The human body reacts to the environment that demands the neuroendocrine system, depending on the geographical conditions, the type of atmospheric circulation, with all its set of climatic elements and the characteristics of solar radiation. Several climatic regions have been established that overlap the bioclimatic regions, delimited according to medical coordinates, depending on the body’s reactions.

The climate of plains and low plateaus.

(Romanian Plain, Moldavian Plain and Plateau, Dobrogea, Tisza and Banat Plains). It is partially identified with the exciting and demanding steppe and coastal bioclimate, characterized by a marked stress on the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as on the glands with internal secretion, with sedative nuances in the western part of the country. A separate category is the sea coast.

Relatively cold winters, hot summers in the plains and cool summers on the coast, low humidity, long duration of sunshine, moderate humidity in the plains and sea on the coast, reduced precipitation, accentuated dynamics – a specific continental climate with moderate shades on the coast. Moderate thermal comfort in the summer on the coast due to the wind, lower in the plains.

Air ionization rather low (up to 1200 ions/cm2), with a slight predominance of positive ions. At the seaside, where the shore waves break, negative aero ionization predominates.

The skin stress has quite high values ​​due to the large temperature amplitudes and the wind. Pulmonary stress is high, especially on the coast due to the large amounts of water vapor.

The total high bioclimatic stress explains the demanding nature of the plain and coastal climate.

The climatology indications are correlated with the balneological ones:

• aero and heliotherapy have a long practice period,
• thermolysis processes are requested, especially by increasing the loss of fluids from the body in the plains and training and thermal tempering on the coast,
• the activity of the glands with internal secretion (pituitary, adrenal cortex, gonads) is stimulated, the deposition of calcium in the bones,
• non-specific immunological processes increase.

The particular climate of the Black Sea coast is a transitional climate between the steppe and marine climates. The influence of the sea basin mitigates the thermal contrasts of the air, the characteristics of the steppe, and favors air currents with a breeze character. The transport of cooler air from the sea during the day provides the coast with a particularly pleasant thermal regime, preventing caloric overload of the body. The air is of an accentuated purity, rich in salty aerosols, present especially in the vicinity of the piers, where the breaking waves spray the sea water. It is charged with negative ions and water vapor, contains salt, iodine, bromine.

The plants and the entire vegetation contribute to the creation of special microclimate conditions.

Sunbathing acts on the body both through caloric and ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet rays prevent osteoporosis, depression, insomnia, weather sensitivity, alleviate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, treat hypothyroidism, ovarian failure, rheumatism, bone tuberculosis, skin diseases.

The intense brightness of the sun-bathed beaches also adds to the exciting effects of the other factors of the coast.

The sand of the coastal beaches is part of the therapeutic complex (psamotherapy) and fights water retention in the body, alleviates rheumatic pains, eliminates toxins and increases resistance to infections.

Walking through the mineralized sea water (between 13 and 18 g/l), the movement, the rhythmic massage exerted by the crashing waves, the thermal contrasts between the air and the water that bathe the skin, as well as the “mantle” of salt that is deposited on the skin after the evaporation of the sea water, have great value for the treatment of circulatory and lymphatic diseases of the lower limbs. Bathing in the sea and mud wraps help these people regain the power of muscle contraction and joint mobility. The waves, through the mechanical action they exert, directly influence peripheral venous circulation, with a preventive role in the appearance of varicose veins.

Spa centers offer therapies based on sea water, lake water and sapropelic mud, sulphureous mesothermal springs, mud baths and cold mud applications according to the Egyptian method (anointments), warm mud wraps, warm baths, etc. The black, pasty sapropelic mud from Lake Techirghiol is unique and known throughout the world. Concentrated sludge extracts were shipped to remote locations. At 150 meters from the sea, the beach facilities follow the Egyptian method of open air treatment. An air rich in iodine, magnesium, bromine and sodium chloride creates a particularly favorable atmosphere for aero ionization and insolation. As in Germany, pelotherapy is also practiced with the peat mud found in Lake Mangalia (Romania).

Thalassotherapy is a natural therapy and refers to the medical use of the beneficial properties of the sea (including the coastal climate, the sun, sea water, marine mud, seaweed , sand and other substances extracted from the sea) for a preventive and restorative purpose. Treatments based on remedies related to the marine environment are common in Europe and are used in both wellness and medical tourism.

Cure indications of bioclimate of plains and low plateaus: chronic diseases of the locomotor system and the peripheral nervous system, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, recovery of lung damage after COVID, long COVID, dermatosis, rickets, osteoporosis, chronic gynecological diseases, extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Resorts:

Black Sea Coast: Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Techirghiol, Neptun, Mangalia, Saturn

Plains: Amara, Lacu Sarat, Balta Alba, Murighiol

The climate of hills and plateau.

