Hotel Vila Baleira
Hotel Vila Baleira

Psamotherapy

Hot sand therapy

Biogenic Carbonated Sand Baths

Porto Santo sand has been used for many years in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases (rheumatic and orthopaedic diseases), such as: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia.

Porto Santo sand is carbonated biogenic with physical, chemical and thermal properties. Flat sand, very fine and easy to adhere to the skin. Rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sulphur, strontium (natural anti-inflammatory), among others. Due to its composition, sand can maintain high temperatures for quite some time.

Biogenic Carbonated Sand Baths

Porto Santo sand has been used for many years in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases (rheumatic and orthopaedic diseases), such as: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia.

Porto Santo sand is carbonated biogenic with physical, chemical and thermal properties. Flat sand, very fine and easy to adhere to the skin. Rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sulphur, strontium (natural anti-inflammatory), among others. Due to its composition, sand can maintain high temperatures for quite some time.

Hotel Vila Baleira

The treatment

Hot sand baths in Porto Santo

It begins with the completion of a health questionnaire, monitoring of blood pressure and fluid intake. After this phase, patients are sent to the treatment area where, assisted by qualified personnel, they will undergo sand treatment. Treatment consists of covering the person with hot sand. In the sand bath, the temperature of the sand is between 40-43ºC at the beginning of the treatment and, after 25-30 minutes (recommended time for the duration of the treatment), the temperature of the sand should be around 37-38ºC. For the sand to dissolve and release the minerals, allowing absorption through the skin, it needs an acid, which, in this case, is the pH of sweat.
The break between sessions will be one hour, a break used for relaxation, rebalancing body temperature and hydration through fluid intake. All the sand used in this therapy is kept under strict hygiene and disinfection conditions, and is permanently controlled to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity.
Hotel Vila Baleira

The treatment

Hot sand baths in Porto Santo

It begins with the completion of a health questionnaire, monitoring of blood pressure and fluid intake. After this phase, patients are sent to the treatment area where, assisted by qualified personnel, they will undergo sand treatment.

Treatment consists of covering the person with hot sand. In the sand bath, the temperature of the sand is between 40-43ºC at the beginning of the treatment and, after 25-30 minutes (recommended time for the duration of the treatment), the temperature of the sand should be around 37-38ºC. For the sand to dissolve and release the minerals, allowing absorption through the skin, it needs an acid, which, in this case, is the pH of sweat.
The break between sessions will be one hour, a break used for relaxation, rebalancing body temperature and hydration through fluid intake. All the sand used in this therapy is kept under strict hygiene and disinfection conditions, and is permanently controlled to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity.

Hotel Vila Baleira
Hotel Vila Baleira

Recommendations

At least 10 sand baths on consecutive days with a duration of 20-30 minutes each are recommended. The studies carried out indicate that the beneficial effects begin to appear after the fifth day (10 sessions). Medical consultation (optional).

Users should wear a swimsuit (men) and a bikini (women), to maximise the area exposed to the sand. The spa will provide a bathrobe and slippers.

Hotel Vila Baleira
Hotel Vila Baleira
Hotel Vila Baleira

Contraindications

Treatments are not recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular problems, low blood pressure, uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension, peripheral respiratory failure / varicose veins, kidney failure, among others.
Hot Sand Therapy - Vila Baleira
Hot Sand Therapy - Vila Baleira

Contraindications

Treatments are not recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular problems, low blood pressure, uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension, peripheral respiratory failure / varicose veins, kidney failure, among others.

Scientifically proven results through studies carried out by the University of Oslo (Norway) and the University of Aveiro (Portugal). Information based on studies carried out by Professor Celso Gomes and Ing. João Baptista, researcher at the GeoBiotec Research Unit of the Foundation for Science and Technology of the University of Aveiro; provides much information on the physical, chemical and thermal properties, relevant for therapeutic applications, of the biogenic carbonated sand found on the island of Porto Santo.