Evolutionarily speaking, we originated from nature, and our bodies were accustomed to constantly adapting to a multitude of physical factors. Even today, when we spend time in the fresh air, we are affected by more than sixteen natural factors.

As Arvydas Balčius, a doctor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and a psychotherapist, points out, unfortunately, our comfortable lifestyle has not brought us nothing but benefits – we have lost the ability to adapt.

‘Our eyes water, our noses are blocked, we’re constantly coughing, and our facial skin is dry. These are the symptoms of what is known as “sick building syndrome”. As we spend less and less time in nature, our bodies are no longer able to activate the mechanisms that help us adapt to changing environmental conditions,” explains A. Balčius.

According to him, it’s no surprise that people from big cities escape to be closer to nature for at least a couple of days. The good news is that a break in Druskininkai or another Lithuanian resort can really help: “The fundamental purpose of coming to a resort is to restore one’s connection with nature and the body’s connection with the mind. Everything we do – treatments, exercises and so on – is designed precisely for that.”

According to Kęstutis Ramanauskas, director of the Druskininkai Health Resort, people used to spend several weeks at sanatoriums, but now the duration of a health retreat has been reduced to a few days; however, this may be enough to feel the positive effects.

“The comprehensive effect of a health resort consists of more than just specific treatments. It also includes quiet time whilst waiting, reading a book in the park, landscape and forest therapy, and disconnecting from social media. Put it all together, and a couple of days to get away, rest and recharge is enough,” asserts K. Ramanauskas.

In balneology, three ‘pillars’ are mentioned: climatotherapy, balneotherapy – treatment with mineral water – and peloidotherapy – treatment with mud, which A. Balčius and K. Ramanauskas discuss in more detail.

Druskininkai – surrounded by dunes

As A. Balčius points out, we often talk about forest therapy, but it is part of a broader phenomenon – the climate.

“In the past, the use of climatotherapy was more widespread than it is now, but it has been replaced by new treatment methods. However, the need to ‘warm up’ at a spa or breathe air rich in aeroions has not gone away,” asserts A. Balčius, adding that Druskininkai’s climate is particularly favourable for us.

“The Druskininkai resort is far enough away from the sea; there are no major temperature fluctuations, no very strong winds that make you huddle up, or high humidity that causes joint pain. This has a significantly better effect on our bodies, particularly the cardiovascular system, than, for example, being by the sea,” the doctor explains.

The town of Druskininkai itself is surrounded by dune forests: “The dunes mean that the climate is fairly dry; the town is covered in pine forests, and these are extremely important for our health. When pine needles interact with the air, they produce what are known as ‘light negative air ions’. It is precisely these that influence our mood, well-being and productivity. This prevents our eyes and noses from drying out, and is very good for our skin. There are almost none of them in big cities, which is why we feel more tired,” explains A. Balčius.

Furthermore, Druskininkai is Lithuania’s most wooded resort town, having been awarded the title of ‘European City of Trees’ in 2026, in recognition of the town’s consistent commitment to trees, green spaces and green infrastructure. The town boasts more than 60 km of cycle paths, leading not only through the town itself but also along the banks of the Nemunas, through pine forests and the surrounding countryside.

It is the forest that heals, not the guide

Speaking of forest therapy, A. Balčius points out that we often engage in it without even realising it – time spent in the wonderful pine forests of Druskininkai, even without a guide, can be considered therapy.
“It is

the forest itself, nature, that heals, not the guide or the therapist. They can only guide us and tell us how to behave. For example, they invite us to feel and become aware of what we see, hear, and sense with every inch of our skin, what we smell, and the taste of the pine needles or leaves. When we engage all our senses, we find ourselves in the ‘here and now’. Then the past—which often brings us guilt, sadness and all sorts of negative emotions—fades away, and there is no future. And if there is no future – we stop worrying. And at that moment, our body changes,” explains the psychotherapist.

He goes on to say that we can then notice what thoughts and feelings arise, what changes we long for, and understand how we can change.

“In the forest, I invite you to ask yourself not ‘how do I see the forest?’, but ‘how does the forest see me when I’m in it?’. Many of us were brought up in a very practical way – how much firewood there’ll be, how many mushrooms I’ll gather, whether I’ll get any berries this year… We tend to think of the forest in a self-centred way, but when we consider how the forest sees me, how I behave within it, and what thoughts and feelings arise – our perspective shifts. And at the same time, an inner change takes place, which marks the beginning of healing,’ says A. Balčius.

