METHOD OF TREATING DISORDERS USING MAGNESIUM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION THIS INVENTION relates to a method of treating disorders using magnesium. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of immersing a subject in a body of water comprising magnesium to alleviate symptoms and side effects associated with certain disorders, particularly neurodegenerative disorders. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Neurodegenerative diseases are a varied assortment of central nervous system disorders characterized by the gradual and progressive loss of neural tissue or nerve cells. Parkinson's disease occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body's muscles and movement. When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease start appearing.

Parkinson's disease patients suffer from a range of symptoms that impact negatively on. their quality of life. The delayed transmission from the brain to the skeletal muscles, due to diminished dopamine, produces bradykinesia (i.e. slowness in voluntary movements). Bradykinesia is associated with difficulty initiating movement as well as difficulty completing movement once it is in progress. Individuals with Parkinson's disease experience tremors in the hands, fingers, forearm, and/or foot when the limb is at rest, but not when performing tasks. The individuals also suffer from stiff, rigid muscles that produce muscle pain, and an expressionless, mask-like face and rigidity tends to increase during movement. Parkinson's disease patients also often suffer from poor balance due to the impairment, or loss, of the reflexes that adjust posture in order to maintain balance. As a result, falls are very common in Parkinson's patients. Individuals with Parkinson's disease not only have trouble starting to walk, but also appear to be falling forward as they walk, freeze in mid-stride, and find it difficult to make a turn.

Other symptoms include, micrographia (small hand writing), freezing episodes, painful leg cramps, hypophonia (low voice volume), monotone speech, slurred, soft speech, staring, reduced blinking, eyelid apraxia, drooling, seborrhea (unusually oily skin), reduced ability to perform tasks such as handflipping and finger tapping, constipation, difficulty swallowing, excessive sweating, incontinence, dementia, slow response to questions (bradyphrenia) as well as psychosocial disorders such as anxiety, depression, and isolation.

Although there are currently many Parkinson's disease treatments and medications on the market, they fail to enhance the quality of life of the patient, partly due to their inconvenient side-effects. For example, the amount of medication a Parkinson's disease patient receives can be a big cause of insomnia. When a patient first starts on the medication, or if too much medication is given, they often find it hard to fall asleep. Once they fall asleep they may have vivid dreams, nightmares, sleep terrors or other sleep disorders. If the dose is too small, the patient often has problems staying asleep because they are unable to get comfortable or roll over in bed. Given that many (>40%) of Parkinson's patients suffer from insomnia they often become dependent on strong sedatives (e.g. benzodiazepines). This is highly undesirable as repeated use of large doses or, in some cases, daily use of therapeutic doses of benzodiazepines is associated with amnesia, hostility, irritability, and vivid or disturbing dreams, as well as tolerance and physical dependence. The withdrawal syndrome is similar to that of alcohol and may require hospitalization.

Oral magnesium therapy is often prescribed to Parkinson's patients to reduce leg cramps and tremors. However, magnesium tablets fail to provide instant relief and many factors influence magnesium absorption from the gut, including the medication an individual is on, as well as the health status of the digestive system and the kidneys. For example, gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis tend to limit the body's ability to absorb magnesium through the intestinal tract. Furthermore, given that many people with Parkinson's disease have difficulty chewing and swallowing because they lose control of their mouth and throat muscles, oral medication (e.g. pills and tablets) is undesirable.

Thus, there is a need for novel methods of treating, ameliorating, or preventing symptoms of Parkinson's disease (e.g. restless legs, tremors and insomnia), by providing alternative treatment methods that can enhance the health of the individual and help improve the quality of life of a Parkinson's disease sufferer.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an aim of the present invention to overcome or alleviate at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has arisen after the inventors surprisingly discovered that immersion of a subject suffering from a disorder in a body of water comprising magnesium resulted in significantly improved sleeping pattems and reduced dependence on sedatives. The inventors also found that immersion of a subject in a body of water comprising magnesium at least partly reduced the occurrence of other symptoms, such as restless legs and tremors. Unexpectedly, the immersion in the body of water comprising magnesium provided immediate relief without any noticeable side effects. This provides a significant improvement over orally ingested magnesium compounds which are associated with a number of undesirable side effects and poorly absorbed through the intestinal tract.

