[Thermal springs of Kavassila/N. Ioannina/, Greece--research study].

The thermometallic springs of Kavassila, district Ioannina, are situated at a height of 410 m in a mild intermediate microclimate. They spring forth in two groups of springs near Sarantaporos river into which they pour without proper exploitation. Examinations of the water of the springs such as microbiological, microfloric blue algae and physico-chemicals have produced mainly: supply 400 m3/h, temperature 32 degrees C, electrical conductivity 1850 mS, colourless, taste of drinkable water, no emulsion, pH 7,60-8,20, sulfuric content 175,7 mg/l, strong odour of hydrogen sulphide, radon content 13-14 MACHE. Based on the above, the springs are to be characterised as hypothermic, hydrogen suplphide and sodium chloride containing mineral water, which is very suitable for drinking and bath therapy according to the principles of hydrotherapeutics: Water bath therapy and mud bath for the following diseases: skin diseases, rheumatoarthritic, chronic gynaecological, as well as vascular diseases. Inhalation therapy for troubles such as chronic troubles of the respiratory diseases, asthma, emphysema and laryngo-faryngeal pathological condition in both smokers and non-smokers. Drinking therapy for problems arising from the gastrointestinal tract, liver, bile ducts and kidneys. Similar springs in Greece, compared and mentioned are: Thermopylae, Kaiafa, Kyllini and abroad: Apenta-Springs Hungary and Piatigorsk Russia. For the correct exploitation of the thermomineral waters in Kavassila, the build-up of a modern curative hydrotherapeutic centre is proposed, due to the quality of the springs, as well as it's good and healthpromoting climate.