Almost every modern clinic, health resort or sanatorium can offer its clients a number of physiotherapeutic procedures for heat treatment. This method of influencing the body has positively proven itself in therapy and rehabilitation medicine.
Thanks to a controlled increase in the temperature of individual areas of the body, metabolism is normalized, capillary blood flow improves, muscle function and skin elasticity are restored. The best results in the heat treatment industry continue to be demonstrated by ozokerite or mountain wax.
Chemical composition and properties
Unlike paraffin, ozokerite is able to maintain temperature for several hours after heating, which contributes to better heating of diseased areas of the body. This mineral is also of petroleum origin and can be in crystalline, plastic or liquid form.
In addition to the hydrocarbon base and high-molecular substances, it contains mineral oils, resins and hydrogen sulfide derivatives. For medical purposes, purified ozokerite with a pronounced kerosene odor is used. The color of this waxy mass can range from bright brown to black.
Ozokerite (paraffin therapy)
Ozokerite is a waxy mass from dark brown to black in color - a substance of petroleum origin. Ozokerite contains paraffin, mineral oils, resins and other substances. To free it from foreign inclusions, raw ozokerite is melted and washed with water, and then with acid, and bleached with special bleaching clay (Fuller's earth). Commercial ozokerite is black, green, yellow or white, depending on the degree of bleaching. Purified ozokerite melts at a higher temperature (65°C to 80°C) than paraffin; it consists almost entirely of high molecular weight hydrocarbons. Acids and alkalis have no effect on ozokerite. It holds oils and other additives firmly. Ozokerite is insoluble in volatile alcohols, but soluble in benzene, kerosene and other hydrocarbons.
The term "ozokerite" was first proposed by Glocker in 1833. The first chemical analysis of ozokerite was carried out by the famous French chemist Walter in Paris in 1840.
Clinical experience with the use of ozokerite indicates that the most favorable results are achieved when treating inflammatory and metabolic-dystrophic diseases. Ozokerite applications have a positive effect on inflammatory processes, accelerate recovery processes, increase immune parameters, normalize the tone of the autonomic nervous system, and stimulate blood circulation. The inclusion of ozokerite applications in the treatment complex increases the effectiveness of spa therapy in the treatment of pathologies of the digestive system, urination and metabolism.
The effect of ozokerite on the body consists of temperature, mechanical and chemical factors. In addition, the numerous chemical components of ozokerite and the possibility of their penetration through the skin cause significant changes in the overall reactivity of the body.
Ozokerite is characterized by very low thermal conductivity, high heat capacity and heat-retaining ability. Convection heat transfer in ozokerite is weakly expressed, therefore, when it is applied to the skin, a layer quickly forms, the temperature of which is close to the skin temperature, and the transfer of heat to the body from the overlying layers occurs very slowly. This makes it possible to use ozokerite at high temperatures (60-70 C) without fear of causing a burn.
The mechanical factor of the action of ozokerite is due to its ability, when solidified, to decrease in volume by 10-12%, which is accompanied by slight compression of the underlying tissues (compression effect). This promotes deeper distribution of heat. The compression effect of ozokerite is most pronounced during circular applications, when an area of the body is covered from all sides, for example, on the extremities, while tissue swelling is reduced, because due to the thermal effect, the outflow of tissue fluid and lymph improves.
The chemical effect of ozokerite is due to the presence of biologically active substances in it (having an estrogen-like, acetylcholine-like effect) that can penetrate through intact skin into the body and, entering the humoral channel, cause a parasympathicotonic effect. Ozokerite also contains substances with antibiotic properties. It has been established that ozokerite can have an anti-inflammatory, absorbable, analgesic, antispastic, desensitizing effect, and stimulates regeneration processes.
