Hot Springs

Derived from the Latin balneum ("bath"), balneotherapy has been used for centuries in cultures all over the world, including in ancient Rome, Greece, and Japan. Unlike general hydrotherapy, which uses plain water for therapeutic purposes, balneotherapy specifically utilizes the chemical properties of mineral water. 

In many European and Asian countries, balneotherapy is a medical specialty taught in medical schools and sometimes prescribed by doctors. 

Soaking in a natural hot spring provides therapeutic benefits through three main mechanisms:

• Heat (thermal effects): The heat of the water helps to relax muscles, relieve joint stiffness, and improve blood circulation.
• Pressure (buoyancy and mechanical effects): The water's pressure and buoyancy can stimulate nerves, and the anti-gravity effect allows muscles to relax.
• Minerals (chemical effects): The unique mineral content of a hot spring is absorbed through the skin and inhaled in steam. The specific minerals present, such as sulfur, silica, and magnesium, are believed to offer various healing properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. 

Studies and traditional practices indicate that soaking in hot springs and other forms of balneotherapy may help with:

• Musculoskeletal pain: Alleviates joint and muscle pain, including conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia.
• Skin conditions: Can be beneficial for issues such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
• Cardiovascular health: May improve certain cardiovascular functions, including circulation.
• Stress and mental health: Provides relaxation and can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality. 

Balneotherapy is also often combined with hydrotherapy, which focuses more on exercise and muscle regeneration using water. There is still confusion between hydrotherapy and balneotherapy. The former simply uses water, while the latter uses natural thermal mineral water.

There are a couple of websites we think you might find to helpful:

• Balneology Association of North America
• Iron Mountain Hot Springs