What is Balneology?

Balneology is the scientific study of the therapeutic benefits of naturally occuring mineral waters. In the United States, this science is not very well known, and is even less seldom practiced. However, throughout Europe and Japan, balneology and hot springs therapy is very much a part of routine medical care. Medical prescriptions are given by licensed doctors for the treatment of a wide range of conditions, and utilizing mineral waters as a part of preventative medicine is widely recognized and encouraged.

Balneotherapy is a natural therapy which makes the best use of natural elements, such as hot springs, climatic factors, chronoboiological and circadian rhythmic phases and natural herbal substances.  In Japan, the traditional form of balneotherapy is hot water springs water bathing; in Europe, mineral bathing. Both are characterized by repeated immersion of the whole body in hot water, that is stimulating to the body.

Hydrotherapy

This treatment modality is thought to promote wellness and optimize overall health.  Hydrotherapy should be used with, not in place of, standard cancer therapy.

What does hydrotherapy involve?  Hydrotherapy is the use of water, ice and steam as a medical treatment.  It has been used by many cultures throughout human history from Native American "sweat lodges" to early Roman and Turkish therapeutic bath houses.  Types of hydrotherapy include whirlpool baths for relaxation, ice packs to reduce swelling, warm water to cleanse wounds, humidifiers and liquids to combat dryness and dehydration, steam baths and colonic irrigation.