The present Applicant is also the Applicant for International Application No WO2008/000029, and Australian Applications AU2009905849 and AU2010901808, which are herein incorporated in their entireties. It will be appreciated that the methods described in these prior publications may be particularly suitable for treating and/or sanitizing the body of water described herein.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a disorder with magnesium, said method including the step of: (i) immersing a subject in a body of water comprising from 60 ppm to 1000 ppm of magnesium ions (Mg ²⁺ ), to thereby at least partially alleviate one or more symptoms of said disorder in said subject.

Suitably, said disorder is selected from the group consisting of a neurodegenerative disorder, a skin disorder, an ear disorder and orthopedic disorders.

In one embodiment, said disorder is a neurodegenerative disorder. Suitably, said disorder is selected from the group consisting of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, epilepsy, schizophrenia, paranoia, depression, sleep disorders, impaired memory function, psychoses, dementia, autism, and ADHD. Preferably, said disorder is Parkinson's disease.

Preferably, said one or more symptoms are selected from the group consisting of insomnia and restless leg syndrome.

In another embodiment, said disorder is a skin disorder. Suitably, said skin disorder is selected from the group consisting of eczema, psoriasis, and Netherton's syndrome.

In one particular embodiment, said skin disorder is Netherton's syndrome.

Typically, according to this particular embodiment, said one or more symptoms are selected from the group consisting of shedding of skin, eczema, and fragile hair.

In yet another embodiment, said disorder is an ear disorder. Suitably, said ear disorder is selected from the group consisting of Labyrinthitis, Tinnitus, and Meniere's disease.

In one particular embodiment, said ear disorder is Meniere's disease. Typically, according to this particular embodiment, said one or more symptoms are selected from the group consisting of ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness, and vertigo.

In another embodiment, said disorder is an orthopedic disorder. Suitably, said orthopedic disorder is selected from the group consisting of arthritis, cartilage defects, bursitis, joint dislocations, herniated disc, stenosis, sciatica. Typically, according to this particular embodiment, said one or more symptoms are selected from the group consisting of muscle pain, bone pain, paucity of movement, pain on movement, joint pain, joint swelling, joint inflammation, poor mobility, joint deformity, and joint dysfunction.

Preferably, the body of water comprises from 80 ppm to 500 ppm of Mg ²⁺ . More preferably, the body of water comprises from 100 ppm to 400 ppm of Mg ²⁺ . Even more preferably, the body of water comprises from 120 ppm to 380 ppm of Mg ²⁺ .

In one embodiment, the Mg ²⁺ comes from a soluble magnesium compound selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium fluoride, magnesium iodide, magnesium borate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, or a combination thereof. Suitably, the body of water comprises from 150 ppm to 6000 ppm of the one or more soluble magnesium compounds.

In one particular embodiment, the Mg ²⁺ and/or the one or more soluble magnesium compounds comes from a Camallite composition.

In one embodiment, the body of water further comprises from 0 to 4000 ppm of a soluble potassium halide salt. Preferably, the body of water comprises from 0 to 3000 ppm of the soluble potassium halide salt. More preferably, the body of water comprises from 0 to 2500 ppm of the soluble potassium halide salt.

In another embodiment, the body of water further comprises from 250 ppm to 4000 ppm of a soluble sodium halide salt. Preferably, the body of water comprises from 375 ppm to 2000 ppm of the soluble sodium halide salt.

In some particular embodiments, the body of water further comprises one or more hypochlorite compounds selected from the group consisting of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite and lithium hypochlorite. Preferably, according to these particular embodiments, the one or more hypochlorite compounds are introduced to the body of water in the form of a tablet or a liquid. Preferably, according to these particular embodiments, said one or more hypochlorite compounds are introduced to a body of water comprising one or more magnesium compounds and/or a potassium halide salt.

Preferably, the body of water is selected from the group consisting of a swimming pool and a spa bath.

Preferably, said body of water has a temperature that ranges from 24°C to 40°C. More preferably, the temperature ranges from 28°C to 38°C. Even more preferably, the temperature ranges from 32°C to 38°C.

