CHAPTER SIX - History of Balneotherapy

Journal/Book: Reprinted from MEDICAL HYDROLOGY-1963. 1963;

Abstract: BALNEOLOGY is one of the most ancient therapeutic methods. One difficulty in analyzing the historical development of balneology springs from the intermingling use of baths and spas for hygiene and religious rites and for therapeutic regimens. Moreover a host of activities are associated with balneology in the distant past as well as in the present which this chapter will largely neglect. The history of the earliest balneology is based on the study of archeologic evidence such as health resorts baths aqueducts pipes and documents such as votive tablets. Of later date there are manuscripts then books and finally a rich host of interesting pictures. BATHS AND RELIGION Mystic and Religious Elements in the Relationship of Man to Water Since ancient times most peoples have respected or worshiped running water and especially springs of pure water. Waters striking in their color or taste containing carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulfide drew much attention especially in hot or thermal springs. Therefore it is not surprising that springs were thought to have supernatural qualities and magic powers and to be the seats of gods spirits and nymphs. Even rivers such as the fertilizing Nile were worshiped as deities. The god of water was respected because water strengthens health and brings recovery. Nature philosophers in ancient Greece as Thales of Miletos and some of his followers respected water as a basic material element of nature. In Greek mythology many springs were supposed to have miraculous powers of healing. Nymphs were imagined to dwell in them some having curative virtues of healing. Altars and later shrines were set up where sacrifices replicas of diseased organs crutches and even bandages were placed as offerings. It became a custom when leaving baths to throw coins small votives jewelry arms and drinking vessels into the water. These objects furnish valuable archeologic evidence in the history of springs. The first important protector or the god of springs was Heracles (Hercules) to whom numerous springs were consecrated such as the sulfurous thermae in Thermopylae. His picture is imprinted on a number of coins usually with a stream of water spouting from a vent in the form of a lion's head which is probably the first representation of a shower bath. The transition from mysticism and cult to a rational use of water and to physical treatment in the Greek Asclepieia deserves special attention. By the fifth century B.C. the cult of Asclepius became a national group in Greece. ... ___MH

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