Glossary

There are many terms used by the medical profession for medical spa treatment, that have been ‘adopted ‘ by commercial venues.  So beware!

Balneotherapy (from Latin: balneum, “bath”) Wikipedian says this  is the treatment of disease by bathing. It may involve hot or cold water, massage through moving water, relaxation or stimulation. Many mineral waters at spas are rich in particular mineralssilica, sulfur, selenium, radium) which can be absorbed through the skin. Medicinal clays ( are also widely used.

The term “balneotherapy” is generally applied to everything relating to spa treatment, including the drinking of waters and the use of hot baths and natural vapour baths, as well as of the various kinds of mud and sand used for hot applications. Balneotherapy refers to the medical use of these spas, as opposed to recreational use.

Common minerals found in spa waters are sodium, magnesium, calcium and iron, as well as arsenic, lithium, potassium, manganese, bromine, and iodine. Resorts may also add minerals or essential oils to naturally-occurring hot springs. Though balneotherapy commonly refers to mineral baths, the term may also apply to water treatments using regular hot or cold tap water.

Mud baths are also included in balneotherapy, and the dirt and water used to mix mud baths may also contain minerals which are thought to have beneficial properties.

Treatment bath at a spa in Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States

Balneotherapy may be recommended for wide range of illnesses, including arthritis , skin conditions and fibromyalgia . As with any medical treatment, balneotherapy should be discussed with a physician before beginning treatment, since a number of conditions, like heart disease and pregnancy, can result in a serious adverse reaction.

Scientific studies into the effectiveness of balneotherapy tend to be neutral or positive, finding that balneotherapy provides no effect or a placebo effect, or that there is a positive effect. However, many of these studies suffer from methodological flaws, and so may not be entirely reliable.  The best guide is to find out if the spa is registered or known to the medical profession, recommended by your doctor, or has a reputable medical team in charge.