It includes regions with average altitudes between 200-300 meters and 600-800 meters (the Subcarpathians of Moldavia and Muntenia, the Transylvanian Plateau, the Crisurilor Hills)

Superimposed on the sedative-indifferent (sparing) climate

Reduced demand on neurovegetative and endocrine functions, acclimatization poses fewer problems.

Relatively long duration of sunshine, moderate cloudiness, moderate humidity, moderate precipitation, lower atmospheric pressure. Autumn monthly maximums and spring monthly minimums. Wind with lower speeds.

Climate with moderate temperatures, rather mild winters, cool summers, humidity and dynamics reduce. Maximum thermal comfort.

Increased negative air ionization due to clean air, vegetation and water surfaces.

Ideal climate for treatment and rest, recommended for all ages.

Climatology indications correlated with balneological ones:

– Aero and heliotherapy

– Field cure

– Association with balneophysical treatments: mineral waters, mud, mofetas, etc

– The microclimate of the salt pans for the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases – saline aerosols, moderate ionization, slight thermal discomfort from cooling, reduced skin and lung stress.

Cure indications:

– Asthenic neurosis, overwork, convalescence,

– Recovery post COVID and long COVID

– Diseases of the locomotor system and the peripheral nervous system.

Resorts: Bazna, Baile Govora, Baile Herculane, Baile Olanesti, Geoagiu-Bai, Moneasa, Baltatesti, Calimanesti-Caciulata, Covasna, Baile Felix, Ocna Sibiului, Pucioasa, Sacelu, sarata Monteoru, Sangeorz-Bai, Balvanyos, Ocna Sugatag

Mountain climate.

The entire Carpathian arc on the territory of Romania. Altitude from over 600-800 meters up to 1800-1900 meters.

Mountain climate of the shade:

– moderate cold

– upper cold-high mountains

– cold rough- at the top

Tonic-stimulating bioclimate, maximum efficiency between 1000-1800 meters.

Two categories: the climate of positive forms (mountains), warmer

                        the climate of negative forms (depressions), with intense and long thermal inversions.

High humidity (80%), moderate cloudiness, high sunshine in the high areas, fairly large precipitation differently distributed, low atmospheric pressure, winds of different intensity, high dynamics (hail, blizzard, hailstones) in the open areas.

Negative air ionization.

Skin and lung stress quite high values, especially at high altitudes.

Stressful, stimulating-tonic bioclimate, more demanding with increasing altitude.

Indications of the belt: especially for young people, with benign conditions, for the association of naturopathic treatment with training and thermal tempering.

– Neuroses, anemia, overwork, convalescence, chronic endocrine diseases, rickets, growth disorders, pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Resorts: Baile Tusnad, Borsec, Borsa, Busteni, Sinaia, Slanic-Moldova, Stina de Vale, Vatra-Dornei, Malnas-Bai.

Forest climate

The protection of the atmosphere and the climatic functions demonstrate the role played by the forest in maintaining the ecological balance.

A large volume of plant biomass engaged in the photosynthesis process. It ensures the consumption of carbon dioxide resulting from its own “metabolism”, from neighboring ecosystems or due to pollution, releasing the necessary oxygen on the same scale. “GREEN LUNG”, forest ecosystems, especially tropical ones, being some of the most important producers of oxygen on a planetary level.

Aero ionization richly negative.

The microbial load was only 50-55 bacteria/m3.

Specific topo climate. It is determined by the influence exerted on solar radiation, the circulation of air masses and evaporation processes:

 – moderation of temperature extremes,

 – low intensity of solar radiation,

– high humidity,

– atmospheric calm and lower wind speeds,

 – the more uniform distribution of precipitation and the increase of its quantity.

Important recreation function – optimal environmental framework for human health, effect on the psyche.

Increased thermal and environmental comfort

Reduced skin and lung stress.

The bioclimate is therefore relaxing, sedative.

Effects:

– improvement of metabolism,

– thermoregulatory adaptation reactions,

– increasing oxygen assimilation and CO2 elimination, by reducing the number of breaths per minute. Recovery post COVID and long COVID.

– decrease and stabilization of blood pressure and pulse.

UNVEILING CLIMATOTHERAPY’S RICHNESS IN ROMANIA’S BALNEARY TREATMENT

The spa and wellness industry has the potential to significantly improve the population’s overall health. While traditional treatment methods frequently rely on medication or surgical interventions, both of which are risky, spa treatments can provide a safer and more natural alternative for alleviating certain conditions.

We had the opportunity to speak to Iuliana Tasie and Dr. Mihaela Cucu, who both play key roles in developing and promoting national balneary tourism, both inbound and outbound, and are active members of OPTBR (National Balneary Spas Association) and ESPA.

Q: What is the role of preventive wellness procedures in general health?

The effects on health are demonstrated both by specialized studies and by the attitude of the authorities in certain European countries, which subsidize these treatments at the national level. Also, wellness tourism that uses natural resources can be an important basis in educating the young population for prophylaxis, exposing in this way the benefits of preventive procedures for healthy people.

