General Recommendations for Taking Zalmanov Baths
The frequency of taking Zalmanov baths depends on the diagnosis and on the general condition of the patient. In most cases, it is recommended to take the baths every other day; however, in cases accompanied by severe pain, the baths may be taken daily.
The initial dose of the bath tonic for an adult is 20–25 ml. The dose may be gradually increased up to 120–130 ml, depending on the patient’s tolerance to Zalmanov baths and on the therapeutic effect obtained.
During the course of treatment it is advisable to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and antibiotics, and also to limit the consumption of meat dishes.
When taking baths with the white tonic, a tingling or burning sensation of the skin may appear in various areas of the body. Such reactions depend on the concentration of the bath tonic and on the individual sensitivity of the patient.
Excessive burning usually indicates an excessive dose of the white tonic, or that the dosage or duration of the bath has been exceeded. In order to prevent irritation, it is recommended to apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the genital area before taking the bath.
The therapeutic results obtained from Zalmanov baths depend largely on the correct technique of application.
Equipment Required for Taking Zalmanov Baths at Home
To carry out the procedures at home, the following are required:
- a bathtub with a capacity of 170–200 liters
- hot and cold water (hot water should be added during the procedure to gradually raise the temperature)
- a water thermometer with a scale up to 50°C
- a measuring cup
- a sphygmomanometer for measuring blood pressure (optional)
- a clock or timer
- a mirror (to observe perspiration on the face if the bath is taken without assistance)
- Zalmanov yellow and white bath tonics
Each therapeutic session may be divided into three stages.
1. First Stage — Preparation of the Bath
Fill the bathtub with warm water at 36 (±1)°C, leaving 15–25 cm below the rim of the bath. The temperature should be carefully controlled with the help of a water thermometer, which must remain in the bath throughout the entire procedure.
Take a bowl and a measuring cup. Measure the required quantity of Zalmanov bath tonic, pour it into the bowl, add a small amount of hot tap water, and mix thoroughly.
Pour the diluted mixture into the bath and stir the water well with both hands so that the tonic is evenly distributed.
2. Second Stage — Taking the Bath
Lie down in the bath and immerse the body in the solution as deeply as possible, keeping the head above the water.
Open the hot water tap and begin to add hot water slowly, gradually raising the temperature of the bath — approximately 1°C every two minutes.
Relax and remain quietly in the bath, occasionally stirring the water gently with the hands and feet. At the same time, carefully observe the thermometer and the clock, controlling the rate of temperature increase.
The maximum recommended temperature is:
39 (±1)°C for baths with the white tonic
41–42°C for baths with the yellow tonic
During the first five minutes, the temperature should not exceed 39°C, allowing the body to adapt gradually to the rise in external temperature.
During the next five minutes, the temperature may be increased from 39°C to approximately 41°C, again allowing the body to adapt progressively.
During the third five-minute period, the addition of hot water should be stopped and the patient should simply relax in the bath.
The appearance of perspiration on the face is the key sign during the procedure. It indicates that the organism has reached the necessary stage of reaction and that the bath may be completed.
Care should be taken when leaving the bath, since the bath tonic may make the surface of the bathtub slippery.
Put on a bathrobe or wrap yourself in a large towel, but do not dry the skin. Immediately go to bed for the final stage of the procedure.
In all cases, the initial temperature of the bath water should be approximately 36°C.
The average duration of a Zalmanov bath should not exceed 15–17 minutes, depending on the general condition of the patient and the intensity of perspiration on the face.
If perspiration appears earlier than expected, the procedure may be finished sooner. If perspiration appears later, the bath may be prolonged for 1–3 additional minutes.
3. Third Stage — Rest in Bed
Although the bath itself has ended, this stage is extremely important for obtaining the full therapeutic effect.
The patient should remain in bed for approximately 1–2 hours, during which perspiration continues.
To promote active sweating, the patient should be well covered with two or three blankets.
It is also advisable to drink a cup of hot tea, preferably prepared with diaphoretic herbs such as:
- raspberry fruits
- linden flowers
- elderflowers
- honey may also be added.
This helps to increase and prolong perspiration, thereby assisting the elimination of metabolic wastes and toxins from the body.
One must remember that cleansing of the organism contributes to the removal of disease.
Completion of the Procedure
After the period of rest, the body may be refreshed with a light shower, without soap or shampoo.