Mofettas – The Secret Healing Power of Harghita County
- Discover the unique natural treasure of Harghita County, the mofettas, which are carbon dioxide-rich gas emissions emerging from the depths of the earth.
- These special “dry baths” are primarily used for treating cardiovascular problems, as they stimulate blood circulation, reduce high blood pressure, and improve overall circulatory health.
- Due to their detoxifying effects, they support the body’s natural healing processes.
- A mofetta is essentially a CO2 “dry bath”, a gas mixture that differs from air and, when stored in natural or artificial pools, can be used for therapeutic bathing.
- The formation of mofettas is also related to the thermal transformation of carbonate rocks in the depths. In the Székely Land, along the fault lines, there are abundant emissions rich in carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Along the axis of volcanic activity, gases seep to the surface over large areas.
- Due to the geological and tectonic characteristics of the region, mofettas are common in the southern part of the Eastern Carpathians, where one of the longest continuous volcanic chains in Europe can be found. The meteorological connections of the phenomenon have also been highlighted: soil gases reach the surface due to the replenishment of water resources from precipitation, which demonstrates the influence of meteorology.
- Mofettas play an important role not only in geology but also in the local culture, with various folk names referring to different characteristics of the phenomenon. There are differences in the utilization of mofettas: in some places, they remain in their natural state, in others, they are offered in simple structures for their therapeutic benefits, and some tourist facilities provide cultured conditions for visitors.
- The Covasna method, which combines traditional cardiovascular treatments with local features such as mofetta and mineral water, successfully utilizes this natural resource. (Incze Réka, Horváth Alpár, book launch, 2024)
- In Harghita County, mofettas can be found in the following locations: Borsec, Lăzărești (Birch Bath), Harghita Băi, Sâncrăieni (Büdös Bath), Jigodin Băi, Băile Tușnad, Lăzărești, Ciucani (Adorján Bath, Bákay Bath), Sânmartin (Stinking Hole under the Dam), Szejke. (vistharghita.ro)
- In the county, the CO2 concentration exceeds 90%, and accompanying gases can include radon and H2S, which is an important aspect in balneology.
- Therapeutic indications: general cure, immune system strengthening, joint diseases, cardiovascular disease prevention, regeneration phase, improved mood, increased performance, reduced leg numbness sensation, etc.
- Contraindications: pregnancy, menstrual period, tumorous diseases, ischemic heart disease, etc.