Q: How do geographical specifics and climate character influence spa & wellness treatment in Romania?

The human body reacts to the environment that demands the neuroendocrine system, depending on the geographical conditions, the type of atmospheric circulation, with all its set of climatic elements and the characteristics of solar radiation. Several climatic regions have been established that overlap the bioclimatic regions, delimited according to medical coordinates, depending on the body’s reactions.

Q: Dr. Cucu, could you give us a short overview of the “health map” of Romanian bioclimate specifics?

Well, we should first know that there are 4 geographical regions that dictate the cure indications of bioclimate of each: the climate of plains and low plateaus, the climate of hills and plateaus, mountain climate, and forest climate. Romania is blessed with a varied and at the same time unitary relief, in which the proportionality of the three characteristic forms is noticeable: mountains 34%, hills 35%, plains and meadows 31%, arranged in an amphitheater against the Carpathian arch that surrounds the great interior depression of Transylvania and, gradually, decrease in altitude towards the periphery. The location along the 45th parallel gives its climate a temperate character, with a hint of continentalism in the eastern half.

Find out more about the climate of plains and low plateaus, hills, and mountains of Romania

You can find out more about cure indications and resorts in Romania by reading an exclusive research paper prepared by Iuliana Tasie and Dr. Mihaela Cucu.

Read more

Q: Mrs. Iuliana, what is your point of view on the future of medical tourism?

Tourism represents one of the most dynamic sectors of today’s economy, with a multiplier effect, having the possibility to transform micro-destinations into real magnets for tourism demand. Tourism has always played an important role, including in times of imminent danger. Tourism activity has not been interrupted, despite risky conditions on public roads, periods of political instability or pandemics. One of the oldest forms of tourism, along with cultural and religious tourism, health tourism represents the form of tourism that is gaining momentum and regardless of its main component, the parties involved have the same to gain.

Medical tourism mainly takes into account poor destinations, established in the main tourist markets. The beneficial effects on the local population are obvious and the residents of rich countries benefit by performing interventions and treatments that are more accessible, both in terms of financial cost and availability, which in the place of residence would have meant an inevitable debt.

Q: Dr. Cucu, what is the main difference of the Romanian approach in spa & wellness?

Romania has a huge potential for spa tourism thanks to its natural resources, that’s why the field is in continuous development. The valuable natural therapeutic factors (mineral springs, mud, gases, etc.) existing throughout the country, which offer a variety of treatment possibilities (cardiovascular, rheumatic, digestive, gynecological and recuperative) together with the prophylactic function of disease prevention, have allowed maintaining spa and wellness tourism in the European trend, in the sense that the tourist offer has been developed, modernized and diversified in accordance with the changes that take place permanently in the behavior of spa and wellness tourism consumer.

Today, tourists are looking to combine the healing properties of spa resorts with wellness & SPA treatments and procedures. In recent years, a major increase in the demand for spa treatment across all age groups could be noted, especially as the overlap between wellness tourism and medical tourism is evident in the case of activities placed within the health concept, for example thalassotherapy, thermal baths, health resorts, anti-aging treatments – activities that can be both preventive and curative. People spend more and more time at work, the level of stress they are subjected to is increasing, holidays are becoming more and more important to them. When we say wellness, we can say prevention, health, good physical shape, balanced mental state, a holistic approach to the human being, which offers the prerequisites for a lifestyle adapted to the current environment in Romania, which must come from the concepts already developed for many years in Europe.

Q: Mrs. Iuliana, why it is important to talk about quality and certification in health and spa activity?

Quality is extremely important in any field of activity but most important in services. When you discuss health especially you want the best and you look for proof of it, recommendations, tradition, and recognition. As vice president and leader of the Quality group of ESPA, I am focused on finding ways to promote it at the European level and inside Romania, since the last trends in the balneary and spa industry showed an increasing demand from our guests. And in order to be able to demonstrate it you need to present the strong points of each country: natural resources used for cures, the development of spa resorts in terms of accommodation and food & beverage services and more important related to the facilities in the health and spa centers, the high qualification of the medical staff and therapists, the entire concept of green and sustainable destination. In this direction, we have started a project together with Romanian authorities and at the same time, we are working with our colleagues from QUHEP (Quality in Health Prevention) to provide training and certification all over Europe.

At the same time, we have to promote the fact that health tourism can be described as “green tourism”, from an ecological point of view, sustainable, by reducing environmental damage (flora, fauna, water, land, etc.) and adding value to the environment through protection and conservation. The spa resorts, real “oases of health”, are mostly located in natural parks or in the vicinity of protected natural areas, which has greatly favored tourist traffic in recent years, but also with a great retention power, due to the visible benefits in their health and well-being.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ROMANIA’S BALNEARY TREATMENTS

Read an exclusive research paper prepared by Iuliana Tasie and Dr. Mihaela Cucu