What is health tourism?

„ All the intentional mobility related to health, where the main reason for travelling is healing (medical treatment), rehabilitation, health improvement (wellness, recreation, etc.) accompanied with tourism service.” (Source: Dictionary of Medical Sciences)

What is the difference between thermal water, healing water and mineral water?

• Thermal water: mineral water of 30Co or higher temperature at the spring.
• Healing water: mineral water with scientifically proved healing effect.
• Mineral water: contains at least 1000 mg per litre of minerals or rare elements (iodine,fluoride).

Contraindications

All diseases and states in which the use and application of certain therapeutic processes or medications endangers the patient, and thus is forbidden.

Cure

Therapeutic method undertaken at a spa or resort. The repeated application of natural medical treatments and medication which is scientifically recognised and experimentally proven; often complemented by other therapeutic processes.

Indications

All diseases and states in which the use and application of certain therapeutic processes or medications is allowed or necessary.

Medical Spa

Is a fantastic way to combine medical beauty procedures with traditional spa treatments in order to achieve an outcome that you’ll be absolutely delighted with.  A medi spa is a spa that has a medical program, operated under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. Medi spas mix orthodox medicine and complementary therapies in order to create the perfect treatment for you. These spas use medical treatments such as lasers, microdermabrasion, Botox, and other medical beauty procedures as well as providing traditional spa services such as facials and massages. Medi spas will consult with you to put together a customised package that meets your needs, both medically and holistically. Their goal is to help you to achieve ultimate wellness.

Medical tourism

Can be defined as the process of travelling outside the country of residence for the purpose of receiving medical care. What really puts the word “tourism” in medical tourism concept is that people often stay in the foreign country after the medical procedure. Travellers can thus take advantage of their visit by sightseeing, taking day trips or participating in any other traditional tourism activities.

Recreation

Relaxation and rejuvenation, to which entertainment facilities (sports, culture, games, etc.) should be provided in addition to the immediate cure and relaxation services.

Rehabilitation

The restoration of the physical, mental, social, economic and employment health of those whose ability to work was impaired as a result of a di

sease or accident (as far as possible taking into account the disease or lasting effects of the disease).

Allergy treatment

There are many different causes of allergy and symptoms vary from mild to potentially life threatening. Allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless for most people. These substances are known as allergens and are found in house dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, moulds, foods and some medicines. Allergy is also one of the major factors associated with the cause and persistence of asthma. Fortunately effective prevention and treatment options are available for most allergies.

Balneology 

Science of medicinal waters. The science of baths or bathing, especially the study of the therapeutic use of thermal baths.

Balneotherapy

Is the treatment of a medical condition with water from a medicinal spring – particularly water with high concentrations of dissolved minerals and sediment. the treatment of diseases, injuries, and other physical ailments with baths and bathing, especially in natural mineral waters. The term “balneotherapy” is generally applied to everything relating to spa treatment, including the drinking of waters and the use of hot baths and natural vapor baths, as well as of the various kinds of mud and sand used for hot applications. Balneotherapy may be recommended for wide range of illnesses, including arthritis, skin conditions and fibromyalgia. As with any medical treatment, balneotherapy should be discussed with a physician before beginning treatment, since a number of conditions, like heart disease and pregnancy, can result in a serious adverse effect. Balneotherapy is combined with physiotherapy, electrotherapy and therapeutic massage.

Convalescence

A period of recovery following a disease or injury during which time all appropriate therapeutic processes are employed in order to ensure maximum recovery.

Cure

Therapeutic method undertaken at a spa or resort. The repeated application of natural medical treatments and medication which is scientifically recognised and experimentally proven; often complemented by other therapeutic processes.

Detoxification

Is what your body does naturally to neutralize, transform or get rid of unwanted materials or toxins. It is a primary function of the body, constantly working and interacting with all other functions of the body. It is about improving and optimizing the function of your body’s own detoxification systems. Detoxification is helpful for those patients suffering from many chronic diseases and conditions, including allergies, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, chronic infections, depression, diabetes, headaches, heart disease, high cholesterol, low blood sugar levels, digestive disorders, mental illness, and obesity and may other. Detoxification can be used as a beneficial preventative measure and as a tool to increase overall health, vitality, and resistance to disease. Detox is simply the very first step in the continuum of addiction treatment.

