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Please
tell us what prompted the development of the artificial carbonated spring. |
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| In 1999, a hollow fiber membrane that
is gas permeable but not water permeable was developed at Mitsubishi Rayon. The
membrane was developed for medical applications, such as artificial heart-lung
machines, using deaeration, a method for removing gas from liquids. However, we
also saw potential in using the membrane for adding gas to liquids, and for this
purpose, we had our eyes on carbon dioxide, a gas that readily dissolves in water.
Although techniques already existed for dissolving carbon dioxide in cold liquids,
such as beer, we took up the challenge of dissolving carbon dioxide in hot water.
This was something no one had ever achieved. |
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What
exactly is a carbonated spring? |
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Carbonated springs are
not yet familiar in Japan, which has only four or five carbonated springs. In
Europe, however, carbonated springs have been used since ancient times for hot-spring
cures. The efficacy of carbonated springs in treating high blood pressure has
been demonstrated in Germany.
Accordingly, we took as a benchmark German
carbonated springs, which range in temperature from 32°C to 34°C, and produced
water with 1,000 ppm of carbon dioxide at a temperature of 40°C.
When you immerse your hand in this water, the peripheral capillaries dilate and
redden and blood flow improves by a factor of as much as five to seven times.
It was confirmed that the artificial carbonated spring has the same efficacy as
the carbonated springs in Germany, and we therefore decided to commercialize it
as a product. As carbonated beverages contain from 3,000 to 4,000 ppm of carbon
dioxide, and the breath we exhale contains about 20,000 to 40,000 ppm, we knew
that there would be no side-effects. Accordingly, we developed a product for
commercial spa facilities in 2002 and a product for home use in 2004. In November
2005, we commenced sales of the “soda bath” to the general public.
Furthermore, carbon dioxide is a byproduct emitted when fossil fuels are burned,
and our product is a means of effectively using this substance. |
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Have
you encountered any difficulties with product dissemination? |
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Various efficacies were discovered during the development
process. At the same time that blood flow is improved, due to the absorption of
carbon dioxide through the skin and capillary dilation, blood pressure decreases
due to a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance. The body eliminates waste
matter and the metabolism is stimulated due to the improved blood circulation.
We also learned that carbonated springs act on autonomic nerves. There are also
examples of people suffering from diabetes-induced gangrene whose legs turned
from blackish to pink in color when immersed in a carbonated spring.
Nevertheless, installations at hospitals remain limited due to reasons that include
exclusion from medical insurance coverage and the complication of installing new
equipment. Despite the existence of scientific proof of efficacy against high
blood pressure and diabetes, we are in a dilemma—the products are not classified
as medical equipment so we cannot extol their efficacy in medical care. Still,
we are seeing expansion of use for bathing in nursing care, by professional athletes
and at esthetic treatment salons, and installations at commercial spa facilities
are doubling each year. Above all, we are bringing comfort and joy to people who
are in truly difficult circumstances. I think these are socially significant products
that, by stimulating the essential functions of the body, provide real health
benefits without medicines or side-effects. |
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What
are your plans for future business development? |
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To verify efficacy, we want to deepen exchanges
with healthcare specialists and provide up-to-date information. As society ages,
people may remain healthier and continue to lead fulfilling lives by bathing in
carbonated springs. Possibly, our carbonated springs could even help to improve
the situation of annually rising national healthcare expenditures.
This is one reason we aim to promote use among the general public and achieve
adoption by 3% of households in Japan. |
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