Balneology
Many people refer to balneology as balneotherapy. Balneotherapy is the medical use of spas and mineral baths. Rather than drinking the water, balneology is using water for healing medicinal purposes. Balneotherapy can involve moving through water, massage through water or therapy in hot or in cold water. Usually mineral baths are a large part of balneology and balneotherapy treatments.
Balneotherapy and balneology don't apply to just water baths. There are many spa treatments that include aspects of balneology, such as mud baths. Mud baths help absorb the impurities of the skin as well as infuse the skin with rich minerals that are beneficial to the health and overall appearance of the skin.
Balneology has many healing properties for many different ailments and is not just simply a cosmetic therapy. Balneology is effective in treating arthritis, fibromyalgia and various skin conditions. Water at various temperatures and with different minerals can affect the nervous system of the body and promote healing, which is how balneology works.
A common form of balneology is a foot batch. The study of reflexology shows that the feet have a direct connection to many internal organs. Therefore, bathing the feet can positively impact the entire body. Epsom salt footbaths are a popular form of healing footbaths. The Epsom salts help detoxify the skin and improve the function of the immune system.
Steam baths are another popular form of balneotherapy that is quite common. Steam baths open the pores and help to speed the release of toxins from the body. Steam baths can include aromatherapy as an additional option during the treatment session. The addition of aromatherapy to a steam bath brings together the alternative medicine philosophy of healing the body and the mind.
Studies are inconclusive as to its true medicinal benefits, but people who participate in various forms of balneology seem to feel there is truth to its benefits.
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