25/1/2008
KANGAL
Category: Belirtilmemiş
KANGAL
Kangal is famous for its thermal springs called "Balıklı Kaplıca", a center for the treatment of psoriasis and skin diseases unique in the world. The springs, rich in minerals and known for their curative effects, are filled with two types of healer fishes whose length does not exceed 19-20 cm / 7.5-7.8 inches. The Cyprinion macrostomus macrostomus which act as "strikers" (they are the smaller) locating and nibbling at the diseased area, and the Garra rufa obtusa which act as "lickers" swallowing the dead tissue (they have stronger jaws) are of the Cyprinidae (carp) family. These omnivorous fishes, which feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton found only in small amount in the pools, do not grow larger because they live in hot water at 37 C / 99 F.
Scientific researches and the observation of patients have shown that there are mainly five factors to recover from the psoriasis in the thermal center: entering the pool twice a day and stay in the water for eight hours in total for physical contact with the fishes that totally "clean" the affected areas of the skin; the benefit from drinking the healing water which contains selenium (1.3 ppm) known to be the most friendly element for the skin and to be most effective in curing dermatological diseases; the advantage of high altitude (1650 m / 5,413 ft from the sea level) with the direct effect of natural ultraviolet radiation; the natural jacuzzi effect of the springs which flow into the pools; the Reverse Koebner Phenomenon (Koebner Phenomenon is a reaction to skin injury often seen in psoriasis patients, and victims of some other diseases).
During the three weeks pool therapy usually recommended, no alcohol should be taken (consumption of alcohol is not allowed within the public precincts of the centre). Towels, slippers and bathrobe are not provided by the thermal establishment.
The center offers simple but well equipped facilities to the patients. For the therapy, there are separate treatment pools for both women and men, indoor treatment pools, sections without fish and private baths. In addition, a pool for public use is reserved for the persons passing through Kangal who wish to immerse themselves in the thermal waters.
The water has been reported as being also beneficial in rheumatic disease, neurologic disorders (neuralgia, neuritis, paralysis), orthopaedic and traumatological sequelae (fractures, joint trauma, and muscle disease), gynaecological problems (by lavage), urolithiasis (by drinking), and psychosomatic disorders.
Balıklı Kaplıca is located 13 km / 8 miles from Kangal and 98 km / 61 miles from Sivas.
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View of the hotel |
The fishes in their natural environment |
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One of the treatment pools |
The fishes are trying to locate disease skin by nibbling at my legs and feet. Fortunately I am not affected by psoriasis, I am only experiencing the contact with the fishes: in fact, it is a very nice sensation! |
The region of Kangal is also reputed for its ancient breed of big sheepdog called "Kangal" (or Sivas Kangal), the national dog of Turkey which has proved its faith and efficacy. This strongly-built dog has a soft and thick body coat which ranges from cream color to dun and steel grey, and is distinguished by its black muzzle and ears. The Kangal dog lives in pairs for life. When guarding flocks of sheep and goats, the Kangal dog wears a spiked iron collar around its neck to ward off the attacks of wolves and bears against which it can easily fight.
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