Basic Principals of Geothermal Balneology and Examples in the United States

Abstract

People have used geothermal and mineral waters for bathing and their health for many thousands of years. Great spas, where balneology is usually practiced, have a long history, often stretching back to Roman times, and today they are still popular in Europe and Japan. The Indians of the Americas considered hot springs as sacred places and believed in the healing powers of heat and mineral waters. Today in the United States, people visit spas to improve their health and appearance, to get away from the stresses of work, and to refresh and revitalize their body and mind. The emphasis and purpose of spas, along with the successful planning and development, are discussed, as are the importance of water and mud to enhance the experience. Typical spa designs are suggested based on experiences in the U.S. Several U.S. spas are described as examples: Warm Springs, Oregon (Kah-Nee-Ta), Calistoga, California, and Thermopolis, Wyoming.