Balneotherapy
Hot Springs Massage

Balneotherapy is the practice of bathing in hot or cold water enriched with minerals for healing. This hydrotherapy is often combined with massage for a healing hot springs massage. It is a popular practice at massage therapy spas around the world, especially in Europe and Japan.

The name of this therapy often practiced at hotsprings is derived from the Latin word for bath, balneum. It is commonly done in spas that are built around hotsprings. The water from the springs are enriched with minerals naturally, but often more minerals are added by the spas. Waters from hotsprings can contain magnesium, calcium, sodium, arsenic, potassium, manganese, bromine, and iodine. Sometimes the waters are infused with herbs and essential oils to further enhance the treatment.

Massage is performed in the water. The massage can be a relaxing Swedish type massage or a brisker more stimulating massage. It can even be an Oriental massage style like Watsu.

This therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions including:

arthritis
fibromyalgia
skin conditions

A study on balneotherapy and osteoarthritis was done at Tel Aviv University. 72 peoople with knee arthritis were studied for 3 months. Half the group was used as a control and recieved no treatment. The other half had hotsprings therapy once a week. At the end of the study the group who recieved the therapy showed a significant improvement.

Because this therapy involves soaking in hot water it's not appropriate for everyone. You shouldn't get hot springs massage if you have any of the following conditions: