What
is Balneology?
Balneology is the scientific
study of naturally occurring mineral waters.
In the United States, this science is not very well known, and is even
less seldom practiced. However, throughout Europe and Japan, balneology
and hot springs therapy is very much a part of routine medical care.
Medical prescriptions are given by licensed doctors for the treatment
of a wide range of conditions, and utilizing mineral waters as a part
of preventative medicine is widely recognized and encouraged. Balneotherapy is
the practical study and application of the health benefits of water.
Hot springs therapy became popular in the United States
in the nineteenth century and reached a pinnacle in the United States
in the 1940's. During this brief hot springs era, doctors and resort
owners, as well as an ever-enthusiastic general public, attributed many
cures and health benefits to the use of therapeutic geothermally heated
mineral waters. However, the hot springs movement did not last long enough
to mature into a socio-cultural tradition which would have eventually
resulted in formal research and medical acceptance. Furthermore, the
FDA eventually stepped in and prohibited organizations from making unsubstantiated
health claims concerning the medicinal value of natural mineral waters.
These facts not withstanding, hot spring soaking has a
deep and far reaching tradition in North America, starting with the indigenous
North American Native Tribes who considered choice hot springs to be "power
spots" in nature. Native cultures universally utilized the natural
waters for healing, purification ceremonies, sacred gatherings, and tribal
meetings.
Although the brief hot springs movement in the United States
faded, enough interest remained by way of naturalists, enthusiasts, and
especially those more spiritually inclined, to keep many small resorts
in operation throughout the country during the later part of the 20th
century.
What remains universally true is the ignorance associated
with potential healing powers of natural mineral waters. When questioning
Native American healers, therapists, resort owners, and enthusiasts,
vague opinions and unsubstantiated "facts" are often prevalent,
some of which are contrary to established scientific fact.
The rest of this article is designed to "clear away
the pervasive fog" associated healing waters, as much as possible
based on scientific research and prevalent scientific theory. Most of
the information included is derived from European and Japanese medical
sources. Links, as they become available, will be included to more advanced
topics concerning more esoteric subjects, including the hot springs effect
on the human bio energy system, flow forms, structured water, and more.
Our own personal and independent research was and is being
conducted at the Inyo County "Tecopa" Hot Springs, located
on the southeast edge of Death Valley, in the Mojave Desert.
What Makes a Mineral Hot Spring a Mineral Hot Spring?
In the United States, there are no real standards to classify
the properties of hot springs. However, in Europe and Japan, there are
general standards that are widely accepted by balneologists.
The Hot Springs Source
There are two primary classifications of hot springs:
- Filtration Hot Springs
- A filtration hot spring is a geothermally heated mineral water
that is initially fed by rain water that seeps into the Earth
through faults and fractures. As it travels into the Earth, it
becomes subject to increased energy from natural geothermal heat,
and is exposed to gases and an often wide variety of minerals
from rock and mineral deposits. The water adsorbs the minerals
via leaching, is heated by the geothermal heat source, and then
returns to the Earth's surface.
- Primary Hot Springs
- A primary hot spring is a geothermally heated mineral water,
where direct volcanic activity plays a far greater role in the
process of the hot springs formation. One of the fundamental
physical distinctions between a filtration spring and a primary
spring is the mineral and gas content of the water, such as radon
and bromide. Primary hot springs are often "powered" by
magma chambers which exist miles under the Earth's surface, as
well as in volcanically active regions.
What is the Classification of the Tecopa Hot Springs?
The Tecopa Hot Springs are primary hot springs.
According to native traditions, the Tecopa hot springs would be considered
a primary water source, embodied with the
living power of Mother Earth. The water that surfaces is estimated
to have been deep within the Earth for more than 1.5
million years ( according to our source at the Bureau
of Land Management, Inyo County, California ).
The Hot Springs Temperature: Cool, Warm, or
Hot?
Balneologists generally accept the following classification
of mineral springs:
- Cold Springs - temperatures below 77° F ( 25° C
)
- Tepid Springs - temperatures ranging from 77 - 93° F
( 25°-34° C )
- Warm Springs - temperatures ranging from 93 F -
108° F ( 34° - 42° C )
- Hot Springs - temperatures above 108° ( 42° C
)
What is the Classification of the Tecopa Hot Springs?
The Inyo County Tecopa Hot Mineral Springs are classified as Hot
Springs. While the temperature of the water fluctuates between different
sources, the water temperature usually measures between 116 - 118° F.
The ambient temperature of the water in the summer
months, however, can be as a high as 121 - 135° F.
The temperature of the water for spas is regulated at no hotter
than 104° F by the State of California. In order to experience
the full therapeutic benefit of the "hot springs" classification,
a single use or special use tub must be utilized.
The Hot Springs Mineral Content
The legal classification of a mineral spring varies in different parts
of the world. Generally speaking:
A mineral spring contains greater than 1000 mg/l ( PPM ) of naturally
dissolved solids.
What is the Classification of the Tecopa Hot Springs?
