor, was built at Casamicciola Terme, taking advantage of the thermal treatments from the Gurgitello, Fornello and Fontana springs. These thermal water cures were supplemented by steam and sauna treatments in natural grottoes at nearby Lacco Ameno or "fumaroles", volcanic vents, like that of Testaccio.
Over time, Ischia’s thermal waters became more and more renowned. So much so that the hero of the Unification of Italy, Giuseppe Garibaldi, arrived in 1864 to treat injuries sustained during the battle of Aspermont. Hotel Manzi & Spa, located in the town of Casamicciola, has still today preserved the original bath where he soaked his wounds. .
During the 19th century, Sebastian Kneipp, a German priest often considered one of the founders of naturopathic medicine, also studied and applied hydrotherapy to support medical treatment. Based on a system of controlled water temperatures and pressures, the 'Kneipp' pools became a standard feature in Ischia's thermal centres. Although Professor Iasolino's early study had focused on the health effects of the springs, and noted the aesthetic benefits. "Women who regularly wash their clothes in it and use it for other purposes benefit," he wrote. "Such women are beautiful and keep their bodies healthy." In fact, recent times have seen a transition from the strictly curative focus of the thermal springs to overall wellness. Several study centres were established on Ischia to explore what other treatments the thermal springs could provide.
In 1892 the 'Antica Fabbrica di Cosmetici' began operation, using the exfoliating and purifying qualities of the island's mud as a base for cosmetic products. The mud factory has become Ischia Thermae, now an international business with a comprehensive range of products drawn from Ischia's precious natural resources.
In the course of the last 100 years, centres began offering the complete package – pools, saunas and spas; doctors, beauticians and masseurs; food, scenery and comfort. Modern resorts of the Poseidon Gardens and Negombo now represent an alternative to the classic ritual springs of Nitrodi and Cava Scura.
In the 21st century it is clear that the boundaries between science and spiritual worship will never quite be decisively drawn. For many doctors, thermal cures remain an alternative medicine. Meanwhile the pursuit of eternal youth, or at least an extension of youthful life, may seem closer than ever to the vision of the ancient Gods. But the benefits of the natural treatments available in Ischia – its unique red mud, 29 thermal springs, 69 fumaroles and over 100 spas - are undeniable.
Health
- Rheumatic: primary and secondary arthritis, extra-articular rheumatism, dysmetabolic rheumatism, gout and pseudo-gout
- Ear, nose and throat: laryngitis, rhinitis and rhino-sinusitis, allergic rhinitis rhinopathy, rhino-otitis, chronic rhino otitis, serous otitis media, dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis
- Respiratory: chronic and acute bronchitis, allergies in the trachea, larynx or bronchial tubes
- Gastroenterological: gastric and bile dyspepsia, constipation
- Vascular: varicose veins, post-tromboflebitic syndrome, angiopathic dermatosis, angiodermatosis, eczema, dystrophic ulcers
- Dermatological: psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, acne, burn wounds
- Urinary: Gallstones and urinary tract infections
- Gynaecological: chronic vaginitis, painful Sclerosis Benefits
- Beauty and relaxation: thermal baths with air chamber, foot reflexology massage, sauna, aromatic hydrotherapy
- Wellness circuits: sauna, Turkish bath, Kneipp program, hydro-massage, oxygen therapy
- Anti-stress: sauna, full-body massage, anti-stress massage, pressure point massage, hot stone therapy, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic massage
- Facial: skin analysis, clean, tone and peeling treatment, moisturising, lymph-draining massage, therapeutic mudpack
- Thermal: mud formula, mineral shower and bath, sulphuric water inhalation and aerosol
- Energy: aqua aerobics, shiatsu, algae bath, wine therapy, Indian-style holistic massage, Reiki
- Anti-cellulite: seaweed wrap, full-body lymphatic draining, firming massage, pressure therapy
- Toning: aromatherapy, toning and strengthening treatment, cold firm compress, hydro-massage, algae therapy, phyto-thalasso therapy
- Slimming: aerobics, gym exercise with trainer, sauna, Turkish bath, toning massage, hydro-massage
- Legs: thalasso therapy, cold mud prescription, Kneipp program, pressure therapy, lymph drainage or circulation massage
Hot Springs
At Nitrodi, one of the ancient thermal centres of Ischia island stood a small temple dedicated to Apollo and the nymphs. Its construction alongside the thermal font reflected the ancient belief in the connection between the water's special healing power and the magical forces of this gift from the Gods, meant to cure the ailments of mankind. Ancient civilizations once believed that a healthy body, as opposed to an unhealthy one, was better able to spiritually connect with the Gods.