Indications for use of ozokerite
Diseases of the joints and spine of a dystrophic and inflammatory nature in the acute or chronic stage; consequences of damage to the musculoskeletal system; diseases and injuries of peripheral nerves and spinal cord; diseases of internal organs (chronic pneumonia, pleurisy, hepatitis, cholecystitis, gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum); chronic and subacute inflammatory diseases of the female genital area, secondary infertility; chronic inflammatory diseases of the ear, nose and throat; skin diseases; diseases of peripheral vessels of the extremities in the initial stages, chronic. thrombophlebitis.
Technique of procedures
Ozokerite is heated to the required temperature in electric paraffin heaters or in a water bath. Sterilization of used ozokerite is carried out by heating in a water bath to a temperature of 100 degrees for 10-15 minutes. When reusing ozokerite, 25% of the unused substance is added to it.
There are several ways to use ozokerite:
- layering (molten ozokerite t 65-70 C is applied to the skin with a brush);
- ozokerite baths (the limb is coated with ozokerite, and then immersed in a vessel with molten ozokerite at 60-70 C;
- napkin-application (gauze folded in 8-10 layers is immersed in molten ozokerite t 50-55 C, wrung out and applied to the site of treatment, covered with oilcloth, and then with a blanket or quilted pad);
- cuvette-application (molten ozokerite in a layer 1.5-2 cm thick is poured into cuvettes, frozen ozokerite t 48-50-54 C is removed from the cuvette onto an oilcloth and applied together with it to the areas to be exposed).
The latter technique is most often used in practice.
Ozokerite is also used for abdominal treatment in the form of rectal and vaginal tampons at a temperature of 55-60 C. The choice of treatment method is determined by the form of the disease, the localization of the process, the phase and stage of the disease. Usually the procedures are carried out daily or every other day, the duration of the procedure is from 15 to 30-40 minutes, the course of treatment is 10-20 procedures. After the procedure you should rest for 30-40 minutes.
Treatment courses can be repeated at intervals of at least 3-4 months. Ozokerite can be combined (alternating procedures) with galvanization or electrophoresis, ultrasound therapy, light therapy, massage, physical therapy, and general mineral baths. The intervals between ozokerite treatment and one of the listed procedures should be at least 1-2 hours. For the elderly and children, ozokerite is heated to a lower temperature (48-52 C); The duration of the procedure is reduced to 15-20 minutes. In children's practice, preference is given to the napkin-application method (napkins are moistened with ozokerite temperature 48-49 C and a compress is applied).
The use of ozokerite is contraindicated in feverish conditions, decompensation of the cardiovascular system, acute and subacute heart diseases, severe forms, hypertension, emphysema, bronchial asthma, dystrophies, tuberculosis, benign and malignant tumors, a tendency to bleeding, blood diseases, callous and prone to to penetration of stomach and duodenal ulcers, ulcerative enterocolitis, severe liver diseases, gangrenous forms of obliterating endarteritis, acute and subacute thrombophlebitis, thyrotoxicosis, epilepsy, with suppurative processes in the pelvic organs, during pregnancy.
Storage: at a temperature not higher than + 25 C.
Recommendations for use and contraindications
In a complex of health spa procedures and at home, ozokerite is used to treat the following problems:
- disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system;
- inflammation of tissues and internal organs;
- diseases of the skin and blood vessels;
- trophic ulcers;
- damage to the musculoskeletal system;
- rehabilitation after surgery;
- diseases of the genitourinary system.
It is prohibited to carry out thermal treatment, as well as treatment with shock wave therapy, ultrasound and other physical procedures, in case of exacerbation of any chronic diseases, or detection of disturbances in the functioning of the heart, thyroid gland or kidneys. Also, you should not use ozokerite during pregnancy and lactation.
Technique of paraffin treatment procedure
“Paraffin capsule” is a proprietary procedure of the RHANA clinic, using special Japanese paraffin, including essential oils and extracts of Japanese herbs.
The unique technique of applying paraffin requires special skill and high professionalism of a specialist and is carried out only with special Japanese brushes. It is important that the material lies tightly to the skin and not a single crack appears, sweat here and the name “capsule”.
