Hyperthermic baths (HTB)

The principle

The heat distributed by the baths organises the opening of the numerous closed capillaries of the skin, releases the diseased organism from venous congestion, destroys the microbial flora, disintegrates and eliminates necrotic foci.

On the basis of these principles, Dr Salmanoff developed hyperthermic baths (at 39°C - 40°C) with the addition of turpentine oil obtained from the oleoresin of the larch(Larix decidua L.).

Baths combining heat and oleoresin stimulate the opening of the arterial and venous capillary loops.

Heat alone (e.g. in mud baths) only stimulates the venous loops of the capillaries, leaving the arterial loops in a constricted state (the loops are the parts of the capillaries where metabolic exchange takes place).

Three types of baths were created based on this principle, although Salmanoff also used many other hydrotherapy techniques.

The 3 types of baths

The yellow bath, a mixture of maritime pine, castor oil 50%, oleic acid 20%, caustic soda 13.4%, water 15%.
- Yellow bath is used for people whose blood pressure exceeds 140 mm Hg and is hypotensive. It has an analgesic effect (against pain).
The white bath, which is considered to be hypotensive, consists of 45% maritime pine, soap, salicylic acid, camphor alcohol, white willow bark extract.
- The white bath raises blood pressure and has an analgesic effect.
The mixed bath, a 50-50 mixture of the previous two, is said to have no effect on blood pressure. In practice, it is the one that has the widest range of effects and adapts to any pathological situation.

In practice

Mixed bath: how to put it into practice?

First of all, you need a bath thermometer to check the temperature of the water.
Pour 20 ml of the Salmanoff bath product "mixed yellow + white" in a 50%-50% ratio into a large bottle 2/3 full of very hot water at 60°C.
Shake the bottle well and pour it into the bathtub filled with 37°C water.
Remember to cover your private parts with Vaseline before getting into the bath. This is important because the turpentine can burn the skin on your genitals.
Soak your whole body in the bath, but not your head. Your eyes should not come into contact with the bath water.
Pour very hot water into the bath to reach a temperature of 39 to 40°C.
Stay in the bath for 20 minutes.
Get out without rinsing, cover yourself with a bathrobe and get under the duvet to sweat.
It is important to stay well hydrated by drinking water before and after the bath.

Indications

The indications for bathing described by Dr Salmanoff, and experienced by him in many patients over almost 60 years, were very numerous:

There are so many conditions covered that only the most important are listed here.

Contraindications

Salmanoff baths are not recommended in the following cases

Pregnant/nursing women
Children under the age of 14
Stroke or heart attack in the acute phase and early recovery
Significant heart failure
Paroxysmal hypertension
Crisis tachycardia
Acute infectious disease
Fever
Epilepsy
Acute psychosis
Advanced cancer
Cirrhosis of the liver
Acute alcohol intoxication
Crisis asthma
Trophic ulcers
Unhealed wound
Allergy to any of the ingredients

The baths should be used with great care and under medical supervision for people undergoing intensive medical treatment.

Precautionary measures

Avoid contact with eyes.

Turpentine can cause burns to the mucous membranes. It is recommended to protect the genital area with a layer of Vaseline.

In case of burns, wash with a solution of water (1 cup) and baking powder (1 teaspoon).

Interactions with other medicines

There are no documented interactions.

However, it should be remembered that in Dr Salmanoff's time most of the drugs used today for the various conditions listed did not exist.

It is recommended that people with medical conditions who are taking medication should not stop or change their treatment without medical advice.

It is also recommended that they consult their doctor before trying the Salmanoff Baths.