Hydropinic therapy
Hydropinic therapy is the controlled oral intake of thermal water, in doses and schedules prescribed by a physician: it is indicated for dyspepsia of gastroenteric and biliary origin and for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. It is accredited with the Italian National Health Service.
Treatment accredited with the Italian National Health Service — Accredited treatment with a GP referral. Intake is medically regulated: it is not free water consumption.
Therapeutic indications
- Dyspepsia of gastroenteric origin
- Dyspepsia of biliary origin
- Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
What it involves
Hydropinic therapy (drinking cure) consists of the controlled intake of thermal water by mouth, in doses and according to methods set by the physician on the basis of the person’s condition. It is a thermal treatment in its own right, distinct from the inhalation and bathing programmes, and is used in some functional disorders of the digestive and hepatobiliary system.
In spa medicine, hydropinic therapy is used to support gastrointestinal function and selected digestive disorders. Its administration is regulated: it should not be understood as simply drinking water freely, but as a treatment to be included in a clinically assessed programme. Where provided for, it is among the services that may be covered by the Italian National Health Service (SSN).
Price
A session costs € 6,00; the admission medical examination for the cures € 20,00. For information: 0774 408500.
How to access the cure
With the SSN
You need the red prescription form (ricetta rossa) from your GP (family doctor), which must state the condition, the diagnosis and the cure. For it to be valid for this cure, it must carry the following wording, written in Italian (meaning: “A cycle of hydropinic therapy is requested for dyspepsia of gastroenteric and biliary origin or irritable bowel syndrome in the constipation-predominant variety”):
Si richiede un ciclo di cure idropiniche per dispepsia di origine gastroenterica e biliare oppure sindrome dell’intestino irritabile nella varietà con stipsi
With the prescription form you are entitled to a cycle of twelve sessions, paying only the co-payment (ticket). The SSN covers one cycle of cures per year. War and service invalids, blind people, deaf people and civil invalids (including those with an invalidity between 34% and 66%) may have a second one in the same year, to treat the condition that caused the invalidity. The second cycle is also paid according to one’s own exemption.
Privately (self-paying)
Access is also possible without a prescription form, with the clearance of the spa physician. Preferential terms are available for a second cycle of cures in the same year and for affiliated organisations: ask at the Admissions desk.
For private access the admission medical examination costs € 20,00; with an SSN prescription it is included in the cycle of cures. The prices of individual sessions are shown above. Information: 0774 408500.
Booking
No booking is required: access is during the department’s opening hours.
Frequently asked questions
What does hydropinic therapy involve?
Drinking thermal water in doses and at times set by the physician, usually in the morning. Quantity and duration depend on the clinical picture: it is a medical treatment, not simple water drinking.
Which disorders is it indicated for?
Functional disorders of the digestive and hepatobiliary system: gastroenteric and biliary dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.