By Natalia Rudnichenko
©PANORAMA
In this article we will talk about the life-giving natural energy in the sanatoriums and vacation hotels in Svaliava. Our resorts have unique mineral waters, therapeutic muds, salt mines and clean air. In addition there are experienced specialists here who apply the most modern resort therapy technologies, the result of tested research. Today’s highlight is Svaliava – a well-known Transcarpathian resort
Svaliava, a famous resort area in the Transcarpathian region, is known for its healing mineral waters. According to legend, the Huns were the first to discover their curative properties. During the great migration of nations the Huns traveled across the Carpathians. Suddenly these tired travellers saw a spring where they quickly quenched their thirst. The water had an extraordinary taste and seemed to have a life-giving quality: wounds washed in it healed quickly, and those who drank it felt completely re-energized. After resting the Huns traveled on to Danube hollow and passed on the story about this “wonder-water” to further generations.
Today there are more than 100 mineral water springs in and around Svaliava. The highlights of this region are the mineral hydrocarbonate (alkali) waters of “Svaliava”, “Luzhanska”, “Poliana Kvasova” and “Poliana Kupel”. They occupy a venerable position among the world’s mineral waters and have a wide range of theraupetic affects on living organisms. Their curative properties help in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases. External application is said to improve the cardiovascular system’s work, treat skin diseases and the musculoskeletal system. The healing Svaliava springs’ mineral waters are called “holy springs” due to these wonders.
I was fortunate to sample the properties of the “Poliana Kupel” mineral water in the Poliana resort near Svaliava. The uniqueness of this sweet-sour liquid comes from its special chemical composition, particularly with the high concentration of hydrocarbonates and biologically active concentrations of boron and fluor. Immediately after partaking in this water, elements are absorbed with positive results in the endocrine system.
The exceptional healing properties of the Poliana waters were studied in the Bohomolets National Medical University in Kiev, and also in research institutes in France, Italy, Switzerland and Nevada, USA. In 1842 “Poliana Kupel” got its first quality award at the European exhibition of mineral waters in Paris. Since then it has received more than 30 high ranking awards!
In local sanatoriums I was told that “Poliana Kupel” treats metabolic diseases, and also gall bladder, liver, pancreas and stomach diseases (mostly when there is a high degree of acidity). But in spite of the fact that the water is justified in cases of gastritisis (connected with hypersecretion), subacidity of the stomach is not an absolute contraindication for its application. In this case a doctor will select a special dosage, temperature and drinking regime for you, which will provide an opportunity for prevention or treatment of other diseases without the possibility of harming internal organisms.
“Mineral water drinking treatments, in particular “Poliana Kupel”, normalise the functional state of different organs and systems, expel stones, toxic substances, allergens and radionuclides” – says “Poliana” sanatorium deputy chief physician O. Mykhalko. “This water improves formation of an important immune response modifier – interferon. We can even talk about its effect in the prevention of cancer”.
“Poliana Kupel” water is said to have been successfully applied in the treatment of low and mid-level diabetes in the remission stage without a disposition to acidosis. In the case of such serious diseases as chronic hepatitis this water is said to facilitate renewal of the liver’s functional activity. It also can be used to treat open stomach and duodenum ulcers. “During a week ulcers close up without scars!” Mr. Mykhalko adds.
Of cource, before going to any balneological resort you should at least have yourself examined, submit the main analysis and consult with your doctor concerning the optimal choice of sanatorium and type of healing water for you.
“Ukrainian balneological resorts have extraordinary potential” – said B. Ometsynskyi, Head of the Expert Commission on Tourism and Recreation Issues. “They are impressive not only with their unique mineral water properties, but also their tested treatment plans. In the 1960-70s western medicine focused on the use of achievements in the pharmaceutical industry. Meantime we researched balneology actively. Now in Ukraine there are many sanatoriums which offer not only time-proven therapeutic springs, but also clinical therapy, which – and this is very important – can be an alternative to surgery. At international symposiums the treatment plans of our specialiasts are carefully noted by colleagues from such famous resorts as Vichy, Baden Baden or Rogner Bad Blumau”.
Now in addition to treatment courses each sanatorium in the Transcarpathian region offers such pleasant services as massage, spa-procedures and aromatherapy. Add to all this wonderful natural surroundings, interesting excursions, horse-back riding or fishing – and a real revival of body and soul is guaranteed! I am sure that no pills will replace the healing properties produced in Nature. To discover those you just need to try out these life-giving springs.
“Panorama” would like to thank the National Tourism Organisation of Ukraine and “Quelle-Poliana” sanatorium for their assistance in organising a journey to the Transcarpathian Region.
Information about the Resort
Geography: Svaliava is situated in the central part of the Zakarpattia region, in the foothills of the Carpathians. The climate is moderate continental. Summer is warm and long, spring comes early, in the second half of March. Average July temperatures are from + 18 ºС to +22 ºС, January runs from -4 to -9 ºС.
Specialty: Balneotherapy: drinking, bathing, douching, and irrigation procedures with mineral waters.
Indications: Gastrointestinal tract diseases, kidney and urinary tract problems; metabolic disorders, low and middle severity level diabetes; recovery post-digestive organ operations; rehabilitation after radiation treatment or chemotherapy.
Minimal term of treatment: 14 days.
Sanatoriums and resorts of Svaliava region Transcarpathian Region:
“Poliana”: 104 Dukhnovycha Str., tel: (+380 3133) 747-01; www.san-polyana.mukachevo.net,
e-mail: san@polyana.svl.uzhgorod.ua.
“Quelle-Poliana”: 104 Dukhnovycha Str., tel: (+380 3133) 747-42; www.quelle-polyana.com.ua,
e-mail: quellepolyana@gmail.com.
“Kvitka Polonyny”: Holubyne village, tel: (+380 3133) 323-16; www.kvitkapolonyny.com.ua,
e-mail: info@kvitka.svl.uzhgorod.ua.
“Sonyachne Zakarpattia”: Poliana-1 village, tel: (+380 3133) 354-41; www.sonyachne.nezabarom.com.ua.
Additional information on the resort: www.dkz.info.
Getting There
Ukraine International Airlines offers direct daily flights to Kiev from most of Western Europe’s largest cities. With your Panorama Club Card you can accumulate miles on all UIA flights and flights of our partner airlines: Air France (excluding the Kiev-Paris route), Austrian Airlines, KLM, Swiss International Air Lines and TAP Portugal.
Buy tickets online at www.flyUIA.com.
For more information, call us in Kiev on (+380 44) 581-5050.
From Ukraine’s capital take a convenient daily train Kiev-Uzhgorod with a stop at Svaliava station.
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