The ancient Greeks, devoted to their pursuit of 'medicine' as a science separate from philosophy and theology, were the first to begin the quest into what exactly comprised the thermal waters of these healing properties. Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of medicine, wrote his 'Use of Liquids' treaty, praising the properties of mineral water and hot springs. He was a firm believer in the use of thermal springs.
If the Greek settlements on the island were the first to discover and make use of the thermal waters, under Roman rule the springs became public baths propagating their widespread use. New sources were soon discovered and developed, such as the Cava Scura and Cartaromana springs. Centuries later, a series of bas-reliefs from the Roman era were found, including one depicting gratitude and praise to the Gods for good health obtained from these springs.
In the 1500s, with the benefit of further developed medical technology, Giulio Iasolino, doctor and university lecturer at Naples, provided a scientific census and analysis of Ischia's thermal springs. Each font and spa was analysed and classified according to its composition and distinctive properties. The waters of Nitrodi, for example, were classified medium level mineral water and hypothermal, particularly indicated for dermatological treatments.
The following century 'Pio Monte della Misericordia', a clinic for the poor, was built at Casamicciola Terme, taking advantage of the thermal treatments from the Gurgitello, Fornello and Fontana springs. These thermal water cures were supplemented by steam and sauna treatments in natural grottoes at nearby Lacco Ameno or "fumaroles", volcanic vents, like that of Testaccio.
Over time, Ischia’s thermal waters became more and more renowned. So much so that the hero of the Unification of Italy, Giuseppe Garibaldi, arrived in 1864 to treat injuries sustained during the battle of Aspermont. Hotel Manzi & Spa, located in the town of Casamicciola, has still today preserved the original bath where he soaked his wounds. .
During the 19th century, Sebastian Kneipp, a German priest often considered one of the founders of naturopathic medicine, also studied and applied hydrotherapy to support medical treatment. Based on a system of controlled water temperatures and pressures, the 'Kneipp' pools became a standard feature in Ischia's thermal centres. Although Professor Iasolino's early study had focused on the health effects of the springs, and noted the aesthetic benefits. "Women who regularly wash their clothes in it and use it for other purposes benefit," he wrote. "Such women are beautiful and keep their bodies healthy." In fact, recent times have seen a transition from the strictly curative focus of the thermal springs to overall wellness. Several study centres were established on Ischia to explore what other treatments the thermal springs could provide.
In 1892 the 'Antica Fabbrica di Cosmetici' began operation, using the exfoliating and purifying qualities of the island's mud as a base for cosmetic products. The mud factory has become Ischia Thermae, now an international business with a comprehensive range of products drawn from Ischia's precious natural resources.
In the course of the last 100 years, centres began offering the complete package – pools, saunas and spas; doctors, beauticians and masseurs; food, scenery and comfort. Modern resorts of the Poseidon Gardens and Negombo now represent an alternative to the classic ritual springs of Nitrodi and Cava Scura.
In the 21st century it is clear that the boundaries between science and spiritual worship will never quite be decisively drawn. For many doctors, thermal cures remain an alternative medicine. Meanwhile the pursuit of eternal youth, or at least an extension of youthful life, may seem closer than ever to the vision of the ancient Gods. But the benefits of the natural treatments available in Ischia – its unique red mud, 29 thermal springs, 69 fumaroles and over 100 spas - are undeniable.
Why customers love us:
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Min. 4-nights in 4/5 star hotel and get free hydrofoil connection. read more » |
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Free round-trip transfer from Naples airport or station to Ischia. read more » |
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We offer a range of carefully selected accommodation in Ischia. |
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Our travel experts help you to organise your holidays in Ischia. |
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Meteo Ischia
- Mon min 15°C / max 25°C
- Tue min 16°C / max 23°C
- Wed min 17°C / max 25°C
- Thu min 17°C / max 25°C