Electrotherapy

Is a form of medical treatment, which uses small electrical impulses to repair tissue, stimulate muscles and increase sensations and muscle strength. There are several different forms of electrotherapy; these include ultrasound, interferential therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), laser therapy and muscle stimulation. Ultrasound uses sound waves to speed up the healing process, while interferential therapy and TENS reduce pain by manipulating the nerves which reduces the sensation of pain and produces a tingling feeling. Laser therapy is sometimes used to repair damaged tissue; using lasers means the treatment can be both accurate and intense. The effects of electrotherapy include a reduction in pain, increased strength, increased range of movement, increased speed and strength of muscle contractions and an increased rate of absorption.

Health Check up

Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. Which exams and screenings you need depends on your age, health and family history, and lifestyle choices such as what you eat, how active you are, and whether you smoke.

Hydrotherapy

Or water therapy, is the use of water (hot, cold, steam, or ice) to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. The temperature of water used affects the therapeutic properties of the treatment. Hot water is chosen for its relaxing properties. It is also thought to stimulate the immune system. Tepid water can also be used for stress reduction, and may be particularly relaxing in hot weather. Cold water is selected to reduce inflammation. Alternating hot and cold water can stimulate the circulatory system and improve the immune system. Adding herbs and essential oils to water can enhance its therapeutic value. Steam is frequently used as a carrier for essential oils that are inhaled to treat respiratory problems.

Hydrotherapy

Water therapy (comprising such therapeutic processes which utilise the physical properties of water, e.g. temperature, current, buoyancy. This includes weight baths, underwater water-jet massage, etc.).

Inhalation

A device for breathing in therapeutic vapours through the nose or mouth, esp one for relieving nasal congestion or asthma.

Mechanotherapy

Those therapeutic processes where mechanical energy is expended to serve the healing process (e.g., therapeutic gymnastics, massage).

Medical check up

Athorough physical examination; includes a variety of tests depending on the age and sex and health of the person.  Example: acute check up, blood pressure measurement, blood sugar test, Doctor’s Consultation, Doctor’s control, Final doctor’s check-up, Final paediatrics examination, Initial Doctor’s check up, Medical wellness Doctor Consultation, Prescription, etc depend on patient illness.  Medical check up always depend on doctor.

Medical massages

Is medical care delivered to a patient under the direction of a prescribing health care provider and typically paid for by a third party. Medical Massage need require a prescription or doctor’s referral in order to receive treatment.

Mud Packs

Mud often shows up in spa treatments, most commonly body wraps, facial masks and mud baths. The mineral composition of muds differ based on where they come from, and the muds used at spa have been selected for their therapeutic properties.  These muds are mildly exfoliating, increase circulation to the skin, help draw out the body’s natural waste products, and are a rich source of minerals and trace elements.  The mud can also be combined with mineral springs or geothermal waters, which bring even more potency to the treatment. Greek physician Galen wrote about mud treatments for arthritis and rheumatism nearly 2,000 years ago.

Phototherapy

Or light therapy, is the administration of doses of bright light in order to normalize the body’s internal clock and/or relieve depression. Phototherapy is prescribed primarily to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a mood disorder characterized by depression in the winter months, and is occasionally employed to treat insomnia and jet lag. The exact mechanisms by which the treatment works are not known, but the bright light employed in phototherapy may act to readjust the body’s circadian (daily) rhythms, or internal clock.

Physicotherapy

Those therapeutic processes where physical energy is expended to serve the healing process. This includes mechanotherapy, electrotherapy, ultrasound, phototherapy.