Preferably, the subject is immersed in the body of water from 5 min to 5 hours. More preferably, the subject is immersed in the body of water from 10 min to 4 hours. Even more preferably, the subject is immersed in the body of water from 15 min to 3 hours.

In one embodiment, the method is used in combination with oral magnesium therapy.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" Will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved method of treating disorders that has arisen after the inventors unexpectedly discovered that treatment of a subject that suffers from a disorder in a body of water comprising magnesium significantly improved the subject's sleeping pattern and eliminated the need to take sedatives. The inventors also found that the treatment alleviated symptoms such as restless legs and tremors without causing undesirable side- effects.

According to one aspect, the invention therefore. provides a method of treating a disorder with magnesium, said method including the step of: (i) immersing a subject in a body of water comprising from 60 ppm to 1000 ppm of Magnesium ions (Mg ²⁺ ), to thereby at least partially alleviate one or more symptoms of said disorder in said subject.

As used herein, the terms "immerse'', "immersing", or "immersion" indicate that the subject is at least partially covered in the body of water. Thus, the lower part of the body of the subject (e.g. the legs) may be immersed in the body of water. Alternatively, the majority of the body of the subject, apart from the head, is immersed in the body of water. Preferably, at least 50% of the subject is immersed in the body of water.

Generally, the term "subject refers to any mammal such as a human (e.g. a patient) to whom a treatment is to be given for experimental, diagnostic, prophylactic, and/or therapeutic purposes. A subject may be of any health and of any age, including advanced age. Preferably, the subject is a human that suffers from a neurodegenerative disorder, a skin disorder or an ear disorder.

Examples of neurodegenerative disorders include Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, epilepsy, schizophrenia, paranoia, depression, sleep disorders, impaired memory function, psychoses, dementia, autism, and ADHD. It will be appreciated that the method described herein may be particularly suitable for treating patients and/or individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease. Suitably, a Parkinson's patient will notice significant improvement of symptoms such as, but not limited to, insomnia and restless leg syndrome following immersion in the body of water (e.g. a spa bath or a swimming pool) comprising magnesium. Without limiting ourselves to any particular theory, it is thought that the magnesium in the body of water acts as a neurological stabilizer that improves an individual's sleeping patterns by having a calming effect on the central nervous system.

While the invention is particularly suitable for treating symptoms associated with neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Parkinson's disease), skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and Netherton's syndrome, and orthopedic disorders such as arthritis may also benefit from the treatments described herein.

Netherton's syndrome is a rare inherited disorder that presents with inflamed, red, scaly skin ("lchthyosiform erythroderma"), short, brittle, lustreless hair ("Trichorrhexis invaginata"), and a predisposition to allergy problems ("Atopic diathesis"). Individuals with Netherton's syndrome may show some or all of these features with varying degrees of severity of their symptoms. Netherton's syndrome may be evident at birth or during the first weeks of life. There is widespread reddening ("erythroderma") and the skin is covered in dry fine scales ("ichthyosis"). Many patients are prone to develop food allergy, especially to nuts. Most will have a greater likelihood of developing hay fever, asthma and atopic eczema. Patients have high levels of IgE (allergy antibody) in their blood and may suffer attacks of angioedema, a severe allergic skin reaction and urticaria. The goals of treatment are to manage the symptoms and prevent skin infections and other complications as there is currently no specific treatment for Netherton's syndrome. Thus, Netherton's syndrome sufferers may use emollients and keratolyses (e.g. creams containing urea, lactic acid or salicylic acid) that are applied to keep the skin moist and hydrated, and antibiotics to treat bacterial skin infections. Topical steroids may also be helpful in older children with eczema but can be absorbed too much in infants with erythroderma causing complications such as pituitary adrenal axis suppression. Other treatments that have been tried include photochemotherapy (PUVA) and oral retinoids (e.g. acitretin and isotretinoin) but these may aggravate the skin problem . Netherton's syndrome may increase the risk of skin cancer developing. Without limiting ourselves to any particular hypothesis, it is thought that individuals with Netherton's syndrome will experience a reduction in symptoms such as shedding of skin, eczema and/or fragile hair following treatment using the method described herein.