According to the doctor, numerous scientific studies have confirmed that the colour green has a calming effect on us, which is yet another reason to spend as much time as possible in the fresh air: ‘The more greenery there is, the calmer we are. The less stress we experience, the less ill we are. We are children of nature and we need to spend as much time as we can in nature. Nothing restores our balance quite like walking, and walking in the forest – especially through moss, or through snow in winter – is the perfect workout, helping our brains to re-establish connections with the body and the body with the mind.”

Moreover, Lithuanians are very fortunate to have four distinct seasons and to live in a favourable climate.

“There is no such thing as unattractive nature. It is endlessly beautiful in spring, when everything begins to turn green. It is also beautiful when everything is growing and in bloom. It is marvellous when the leaves fall. Then we have winter for rest. And the snow in Druskininkai is much whiter than in Vilnius. Animal tracks in the woods, trees covered in snow – it’s just unreal, so beautiful! We’re constantly reminded that time is passing. And time is the most precious thing we have in our lives,” notes the psychotherapist.

A different sip – a different result

Time spent in nature is essential for us, and it is no less important to drink enough water. In Druskininkai, locals and visitors alike can enjoy mineral waters, which are an integral part of spa treatment. However, K. Ramanauskas emphasises that, in order to improve health rather than harm it, they must be drunk correctly.

“Waters with a total mineralisation of up to 10 grams per litre are considered drinkable. For example, at the Druskininkai sanatorium we have two drinkable mineral waters – ‘Aušra’ and ‘Druskininkai’. ‘Aušra’ has a mineralisation of around two grams per litre, whilst ‘Druskininkai’ has around 7.5–8 grams per litre. Water with lower mineralisation can be drunk to restore mineral balance or to enjoy during the summer when you are sweating profusely.

It is recommended to drink mineral water with higher mineralisation at the source – the drinking fountain. Furthermore, we heat the water specifically for this purpose. The temperature of mineral water is important, but it is not the only factor. Druskininkai’s sodium-calcium chloride waters affect the digestive tract due to their mineral composition, whilst temperature, quantity and the time of consumption can alter this effect. Therefore, at the spa, mineral water is not consumed simply as a drink to quench thirst, but as a treatment tailored to the individual. It is customary to drink warm water slowly, in small sips, but one should not oversimplify by saying that warm water always increases and cold water always decreases gastric acid secretion”, – explains the director of the Druskininkai health resort, outlining the differences.

What should you choose for the body, and what for the mind?

The Druskininkai resort attracts visitors not only with its natural surroundings and mineral waters, but also with its professional treatments.

K. Ramanauskas emphasises that mineral baths and mud treatments are part of a comprehensive rehabilitation process, rather than rehabilitation in their own right. Furthermore, the baths vary and are categorised according to whether they have a more pronounced thermal (temperature), mechanical or chemical (mineralisation) effect.

He explains that a warmer bath relaxes the muscles more, whilst a cooler one has a stimulating effect. ‘For example, a carbon dioxide bath greatly improves peripheral blood circulation and dilates blood vessels; the skin reddens and warms up. A herbal bath is almost identical to a mineral bath, but due to its scent, it has a more relaxing effect. Baths with higher mineralisation are more often prescribed for people with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Furthermore, the salts in the baths stimulate the body’s own regenerative mechanisms,” explains the director of the Druskininkai Health Resort.

For those wishing to relax their bodies, K. Ramanauskas recommends opting for a classic massage about half an hour after a mud bath. “The body is warmed up because thermoregulatory mechanisms are activated during a mud bath. In other words, it acts like a sauna, so it is not suitable for everyone.

In that case, mud applications are the solution. These are applied only to the affected area – locally – and can help address problems with the musculoskeletal system,” explains the director of the Druskininkai sanatorium.

For those wishing to relax both body and mind after a stressful week, he suggests combining relaxation treatments, such as inhalations and mineral baths – lying back, breathing deeply and taking in the surroundings.

“You can opt for halotherapy – a salt room where the microclimate conditions typical of salt mines are recreated: the appropriate temperature, humidity and concentration of salt particles in the air.

Another option is mineral water inhalations. The fine aerosol particles you inhale enter the airways and can reach deeper parts of them. They slightly irritate the mucous membrane of the airways, may promote the clearance of secretions, and have local anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic effects.

Salt aerosols may also influence the microenvironment of the airways and help to inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms. “Therefore, such treatments can be used as an additional measure to improve respiratory function and alleviate the symptoms of respiratory diseases,” explains K. Ramanauskas.

“By combining different treatments, we can achieve the desired health benefits. However, it is important to remember that time at a sanatorium is not just about baths or exercise. It is a time to pause, unwind, spend time in nature and devote undivided attention to yourself. A weekend in Druskininkai is usually enough to rest both body and soul, but we always look forward to you staying for a longer period so that you can feel a true sense of balance returning to your life,” – sums up K. Ramanauskas.