The Tecopa Hot Springs are classified as true mineral springs, and
have dissolved solids measuring over 2000 mg/l ( PPM ), based on
the assessment conducted at Delight's Hot Springs Resort.
The Hot Springs PH Level
Waters may be classified as acidic, basic, or neutral,
according to the balance of hydrogen in the water.
Acidic waters are waters that
measure below 7.0 on the PH scale.
Neutral waters are waters that
measure 7.0 on the PH scale.
Basic/Alkaline waters are waters
that measure above 7.0 on the PH scale.
What is the Classification of the Tecopa
Hot Springs?
The Tecopa Hot Springs are low sulfur, high sulfate
alkaline hot springs, with a ph level between 7.4 - 7.6. The alkalinity
is primarily the result of the potassium, calcium, magnesium, and
sodium ions.
Hot Springs Therapy: Mineral Content
European balneologists have extensively studied the therapeutic
value of mineral waters. Mineral springs with different mineral content
are often recommended above others for various therapeutic uses.
In addition to the value of the trace minerals found in
most hot springs, and the stimulating benefits of highly mineralized
waters, balneotherapists generally agree on the following observations:
Bicarbonate
In Spain, a bicarbonate water is classified as such if
the water contains more than 250 PPM of free carbon gas. However, springs
that contain bicarbonate gasses ( sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate,
carbon dioxide, etc. ) may also be utilized for the observed benefits
commonly associated with bicarbonate hot springs.
Bathing in bicarbonate water, the balneologists believe,
assists opening peripheral blood vessels and helps to improve circulation
to the body's extremities.
European balneotherapists also utilize bicarbonate waters
for bathing to address hypertension and mild atherosclerosis. For these
conditions, tepid to warm baths are utilized ( 86 - 100° F ).
Some researchers believe that bicarbonate baths also assist
cardiovascular disease and nervous system imbalances.
How do the Tecopa Hot Springs Rate?
The Tecopa Hot Springs contain 668 PPM bicarbonate content,
although the bicarbonate content does not produce a "carbonated" effect
such as the Chatel-Guyon Hot Springs in France.
Sulfur and Sulfates
Hot Springs rich in Sulfur, in France, Spain, and Japan,
are used to address a wide variety of conditions, including skin infections,
respiratory problems, and skin inflammations.
Hot springs rich in sulfates ( i.e. sulfur compounds )
have a far reduced "sulfur" effect as compared to Sulfur-rich
springs. Such waters are often prescribed internally for liver and gastrointestinal
conditions, as well as for some respiratory conditions with inhalation
therapy, in European spas.
How do the Tecopa Hot Springs Rate?
The Tecopa Hot springs contain no free sulfur or sulfurous
gas. The Tecopa Hot Springs have been measured to contain 497.5 PPM
of sulfate compounds.
Chlorides
Saline hot springs are rich in sodium chloride.
Mineral springs naturally rich in chlorides, in amounts between .5 -
3%, are considered by some researchers to be beneficial for rheumatic
conditions, arthritis, central nervous system conditions, posttraumatic
and postoperative disorders, as well as orthopedic and gynecological
disease.
How do the Tecopa Hot Springs Rate?
The Tecopa Hot springs contain 371 PPM chloride content.
Other Mineral Research:
- Benefits of Arsenic - While arsenic in
larger doses is toxic in the human body, minute amounts may assist
the body with plasma and tissue growth. Foot bathing in mineral waters
with a high content of arsenic is used to address fungal conditions
of the feet.
- Benefits Boron - Boron builds muscle
mass, increases brain activity and strengthens bones.
- Benefits of Magnesium - Magnesium converts
blood sugar to energy and promotes healthy skin.
- Benefits of Potassium - Potassium assists
in the normalization of heart rhythms, assists in reducing high blood
pressure, helps to eliminate body toxins and promotes healthy skin.
- Benefits of Sodium - Sodium and natural
salts assist with the alleviation of arthritic symptoms, and may
stimulate the body's lymphatic system when used in baths.
Alkaline water that is high in calcium, magnesium, and potassium may
assist the body in cleansing through the skin.
What do the medical balneologists have to say about the
temperature of mineral water for therapy?
It is believed among some circles that warm spring soaking is more beneficial
( 99 - 101° F ) than thermal therapy. This is not necessarily
supported by independent research and medical scientific analysis.
European medical doctors have conducted research into thermal therapy,
and have found that:
- Hydrostatic pressure in the body is increased
- This results in increased blood circulation and cell oxygenation
- The elimination systems of the body are thus stimulated,
improving the body's capacity to detoxify
- The body's metabolism is stimulated
- This results in improved digestion
- 3 to 4 weeks of regular thermal bathing can assist in the normalization
of endocrine glands and assist the automatic nervous system
Many of the stimulating benefits of hot springs water are temperature
dependent. Balneologists have found that hot springs soaking temporarily
relieves chronic pain directly associated with inflammation, even in
cases where inflammation has not been reduced. This effect is heavily
reliant upon the temperature of the waters.
