Thermal Medicine constitutes a complementary therapeutic modality to Classical Medicine, with which it is combined and mutually integrated in order to achieve the best possible therapeutic outcome. Through the scientific substantiation of the thermal, mechanical, chemical, and, in particular, the biological, immunological, and genetic effects of natural therapeutic resources, Thermal Medicine has emerged as a complementary therapeutic approach within the framework of Classical Medicine, in conjunction with contemporary medicine and lifestyle medicine.
As a complementary therapy, Thermal Medicine contributes to the treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery of physical, mental, and spiritual health. At the same time, it also serves a preventive role by addressing the diseases of aging through the application of modern scientific therapeutic protocols focusing on anti-aging, longevity, well-being, and wellness.
The therapeutic applications of Thermal Medicine extend to disorders of the musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, urological, and endocrine systems, as well as to dermatological, gynecological, allergic, and otorhinolaryngological conditions.
In 2015, the Hellenic Academy of Thermal Medicine was established with the aim of institutionalizing and updating Thermal Medicine as a complementary therapeutic modality, always subject to the approval of the attending specialist physicians.
Promising prospects for Greece are reflected in the existing legal framework, including the 2018 decision of the Central Health Council (KESY), which was legislated through a Joint Ministerial Decision in 2022 by the Minister of Health, Mr. A. Plevris, and the Deputy Minister, Ms. M. Gaga, recognizing Complementary Medicine—specifically Thermal and Chinese Medicine—as well as the continued reimbursement of prescriptions issued by attending specialist physicians through the National Organization for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY).
Further substantiation of Thermal Medicine is provided by the establishment of postgraduate (MSc) and e-learning programs at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with the prospect of integrating Thermal Medicine into postgraduate specialization in related medical fields. Thermal Medicine is also offered as an elective course in the undergraduate curricula of the Medical Schools of Democritus University of Thrace, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and, prospectively, the University of Thessaly.
Radon therapy may exert beneficial effects through complex genomic and epigenetic mechanisms, including the inhibition of inflammation, activation of cellular defense systems, antioxidant protection, and neurohormonal changes, thereby establishing Thermal Medicine, for the first time, as a form of Genomic, Epigenetic, and Epitranscriptomic Medicine based on the radon content of thermal springs.
A discovery with new prospects in the field of prevention and treatment, in synergy with existing methods, was announced by Professor of Dermatology Konstantinos Kouskoukis, President of the Academy of Thermal Medicine, and Professor of Gene and Molecular Medicine and Research, Mr. Giannis, at the Universities of New Wales and Buckingham, during the Dermatology Conference entitled Controversies in Dermatology, organized by Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Thessaly, Ms. Euterpi Zafeiriou, from February 27 to March 1, 2026. The radiation of radon (Rn-222), found in the thermal springs of Santorini, Kamena Vourla, and Ikaria, decays into alpha particles and, at low doses, activates biological adaptive mechanisms—radiation hormesis—involving genomic, epigenetic, and epitranscriptomic processes. These mechanisms regulate gene expression, encode proteins associated with inflammation, reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and increase the expression of anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-10.
Rn-222 also activates antioxidant mechanisms, enhancing cellular resistance to oxidative stress, as well as DNA repair mechanisms through low-dose radiation response (hormesis) and the Nrf2 pathway, which regulates genes responsible for the production of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Additionally, it increases the expression of genes associated with DNA repair and cellular protection.
Furthermore, it influences epigenetic mechanisms without altering the structure of DNA, through DNA demethylation and histone modifications, while it may regulate specific microRNAs (miRNAs), such as miR-146a, and others associated with DNA repair, antioxidant response, and the reduction of inflammatory cytokines.
It is desirable to adopt best practices of “Meditation,” and not solely “Medication,” within Greece’s exceptional and unique bioclimate, through thematic and specialized forms of thermal tourism, innovative programs, and empathy-driven collaborative frameworks such as “Medical Thermal Clusters,” in order to establish our country as a global destination for health and well-being. This approach can generate significant added value for the national economy, as Greece—a country of bliss and blessing—is included among the internationally recognized “five blue zones.”
Konstantinos Kouskoukis
Professor of Dermatology – Lawyer
B’ Vice President GDHI
President Hellenic Academy of Thermal Medicine
President World Academy of Chinese & Complimentary Medicine