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes severe dizziness (vertigo), ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear. Meniere's disease usually affects only one ear. Attacks of dizziness may come on suddenly or after a short period of ringing in the ears or muffled hearing. Some people will have single attacks of dizziness separated by long periods of time. Others may experience many attacks closer together over a number of days. Some people with Meniere's disease have vertigo so extreme that they lose their balance and fall. These episodes are called "drop attacks". Meniere's disease can develop at any age, but it is more likely to happen to adults between 40 and 60 years of age. Although not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it will be appreciated that the method described herein may benefit a Meniere's disease patient by at least partially alleviating symptoms such as ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness, and/or vertigo.

To achieve at least some of the benefits described herein, the body of water suitably comprises from 80 ppm to 500 ppm of Mg ² . For example, the body of water may comprise 90 ppm, 110 ppm, 130 ppm, 150 ppm, 170 ppm, 190 ppm, 210 ppm, 230 ppm, 250 ppm, 270 ppm, 290 ppm, 310 ppm, 330 ppm, 350 ppm, 370 ppm, 390 ppm, 410 ppm, 430 ppm, 450 ppm, 470 ppm, 490 ppm, or up to 500 ppm of Mg ²⁺ .

More preferably, the body of water comprises from 100 ppm to 400 ppm of Mg ² *. It will be appreciated that these Mg ²⁺ levels may also be referred to as 0.1 g/l to 0.4 g/l of Mg ²⁺ or 0.00411mol/l to 0.01646mol/l of Mg ²⁺ .

Accordingly, the body of water may comprise 105 ppm, 115 ppm, 125 ppm, 135 ppm, 145 ppm, 155 ppm, 165 ppm, 175 ppm, 185 ppm, 195 ppm, 205 ppm, 215 ppm, 225 ppm, 235 ppm, 245 ppm, 255 ppm, 265 ppm, 275 ppm, 285 ppm, 295 ppm, 305 ppm, 315 ppm, 325 ppm, 335 ppm, 345 ppm, 355 ppm, 365 ppm, 375 ppm, 385 ppm, 395 ppm, or up to 400 ppm of Mg ²⁺ .

Even more preferably, the body of water comprises from 120 ppm to 380 ppm of Mg ²⁺ .

Thus, the body of water may comprise 160 ppm, 200 ppm, 240 ppm, 280 ppm, 320 ppm, 360 ppm, or up to 380 ppm of Mg ²⁺ .

A skilled person will appreciate that the Mg ² * may come from one or more of a range of different soluble magnesium compounds, such as magnesium sulphate, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium fluoride, magnesium iodide, magnesium borate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, or a combination thereof. Suitably, the body of water comprises 150 ppm to 6000 ppm of the one or more soluble magnesium compounds.

For example, the body of water may comprise 450 ppm, 750 ppm, 1050 ppm, 1350 ppm, 1650 ppm, 1950 ppm, 2250 ppm, 2550 ppm, 2850 ppm, 3150 ppm, 3450 ppm, 3750 ppm, 4050 ppm, 4350 ppm, 4650 ppm, 4950 ppm, 5250 ppm, 5550 ppm, 5850 ppm, or up to 6000 ppm of said one or more soluble magnesium compounds. Suitably, the body of water comprises 0.00411mol/l to 0.01646mol/l or 0.1g/l or 0.4 g/l of said one or more soluble magnesium compounds.

The Mg ² * and/or the one or more soluble magnesium compounds may come from a Camallite composition. It will be appreciated that the Camallite composition may be dehydrated (anhydrous), partly dehydrated or hydrated (i.e. K gCl3x6(H ₂ 0)).

In some embodiments, the body of water further comprises 0 to 4000 ppm of a soluble potassium halide salt. Accordingly, the body of water may comprise 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, 2000 ppm, 2500 ppm, 3000 ppm, 3500 ppm, or up to 4000 ppm of the soluble potassium halide salt.