In Japan, at the famous Kusatsu hot spring, a 3-minute 125° F bath
is utilized for an extraordinary therapeutic experience. Each visitor
is pre-screened by the "bath master" to determine if such a
bath would be safe and beneficial for each individual.
The founder of Delight's Hot Springs Resort kept a private and personal
use therapy tub set at a consistent 116° F.
Not everyone should utilize high-temperature hot springs for
therapeutic use. The state of one's metabolism and the the
presence of medical conditions is the determining factor when considering
the most safe and healthy water temperature to bath in.
Contraindications to Hot Water Natural Mineral Springs Therapy:
- Conditions involving high fevers
- Extreme Hypertension
- Malignant tumors and cancerous conditions ( internal )
- Liver, kidney, or circulation disorders
- Conditions presenting the risk of hemorrhaging
- Anemic Conditions
- Pregnancy
- Congestive heart failure, recent stroke, or recent heart attack
- Bathing under the influence of drugs or alcohol
The existence of these or other metabolic conditions does not necessarily
mean that there would be no benefit derived from utilizing mineral waters.
It does mean, however, that there is a risk associated that may out way
any benefit to utilizing hot waters. In such situations, individuals
should consult with a medical doctor before bathing, or consult with
a European medical balneologist.
In any case, soaking in mineral waters should not be done at excessively
high temperatures without medical clearance when any contraindicated
condition exists. A tepid to warm bath ( ~ 95° F - ~ 99° ) is
as safe as taking a bath at home.
Other Interesting Notes on Balneology & Balneotherapy
Severe Chronic Illness: The Three Stages of
Spa Therapy Response
Researchers and Balneotherapists in Poland have identified
three possible response stages to hot springs therapy, where chronic
illness spa programs lasting three to four weeks are utilized for a
wide variety of conditions.
1. Spa Adaptation
A period of 3 to 7 days of environmental adjustment.
This is both a psychological and physiological stage where the mind
and body go through a period of adjustment to the external environment,
including a physiological response to hot spring therapy.
2. Spa Crisis
A possible spa crisis has been observed approximately
two weeks into therapy. Symptoms include malaise, fever, tachycardia,
headache, fatigue, insomnia and pain. An acute flare-up of a dormant
condition may occur. In some cases, medication may be required to
control symptoms, and traditionally, spa treatment is reduced or
temporarily suspended during this period. This response is similar
to a herxheimer reaction, or the "externalization of symptoms" extremely
common as a part of natural healing in natural medicine.
3. Regeneration
Balneotherapists have noted that the final stage of spa therapy
results in an overall improvement in the indicated condition, and
that beneficial results may not be noticeable by the individual for
many weeks after the treatment program has been completed. Balneotherapists
have noted that benefits derived from spa therapy can be extended
for up to 10 to 12 months after treatment.
Mineral & Water Adsorption - Toxic Waste
/ Metabolic By-Product Elimination
The movement of minerals into the body as the result
of mineral water therapy is dependent upon:
1. The fat/water solubility due to the structure of the
skin membrane.
The movement of water into and out of the body during
mineral water therapy is dependent upon:
1. The osmolality of the bath and the fluid condition
of the individual.
Depending upon the osmolality of the bath, water is either
adsorbed into the body or pulled from the body. Although we do not
have a tonicity report to classify the Tecopa Hot Springs as hypotonic,
isotonic or hypertonic, we believe that the Tecopa Hot Springs water
provide a slightly hyperosmal bath; water is pulled from the body.
Mineral adsorption via hot springs soaking is extremely
small, and the amount adsorbed into the body is concentration dependent
and varies depending on the mineral and its chemical form. Even so,
medical balneotherapists have noted that even minute amounts of therapeutic
minerals adsorbed into the body via the skin have a significant therapeutic
value.
The ion exchange capacity of hot springs mineral waters
also influences mineral and water adsorption, and is defined by the
ionic dissociation of the minerals in the water. A higher free ion
content equates to a greater ion exchange capacity.
In short, the osmotic qualities, the mineral concentration,
the PH level, and the mineral form effect the transdermal carrier effects
of any mineral waters, as well as the fluid conditions of the individual
soaking.
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Eytons' Earth would like to give a special thank you to Nathaniel
Altman for his ground breaking work: "Healing
Springs, The Ultimate Guide to Taking the Waters",
which provides the only in-depth look into European Balneology
available in mass print for the North American audience.
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Healing Springs
Nathaniel Altman
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Sacred Waters
Nathaniel Altman
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Other resources located within the Southern Nevada Area:
Black
Canyon Hot Springs & Kayaking - Kayaking, hiking and Hot
Springs. Who could ask for anything more?
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The
study of pelotherapy and healing clays eventually leads the earnest
explorer to a close examination of the qualities of water. The type
and characteristics of any water used to hydrate clay has an incredible
effect on the end product. After all, with purer smectites ( bentonite
and montmorillonites ) there is usually two to four times as much
water (by volume) as there is actual clay.
Comments (1)
I don't know if there are in the US, but I would like to know if there are just in case. If there aren't any in the US, what would be the closest thing I could study, at college (or privately) to start studying about hot springs.