# Balneotherapy with the Use of Radon-Sulphide Water: The Mechanisms of Therapeutic Effect
## 2 The Mechanism of the Therapeutic Effect of Radon-Sulphide Water
This theory resembles [PERSON]'s rule, used in physical therapy and developed in the 19 th century, which claims that low doses of physical energy stimulate life processes [28]. The concentration of radon in natural conditions fluctuates continuously throughout the day and also seasonally due to precipitation. In the course of therapy, losses of radon are also observed for technical reasons, including the accumulation of water in tanks, transfer through pipes, heating, cooling, as well as intensive exploitation. A decrease in the radon content of 40-80% was observed. Such a high variability of radon concentration at the well sampling sites means that the calculation of any dose, whether total or organ dose, after taking into account the radon content in the source as well as the number of treatments taken, is impossible, inappropriate, and should not be used [29]. Radon penetrates the skin in small amounts, and the content increases with increased temperature and humidity. Absorption of radon occurs in 95% in the lungs; more than 90% of it is eliminated by exhalation in the lungs, and the remaining part is eliminated through the kidneys and skin. During a bath, absorption takes place mainly through inhalation, because radon and its derivatives accumulate in large amounts above the water surface. The lungs are particularly exposed to radon due to the deposition of decay products in the alveoli. On the other hand, the radioactive deposit settles quite permanently on the skin and stays there for several hours. The radioactive decomposition in the body varies greatly and largely depends on the amount of adipose tissue in different organs. Radioactive decomposition is mainly observed in adipose tissue, adrenal cortex, liver, and muscles [30]. The anti-inflammatory, desensitising, and analgesic effect of radon can be explained by the stimulation of the adrenal cortex and increased production of steroid hormones. Radon water baths have an effect on hormonal regulation in both women and men. The increase of the activity of the endocrine glands lasting for about 3 months has been observed as well as an increase in the concentration of luteining hormone and growth hormone in the blood serum, and an increase in cortisol, testosterone, estradiol, and estriol. In menopausal women, the elevated level of estradiol and follicle maturation hormone relieve symptoms of menopause, and in men, sperm count and motility improve. In men suffering from arterial hypertension, a decrease in mean blood pressure values and an increase in the levels of ionised calcium, parathyroid hormone, and calcitonin were observed under the influence of radon baths [31]. Radon baths and therapeutic visits at the radon emanatorium in the natural medicine facility improve peripheral circulation and limb warming. They have an impact not only on reducing the swelling, joint, and tendon-muscle pains but also improving physical efficiency. Increased tolerance to physical effort directly after a radon treatment persists for up to one hour. Accelerated removal of harmful products of the metabolism was also observed, especially in diseases such as diabetes mellitus and gout. Under the influence of radon baths, arterial blood pressure is normalised, especially in people with mild hypertension, and a decrease in the level of total cholesterol and triglycerides is observed. This combination delays the occurrence of symptoms of atherosclerosis in peripheral arteries. Blood parameters also improve, with a decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and an increase in haemoglobin and red blood cell count in the peripheral blood [32,33].