the use of peat for therapeutic purposes; a type of pelotherapy. The peat used usually meets hygienic requirements, is highly decomposed (more than 60 percent), and has been heated to 42°–52°C. Peat therapy is more easily tolerated than treatment with sediment mud, from which peat differs by its substantial content of organic matter, lower heat conductivity, greater heat capacity, and higher optimum temperature. The principal method of peat therapy is external application. It may be combined with electrotherapy.