Physiotherapy

Helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. Physiotherapy is a degree-based healthcare profession. Physios use their knowledge and skills to improve a range of conditions associated with different systems of the body. The complete range of natural healing methods, including:

• balneotherapy (medicinal bath cures, drinking cures and mud treatments)
• climatherapy (cave therapy, alpine air therapy)
• hydro- and thermotherapy (water therapy and heat treatment)
• inhalation therapy (inhalation with medicinal waters or medication)
• mechanotherapy (therapeutic gymnastics or massage)
• electrotherapy and phototherapy (electric and light treatment)
• dietary treatment

The salt cave

Is a room constructed from real salt and depending on the location this salt can be imported from several different sources. The room is designed to be relaxing and atmospheric. During the treatment you lie comfortably in a chair relaxing whilst breathing in this special salty air. In the process tiny salt particles are inhaled into the respiratory system and lungs. Since salt has an anti-bacterial effect the salt particles help dissolve mucous and have a cleansing reaction in the respiratory system. It is effective in the treatment of chronic respiratory conditions, or the after effects of a cold or respiratory infection. Because the body is in a totally relaxed position, the inhalation process is more effective, and it combines improved respiratory function with stress reduction. The treatment then follows with a thermal bath sometimes referred to as the ‘mirror pool’ treatment. As a result this combined treatment has both the benefits from the salt inhalation and the healthy and relaxing effects of bathing in the thermal water. Purpose: de-stress, re-energizing and doctor’s prescription not needed

Thermal Bath

Rich in minerals and warmed by the heat of the earth’s interior, thermal mineral water is probably one of the most remarkable natural remedies known to mankind. It is particularly effective in the treatment of chronic inflammatory and degenerative locomotive disorders, and is also excellent in rehabilitation programmes. Relaxing in the warm water is also a perfect antidote to unwinding from the stresses and strains of modern life. In fact, its effect is so strong that a weekly visit to the local spa is routine for many people living in Central Europe. Thermal water naturally arises, or is pumped artificially up to the earth’s surface, typically from a depth of around 2,000 meters. After this, it then cools to a temperature suitable for bathing, which is usually between 36-39°C. You are encouraged to relax in the thermal bath for 15-20 minutes daily unless otherwise advised by doctor.  Purpose: de-stress, re-energizing and doctor’s prescription not needed

Relaxation

Abatement or relief from bodily or mental work, effort, application, etc. A pleasant activity that makes you becomes calm and less worried.

Wellness massages

Is a consumer service delivered to a client who pays for the service themselves. It can be all about relaxation and stress-relief, as in a traditional full-body Swedish massage. Or we can focus all your time on a specific area, incorporating deep tissue and myofascial release to help unwind that particular body part. Wellness massage does not require a prescription or doctor’s referral in order to receive treatment. There’s no billing insurance, no elaborate medical charts, and no insurance companies, attorneys or other medical providers involved. Suggested to anyone who wants to relax, de-stress, detox, and practice the high art of self-care.

Further relaxation treatments

Treatment in which patients are taught to perform breathing and relaxation exercises and to concentrate on a pleasant situation. Example: Anti-cellulite pack, Dead se complex body treatment, Infrasauna, Mud pack, detoxicating body treatment, rejuvenating body treatment, vitasalin, wellness mud pack, etc.

Fitness (phisycal)

Good health, especially good physical condition resulting from exercise and proper nutrition.

Exercise classes

Aerobic, Aqua fitness, Nordic walking, Pilates, Power plate, step aerobics, Thai Chi, Yoga, etc.

Beauty treatments

The use of some form of treatment to improve someone’s personal beauty such as a facial, manicure or depilation.   Example: beauty treatments, hand and foot care, hairdresser, Mesoteraphy, Anti-age therapy, etc.

What treatments can I get at the Hungarian spas?

It depends on your personal needs. Most Hungarian spas specialize in treating locomotion problems, Arthritis, Rheumatism, spine and joint problems and post-injury rehabilitation under the care of highly specialized medical doctors of Rheumatologist, Balneologists and Internal specialist. Upon individual consultation with the doctor a treatment plan will be prescribed to you. There are also diet plans available, gyms, dentistry and cosmetic surgery for extra cost.