Preferably, the body of water comprises 0 to 3000 ppm of the soluble potassium halide salt. More preferably, the body of water comprises 0 to 2500 ppm of the soluble potassium halide salt.

In other embodiments the body of water also comprises 250 ppm to 4000 ppm of a soluble sodium halide salt. Accordingly, the body of water may comprise 500 ppm, 750 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1250 ppm, 1500 ppm, 1750 ppm, 2000 ppm, 2250 ppm, 2500 ppm, 2750 ppm, 3000 ppm, 3250 ppm, 3500 ppm, 3750 ppm, or up to 4000 ppm of the soluble sodium halide salt.

Preferably, the body of water comprises 375 ppm to 2000 ppm of the soluble sodium halide salt. Thus, the body of water may comprise 750 ppm, 1125 ppm, 1500 ppm, 1875 ppm, or up to 2000 ppm of said soluble sodium halide salt.

In some particular embodiments, the body of water comprises one or more hypochlorite compounds selected from the group consisting of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, magnesium hypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite and lithium hypochlorite. Preferably, according to these particular embodiments, the one or more hypochlorite compounds are introduced to the body of water in the form of a tablet or a liquid. Preferably, according to these particular embodiments, said one or more hypochlorite compounds are introduced into a body of water comprising one or more magnesium compounds and/or a potassium halide salt. The hypochlorite can also be generated in situ by electrolysis. In addition, during electrolysis in the body of water, small amounts of hydroxyl free radicals, hydrogen peroxide and ozone may be generated, which may also contribute to the beneficial properties of the body of water, and assist in elimination of bacteria and viruses in the body of water. These components can also be added independently of electrolysis to preferred levels in the body of water.

The body of water is typically selected from the group consisting of a swimming pool and a spa bath.

Preferably, said body of water has a temperature that ranges from 24°C to 40°C . The temperature may, for example, be about 26°C, 28°C, 30°C, 32°C, 34°C, 36°C, or about 38°C. More preferably, the temperature ranges from 28°C to 38°C. Accordingly, the temperature may be about 29.5°C, °C, 30.5°C, 31.5°C, 32.5°C, 33.5°C, 34.5 °C, 35.5°C, 36.5°C or about 37.5°C. Even more preferably, the temperature ranges from 32°C to 38°C. Thus, the temperature may be about 32.4°C, 32.8°C, 33.2°C, 33.6°C, 34°C, 34.4°C, 34.8°C, 35.2°C, 35.6°C, 36°C, 36.4°C, 36.8°C, 37.2°C, or about 37.6°C.

It will be appreciated that the higher, warmer temperatures (i.e. from 32 to 40°C) may be particularly suitable when the subject (e.g. a Parkinson's disease patient) is immersed in a smaller volume of water, such as a spa bath. It will also be appreciated that the lower, cooler temperatures (i.e. 24°C to 32°C) may be more suitable in a larger volume of water such as a swimming pool. Although not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is considered that maintaining the body of water that the subject is immersed in between 24°C to 40°C assists in opening up the pores of the skin. As a result, the minerals (e.g. Mg ²⁺ and K*) are effortlessly absorbed through the skin ("transdermal!/) and delivered into the circulation where the minerals provide rapid relief to the individual (e.g. the Parkinson's disease patient).

Preferably, the subject is immersed in the body of water for 5 min to 5 hours. Thus, the subject may be immersed in the body of water for 30 min, 1 hour, 1 hour and 30 min, 2 hours, 2 hours and 30 min, 3 hours, 3 hours and 30 min, or up to 5 hours. More preferably, the subject is immersed in the body of water for 10 min to 4 hours. The subject may, for example, be immersed in the 1 000104

body of water for 20 min, 50 min, 1 hour and 20 min, 1 hour and 50 min, 2 hours and 20 min, 2 hours and 50 min, or 3 hours and 20 min. Even more preferably, the subject is immersed in the body of water for 15 min to 3 hours. Accordingly, the subject may be immersed in the body of water for 18 min, 1 hour and 18 min, or 2 hours and 18 min. It will be appreciated that when higher mineral levels (e.g. Mg ²⁺ and K*) and/or higher temperatures are used, the same therapeutic and/or relaxing benefits may be achieved in less time.

