Bicarbonate
In Spain, water is classified as bicarbonate if the water contains more than 250 PPM of free carbon gas. However, hot springs that contain bicarbonate gasses (sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, carbon dioxide, etc.) may also be utilized for the observed benefits commonly associated with bicarbonate hot springs. Bathing in bicarbonate water, the balneologists believe, assists in opening peripheral blood vessels and helps to improve circulation to the body’s extremities. European balneotherapists also utilize bicarbonate waters for bathing to address hypertension and mild atherosclerosis. For these conditions, tepid to warm baths are utilized (86 – 100° F). Some researchers believe that bicarbonate baths also assist cardiovascular disease and nervous system imbalances.