Transcutaneous application
of carbon dioxide
has the following undisputed physiological
and therapeutic
effects:
- Rightward
shift of
oxihaemoglobin dissociation curve,
- Reduction
of bllod
viscosity,
- Dilation
of precapillaries,
- Restoral
of patency of
closed or stenosed capillaires,
- Stimulation
of heat and
- Inhibition
of cold
receptors of the skin,
- Antisepsis.
These effect from the basic
for the therapeutic use of carbon dioxide.
The
following key
therapeutic
parameters have been identified: CO2-Concentration,
starting from
400mg/l water temperature of application in water or gas in humidity of
90% and
28C, Area of application. Application time (more than 30 min!) and
frequency
and number of serial application as intensive cure.
The following
indications
are identified as evidence based therapy by prospective
controlled clinical
studies under blinded conditions:
- Arterial
occlusive disease
in all clinical stages I-IV.
- Microcirculatory
disorders
of aetiology,
- Cerebral
insufficiency,
- Arterial
hypertension,
- Algodystrophy
- Pain
therapy,
- Venous
incompatency of all
stages incl. Venous ulcers,
- Non-healing
skin wounds
especially in diabetes mellitus.
In
these cases CO2 in an
alternative
to other treatment regimens, including pharmacological or
physical
therapy, surgery or other invasive treatments. In the classical
European
Spa&Health Resort Medicine, carbon dioxide applications is the
basis of
treatment combined with other evident treatments like head-out
immersion, water
exercise, and other physical treatments especially low frequent
ultrasound. In
these combinations as well as in a combinations of multiple disorders,
there is
a lack of studies of the evidence or effectiveness of this therapy.
The
AEC*
coordinates and develops multi-centric and multinational studies for
carefully selected indications and for patients suffering from multiple
disorders especially in gerontology.
*Association
of European Carbon Dioxide Therapy |
