Regular bowel movements, a healthy diet, and physical activity are also crucial for enjoying a good quality of life. The image of a healthy body is associated with a clean and healthy intestine. Colonic irrigation with thermal water is a natural treatment that seeks to improve intestinal health by eliminating toxins accumulated in the colon, improving intestinal regularity by helping eliminate faecal buildup, and stimulating bowel movements. Colon cleansing does not involve medication and does not cause pain or spasms. It involves a deep and thorough colon cleansing, using thermal water irrigation and manual abdominal massage. Colonic irrigation with thermal water also reduces abdominal bloating and intestinal discomfort, leaving a sense of relaxation and promoting a general state of well-being.

Hydropinotherapy is a therapeutic thermal treatment that involves drinking water to benefit from its valuable mineral content, which is good for the body. The treatment is typically administered in cycles of 12 sessions, accompanied by a balanced diet designed to promote water absorption and a healthy lifestyle, including quality sleep, walks in nature, and relaxation. Hydropinotherapy also involves using thermal water in various forms (baths, showers, packs) for therapeutic purposes. What general health benefits does this type of treatment provide? In cases of abdominal pain, hydropinotherapy involves hot baths that alleviate abdominal pain and bloating associated with specific conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. Hydropinotherapy treatments involve the use of warm compresses on the abdomen. Indeed, hot water speeds up blood circulation in the abdominal area, improving digestion. Treatments with warm thermal water are also recommended for people practising sports, as they help improve their general well-being by relaxing muscles and reducing cramps.

With partial liver mud therapy, or liver mud therapy, mud from the thermal waters is applied to the abdomen and liver area. Thermal mud is a naturally occurring compound rich in minerals and substances beneficial to the human body. This treatment can remedy discomfort caused by abdominal pain, bloating and a heavy feeling. Partial liver mud treatments induce profound relaxation, calming and enhancing the individual's overall psychophysical well-being.

Combining a partial liver mud treatment with bathing combines thermal mud's healing properties and therapeutic benefits. If you experience abdominal pain, specialised wellness centres may apply liver mud to your abdominal and liver areas. Next, you will be wrapped in a towel to retain the generated heat and facilitate the absorption of nutrients through the skin. After the mud has worked its magic on the body, you can immerse yourself in a thermal bath filled with mineral-rich water from natural hot springs. This helps improve gastrointestinal health, relax muscles, reduce overall stress, and enhance skin appearance. Before embarking on such a treatment, you need a personalised medical consultation. This will provide guidance on the feasibility and duration of the treatment tailored to your individual needs.

FibroScan (liver elastography) is a diagnostic procedure that uses an instrument to assess the degree of hepatic fibrosis, the scarring in liver cells associated with liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. This procedure is painless and administered in an outpatient setting using an ultrasound probe applied to the skin over the ribs. The device emits pulses that measure the liver's elasticity, and the speed of these pulses is proportional to the tissue's stiffness. This indicates the extent of fibrosis and potentially the presence of disease. It is a valuable tool for monitoring liver disease progression and evaluating the response to treatments.

A gastroscopy is a diagnostic examination that enables a specialist to observe the upper digestive tract, comprising the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. This procedure is crucial for diagnosing alterations and diseases in these organs (oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy-EGDs). It is conducted using a gastroscope, a slender probe with a video camera introduced through the patient's mouth or nose (the latter referred to as trans-nasal gastroscopy). This device provides a comprehensive view of the digestive tract on a special monitor. Gastroscopy can detect abnormalities within the digestive tract, such as inflammation, ulcers, or tumours. Should further investigation be necessary, the gastroscope can also be used to take a tissue sample (biopsy) for analysis to complete the diagnosis.

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure for the early detection of problems in the colon and rectum. It is valuable for prevention, diagnosis confirmation, and monitoring the efficacy of treatments and the health status of the organs concerned. Colonoscopy is also a key component of colon cancer screening protocols, facilitating early diagnosis and preventative measures. The doctor can remove benign polyps that might otherwise develop into malignant tumours during the procedure. Additionally, colonoscopies are used to diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases, diverticulosis, polyps, tumours, lesions, and structural abnormalities in the colon and rectum, addressing any discomfort or pain the patient may experience. Although the examination itself is not painful, it requires some preparation starting three days prior, involving a specific diet and the administration of a laxative on the last day. The patient also receives light sedation during the examination.

Rectosigmoidoscopy is another diagnostic procedure that examines the intestinal walls to detect changes in the bowel, allowing for the detection and removal of polyps. In preparation for the examination, patients should follow a low-fibre diet, increase their water intake, and use evacuative enemas to cleanse their intestines thoroughly. The procedure uses a slim probe inserted through the anus, equipped with a light and video camera, and connected to a high-resolution monitor. The examination, typically painless and causing only slight discomfort, does not require anaesthesia, though mild sedation may sometimes be administered.

Polypectomy is a surgical procedure to remove intestinal polyps, which can develop anywhere in the digestive tract, especially in the colon. While these polyps are generally benign, their removal is advised to prevent potential transformation into malignant tumours. The procedure, typically conducted in an outpatient setting, is often performed under light sedation with gentle insufflation of air, using a colonoscope. This thin probe, similar to that used in a colonoscopy, is equipped with a camera to visualise the intestinal tracts. Once a polyp is identified, it is removed and sent for histological analysis in a laboratory. The results detailing the polyp’s characteristics guide the specialist in determining the subsequent steps for treatment or intervention.

Bariatric surgery is a treatment option for individuals with severe obesity who have not achieved results with other weight loss methods. This surgery reduces stomach capacity and changes the intestinal tract to limit nutrient absorption. Bariatric surgery leads to weight loss over time, which is crucial for improving overall health and reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Weight loss and improved general health—direct consequences of bariatric surgery—improve quality of life by allowing individuals to experience greater mobility, energy, and self-confidence post-surgery. Finally, changing certain lifestyle aspects—such as adjusting our diet and physical activity—is an integral aspect of bariatric surgery, which can have long-term positive effects on well-being and health.

Computed Tomography (CT) is a medical imaging technique that combines X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of various body parts. For example, it provides images of internal organs, including the brain, lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, intestines, bones, and blood vessels. It allows doctors to identify anatomical abnormalities such as lesions, tumours, stones, fractures, and other pathological conditions. CT helps plan surgical procedures and radiotherapy, allowing surgeons and oncologists to identify the exact size and location of lesions and, consequently, structure the best interventional and therapeutic approach. In the follow-up phase, CT is a valuable tool for monitoring the patient’s response to surgical treatment, which requires long-term monitoring.

Ultrasound, or ultrasonography, is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs and structures. It is a noninvasive and safe technique, as it does not use ionising radiation, making it a reliable solution for many diagnostic applications, including pregnancy. Ultrasound can also be used to examine internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, thyroid, spleen, and pancreas, detecting structural abnormalities, cysts, tumours, and stones. Ultrasound also extends to the cardiovascular area, assessing heart functions and structures and diagnosing conditions such as congenital heart disease, valve disease, and heart failure. Ultrasound is performed quickly, providing immediate results, essential in emergencies.