In one embodiment, the method is used in combination with the filtration medium, filter assembly and/or water filtration system described and claimed in PCT/AU2010/001297, incorporated herein in its entirety.

In a further embodiment, the method is used in combination with oral magnesium therapy. Suitably, one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, magnesium orotate, magnesium phosphate, and magnesium (as amino acid chelate) are included in the oral magnesium therapy. Typically, although not exclusively, the total amount of magnesium in the oral magnesium therapy is from about 100 to about 800 mg per dose and/or per day. The total magnesium amount may for example be about 150 mg, about 200 mg, about 300 mg, about 400 mg, about 500 mg, about 600 mg, or about 700 mg.

Without limiting ourselves to any particular theory, it is thought that the transdermal delivery of minerals, such as magnesium and/or potassium, has a stabilizing effect on the central nervous system which at least partly reduces the twitches and calms the patient so they can get a good night's sleep

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the present invention provides an improved method of treating a range of disorders, and symptoms associated therewith, by immersing a subject in a body of water comprising magnesium.

It readily will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the various aspects of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The present invention may be further understood in light of the following example, which is illustrative in nature and are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

[EXAMPLE 1

Case Study - Parkinson's disease

Subject X, a 55 year old South African Caucasian male, is an advanced stage Parkinson's disease patient who presented with symptoms such as poor motor skills, speech delay, slurred, soft speech, severe sleep disturbances (insomnia), tremors and restless leg syndrome. Subject X normally takes 1-2 strong sedatives (Benzodiazepines named Temaze) per night. Subject X usually takes the sedatives for two nights without getting much sleep and sometimes Subject X is wide awake for two whole nights. The insomnia is worsened by frequent, disruptive leg twitches (restless legs) that occur approximately every ten breaths. Subject X generally gets around six to eight hours on the third night, presumably due to exhaustion from lack of sleep. In an attempt to alleviate his restless legs, Subject X also takes oral magnesium medication in the form of Mg Complete which contains Mg Oxide (197 mg), Mg Orotate (8 mg), Mg Phosphate (99.7 mg) and Mg (as amino acid chelate) (75 mg). Each Mg Complete tablet contains 300 mg magnesium. Subject X does not get much relief from taking two Mg Complete per night and finds it inconvenient to swallow these rather large tablets due to stiffness in the mouth and throat muscles.

After spending a minimum of 10 minutes (10 min) in the swimming pool comprising Carnallite (i.e. magnesium, and potassium minerals), Subject X sleeps well throughout the night without any disturbing leg twitches and without the need to take sedatives such as Temaze. The relief obtained from the immersion in the swimming pool has a 24 hour long tum-around effect and the next evening he is back to usual severity of symptoms. This indicates that the treatment described herein gives a transient but very consistent effect that significantly improves the quality of life for the Parkinson's disease patient by alleviating restless legs, improving sleeping patterns, and reducing the patient's dependence on sedatives. No adverse effects of the treatment have been identified.

EXAMPLE 2

Case Study- Orthopedic Disorders Residents of a retirement home in Queensland, Australia, acquired a swimming pool comprising magnesium and potassium minerals as described above, and spend at least 10 minutes per day immersed in the pool. The residents have reported improved physical condition since daily immersion, mainly through alleviation of the symptoms of orthopedic disorders, including arthritis. The residents report increased mobility and general wellbeing associated with improved physical condition.

EXAMPLE 3

Case Study - Eczema

Patient Y, a 10 year old child in New South Wales, Australia, has severe eczema covering most of her body. Her condition is so bad that her skin frequently splits and cracks she struggles to bend over to do up her laces, or button up her shirt.

The parents of Patient Y advised that they had tried many treatments prescribed by specialists, including UV treatment and steroid creams, with the final prognosis that they should "wait and hope she grows out of it".

After two weeks of daily immersion in a swimming pool comprising magnesium and potassium minerals as described above, the mother of Patient Y was overwhelmed to the point of tears at the improvement in Patient Y's condition, who can now button her shirt without pain or difficulty. The mother of Patient Y said that the invention had achieved in two weeks what years of medical intervention had not.