Can I select what treatments I want to include in my treatment package?

Yes you can, together with the doctor. Depending on your personal situation the doctor and you together will decide on the treatment plan. Upon arrival before you can start your treatment protocol you will be seen by a spa doctor specialist. They speak English and other languages. You can tell your complaints so the doctor can prescribe the best treatment plan for your condition. If you wish to get specific treatments, please ask the doctor.

What if I do not have a medical condition?

You can still benefit from the treatments. Massages, different types of baths, Champaign bath mud packs and other type of water treatments are all useful for general rejuvenation, stress relieve and general muscle toning. Bathing in the thermal waters high in trace elements is excellent for detoxification. The drinking cures help you with intestinal cleansing and digestion. Most of our spas are located in relaxing and serene surroundings where the environment will also contribute for improvement of your general well-being.

Are all treatments medical?

No, in addition to the treatments that are part of your spa package, you can also order additional “fancy” and beauty treatments like facials, cellulite, Thai massage and other type of massages locally. The spas in whole Hungary general offer in-house cosmetic surgeries and mostly of them dental work. Why not try a general makeover while on a relaxing holiday?

How many treatments should I have?

It all depends on your condition. If you have a more serious condition, you should go with the complete therapies, while if you just want to get pampered, go with the basic package options.

Will there be enough time for sightseeing and other activities?

You treatments are by appointment. After the initial consultation with the doctor, you will be able to book your treatments in advance. If you want to take a few days off for local sightseeing, you can book your treatments accordingly.

How long should I stay in a spa?

As long as you can. For people with more serious conditions, the recommended length of stay is minimum 2-3 weeks. We suggest to stay with mild conditions for minimum a week or two.

How long will the effects of the treatments last?

It will depend on your individual condition and the severity of your problems. Some people find they are symptom-free for 6 months, others for only a couple of weeks

Why should I book my spa holiday with your company?

Because we are the experts. We have been using these spas for many years and have personally visited and tried all of them. With our first hand knowledge we can give you individual advises regarding which spa would be the most beneficial to you based on your condition and individual needs.

In what currencies are the tours/packages listed?

Most of them are listed in Euros.

How do I receive my documents?

The invoice and the optional cancellation insurance form will be issued and emailed or mailed to you upon confirmation of the booking. Final documents are issued as soon as we receive full payment. Most vouchers are sent to you as email attachments or can be sent by mail as well.

When is the final payment due?

For most packages we require final payment 30 days prior to arrival. You will be advised about your final payment date at the time of reservation. If you have less than 30 days before your tour/package starting date, full payment is required upon booking

I am insecure about booking on internet. How can you assure me that my reservation is in order?

You will receive our official invoice with all the details of our company including registration and tax account numbers. All vouchers show the contacts of the local hotels/spas and other suppliers with contact names and emergency phone numbers. You can call those numbers any time before departure to verify that your reservation is in order.

I am not familiar with your company. Can I get references?

Yes, if you contact us, we will give you phone numbers of several European government tourist board or consulates as well as the main phone number of the travel agency licensing office. We are not allowed to give out private passengers’ phone numbers.

How can I make sure I read the rates correctly?

All rates for all packages are listed per person based on 2 people sharing the room. If you travel alone single rate applies. You have to look for the double rate if you have 2 people in your party and for the single rate if you plan to stay alone in your room. Most times cost varies depending on seasonality. All price charts give rates for all seasons usually for a one-year period. The prepaid upgrade cost is a very good deal much cheaper than paying for additional treatments locally one-by-one. If something is not clear, please send us an email or call us at +36-1-279 6896 Monday-Friday (08:30-17:00). We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Can I avoid paying the single supplement if I am willing to share my room with another single person on the tour?

No, we do not handle single matching. We do not know people who book with us personally. We are not aware of their sleeping or washroom habits and do not wish to disappoint our clients with incompatible roommates. We suggest you travel with a friend or family member if you wish to avoid paying for the single supplement.