When applied to the entire body (and this is 8-10 kg in one procedure), active removal of fat occurs, swelling is eliminated, and a powerful detoxifying and lymphatic drainage effect occurs. The use of a paraffin capsule is indispensable in the fight against unwanted weight and removal of excess fluid.
Procedure for treatment at home
Mountain wax is heated for 10 minutes in a steam bath to a temperature of 100 degrees, which makes it possible to sterilize the paraffin. Then you need to make bags, which should be slightly larger in size than the area of skin being treated.
Melted ozokerite is poured onto the prepared film and cooled. It can be used once the temperature reaches 50 degrees (for children it is necessary to either use colder applications or reduce the duration of the procedure). Before applying wax plates to the body, you should first apply a thin layer of Vaseline, which will prevent skin irritation and burns.
To apply several layers to the diseased area, each subsequent plate is wrapped with film or gauze. A bag of ozokerite can be wrapped around a limb and covered with oilcloth for better heating. After 40-50 minutes, the compress is removed. The procedure is repeated 10-15 times at intervals of 1 day. Mountain wax treatment almost never causes allergic reactions or side effects.
Ozokerite for osteochondrosis. Drug treatment
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, drugs of various clinical and pharmacological groups are used. To eliminate acute pain in the neck and back of the head, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, analgesics in tablets or injection solutions are used. And the use of ointments and patches, including those with a warming effect, helps to get rid of mild or moderate discomfort.
For osteochondrosis of 1st or 2nd degree of severity, chondroprotectors are included in the therapeutic regimens - Artra, Structum, Chondroxide, Teraflex. These are stimulators of regeneration of cartilage tissue of intervertebral discs and damaged ligaments, tendons, and muscles. With the help of a long-term (from 3 months to several years) course of taking chondroprotectors, it is possible to partially restore hyaline cartilage and normalize the functioning of the cervical spine.
The concentration of active ingredients (glucosamine, chondroitin) of the drugs in the area of damaged tissue gradually increases. Soon their analgesic, anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effects begin to appear. Chondroprotectors are not used in the treatment of grade 3 osteochondrosis, since destructive processes have affected almost all connective tissue structures.
Why should you come to us?
- Ozokerite is a natural paraffin-like substance, so it can be used in cases where artificial paraffin treatment cannot be used;
- Our specialists will conduct an examination of the body, identify indications and contraindications for ozokerite treatment;
- We use various methods of applying ozokerite in order to fully reveal all the healing properties of this drug in each specific case;
- We use ozokerite therapy in combination with other methods of physiotherapy, achieving high and stable results;
- Our specialists make the most effective use of all the properties of natural paraffin, creating their own ozokerite therapy regimens.
Questions and answers
When is it better to do paraffin baths - before or after applying gel polish? Paraffin therapy immediately after a manicure with gel polish is not recommended, since prolonged heat exposure may cause the coating to peel off or crack. Typically, paraffin baths are done before applying gel polish.
Can paraffin be reused? It is not recommended to use an already used composition, since toxic substances pass into it from the skin.
How often can you do paraffin baths? To obtain a lasting positive result, it is recommended to attend 5-10 sessions. The break between them is 5-7 days.
The effect of paraffin wraps
- The skin is renewed, saturated with essential nutrients; paraffin moisturizes it and promotes rejuvenation, since under the paraffin layer moisture does not evaporate, but penetrates deep into the skin.
- The muscles completely relax.
- Slags and toxins are actively removed.
- Lymph flow increases.
- Microcirculation of the skin and muscle tissue is significantly improved.
- Body weight and volume decrease.
Paraffin wrap successfully prevents the appearance of wrinkles and helps eliminate existing ones. When hardened, the paraffin capsule decreases in size, which leads to tightening of the skin and, accordingly, increased lymph flow and blood flow. In turn, this results in the removal of unnecessary toxins from the body.
The effect of paraffin wrap is noticeable immediately: patients feel rested, their skin becomes softer, and extra centimeters are removed.
