When we think of wellness we think of food, movement and sleep, which are definitely very important pillars of health and well-being. But how about water? Clean water is actually an unacknowledged luxury, even a privilege I’d dare to say. Access to clean water is still a huge problem in many areas of the world, however, in the west we are lucky to have access to relatively clean water. Yet, when one thinks of the water composition, the regular tap water often contains medicine waste, as well as traces of heavy metals such as mercury, lead and other. The Dutch water management authorities communicate this clearly to the public, yet they still argue that despite these impurities Dutch water is one of the best quality water compared to other countries in Europe, due to their advanced natural purification methods without the need to add chlorine. Hence, the taste is also more pure and it is generally safe to drink the tap water, which is not possible in many other EU countries.
While it might be an officially acceptable to drink the tap water, it is still a good idea to use good quality water filter to filter the mentioned impurities out and also drink some mineral water when you can. Did you know that there are places in the world where you can tap your own mineral water straight from the Earth? Pretty amazing, isn't it? Let me tell you more about a unique place like that I've just visited.
As I am sitting on the train leaving my homeland, I have space to integrate all lived experiences. It’s been years I wanted to visit one particular place close to where I grew up due its beautiful location and numerous health benefits, but somehow never made a conscious decision to go there. My friends and family have visited this magical place many times and told me of the benefits often. So this year I finally got there.
Surrounded by hills and a deep, dark green forest, there is one of these magnificent places - a thermal spring called “Kada” in a small village in Slovakia – Liptovský Ján located in the heart of Slovakia. The spring is a big natural pool of turquoise color connected to a deeper, but smaller pool with even brighter blue color that is partially separated from the bigger pool by a rock wall. The smaller pool is also referred to as a crater. The temperature varies between 16-23 degrees Celsius. The smaller, deeper pool is warmer, as the hot spring stream is even stronger. The smaller pool is approximately 150cm deep so if you are 170cm tall you can just reach the ground of the Earth from which this thermal stream bursts out with bubbles, just like lava from a volcano. The water contains various minerals among which are iron and magnesium (see table below), which is why people come here to heal arthritis, female reproductive organ issues, musculoskeletal and skin issues, as based on local stories and healing traditions. I believe that the water has a lot more health benefits for the whole body and mind.
Besides bathing in the springs, you can also drink the water. Locals come there to tap this thermal water, many take a few bottles with them back home. There is a stream around which a stone statute was built (see image below) to make it a recognizable tapping point for people to take the water home. The water is often described as having a bit of an egg smell and taste. I personally don’t mind it, as I’ve drank Earth mineral water from another thermal spring before, but it is good to know if you ever make a visit.
To maximize health benefits, I recommend to do both - bathe in it and drink the water too. Bathing is especially beneficial for complete muscle relaxation. Your legs feel a lot lighter, the tension disappears.
Think about it. you are literally bathing in the highly mineralized water, experiencing a natural jacuzzi immersion, provided by Earth to you completely for free. What a gift, isn’t it? Totally meditative, grounding, relaxing place to be. Due to the high mineral content (see the table below), you are allowed to stay there only 20 minutes. After 10 minutes you experience tingling and a bit of a burning sensation, you can see many small bubbles all over your body and you may experience redness which is all a normal reaction to the minerals entering your system. Your body is absorbing them as you bathe. After the 20 minutes you feel that it is time to get out. When you get out and lie down on the grass next to the natural pool, you start feeling lighter, the muscles are more relaxed, it even feels like getting a massage plus taking a nap. Simply a totally rejuvenating experience!
As I sat down rejuvenated on the grass, looking at the trees and the bubbles on the surface of the pool, created by the earthly thermal power, I felt so grateful for this gift of nature, exactly in the surroundings of where I come from. Nothing can compare to this experience, really. Grounding on the grass next to the pool, taking it all in, feeling the sun on my skin and thinking how lucky we are that such magnificent places on Earth exist and support our overall health and well-being for free.
I highly recommend to visit this thermal spring area, tap the water, drink it, bathe in it, immerse completely in this beautiful restorative experience the Slovak nature has to offer.
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