| Bathing in the Estuaries |
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There is a series of salt lakes/estuaries in Evpatoria suitable for bathing. The most popular of which is Lake Moynaki.
The Russian word for estuary is derived from the Greek word "Lemyen" that when translated into Russian means: bay, harbour or gulf. Unlike the salt lakes of the mainland all of Crimea's salt lakes were bays in the distant past, pressing into the land, that gradually changed into lakes. Sea water, separated from the open sea and under climatic, geological and other influences, achieves a high saturation of salt. The amount of inorganic salts in sea water is 18 grams per liter, while in Rapa
(a special name for salty estuary water) it is 150-180 grams per liter - Rapa has a much higher density than sea water.
This is why a swimmer's body feels lighter in this medium and only a small effort is required for movement. This characteristic is frequently used for medical purposes though kinetic-therapy (motion in water). Rapa is composed of a large number of various
salts, primarily carbonate and sulfuric acid calcium compounds, chlorine and sulfuric acid magnesium, chlorine and iodide sodium, potassium chloride, bromine, magnesium and sulfurous
ferrite. Rapa also contains the rare metal micro-elements lithium, strontium, manganese, arsenic and even silver, gold, uranium, thorium and others. |
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Bathing in estuaries can be used on one hand as a form of preventative treatment to strengthen the body (including the muscular and nervous systems), to increase nutrition, improve metabolism or even as an independent treatment for patients suffering from
anemia, metabolic diseases and other diseases; on the other hand bathing in
estuaries is often a finishing procedure for mud therapy. Seasonal water temperatures in the lake oscillate from a minimum of 19 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius, allowing wide-spread use of the lake for bathing.
If a doctor confirms that bathing in Rapa (salty estuary
water) will be useful for you, come to Evpatoria - to the shore of Lake Moynaki. Even from a distance you will notice the sharp salt odor of the estuary and a distinctive aroma arising from the coast from the lush red grass called
Solyeros. Approaching closer, you will see the glassy surface of the lakes shimmering under the hot sun with views of the sea beach and with the children's health resorts appearing in the
distance. The silvery Crimean lоkh trees growing on the shore will provide
shelter for you in any weather.
After each bathing in the estuary, sodium chloride crystals, hydrogen chloride magnesia, as well as calcium chloride remains on the patient's skin. These compounds form the so-called "salt jacket" which in the full sense of the word coats the patient's entire body and then remains for some days, even after washing in fresh water.
Do not rush to wash off the layer of white salt that appears on your skin after swimming in the
estuary - this layer is made up of Rapa’s tiny salt crystals, which will
continue to work their benefits on the body for some time.
During bathing you will notice a temporary increase in respiration, pulse, blood pressure and perspiration. After bathing, body temperature increases one or even two degrees and then returns to normal in 12-24 hours. This is why the interval between bathings must not be less than 24 hours.
Rapa treatment has its own indications and contraindications. It is recommended as treatment for many diseases affecting the joints, muscles, tendons as well as inflammatory, functional and traumatic diseases of the peripheral and central nervous systems, abdominal organs, lymphatic glands, skin and many others.
Rapa therapy is contraindicated for cancer, some stages of cardiovascular system disorders, active tuberculosis
in the lungs and some diseases of the central nervous system and kidneys, etc.
This is why it is necessary to approach bathing in the estuaries with caution and only with a
physician’s prescription for treatment. During treatment in open estuaries you must take into account that while Rapa temperatures remain relatively constant, air temperatures frequently vary and can cause significant chilling of the body when exiting the
water. Not everyone can tolerate to these temperature changes.
Bathe no more than once a day, ideally from 2 to 6 pm, when the lake water warms up to 26-30 degrees Celsius or sometimes even warmer. At other times the water is not sufficiently heated. During bathing, the bather's legs usually stir up sediment on the lake bottom which helps to separate hydrogen sulfide, carbonic acids, etc. Bathers get something resembling baths of the
"Matsesta" sort.
Bathing should last no longer than 15-20 minutes (8-10 minutes for children). After bathing it's time to rest.
Bathing in open estuaries is a powerful medical and preventive tool. But it is effective only when applied correctly and administered by a physician.
All the medical procedures specified above, particularly mud treatments, usually are well tolerated by patients, but only under a well-known, strictly conducted regime
regulating the timing for awakening, going to sleep, departure to the baths
and taking meals, as well as food selection. Eating is permitted an hour before a bath and no sooner than one and a half to two hours after the mud bath. | |
