Healing Waters: 5 Places to Find Mineral Springs and Hot Springs
Taking the Waters
In ancient times the term 'taking the waters' was commonly used. Water therapies were used not just to cleanse and rejuvenate, but to heal as well. This is still being done today.
The earliest civilizations used the waters as far back as 4,000 B.C. often for religious rituals and but also for healing. This included Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India and Crete. During the 16th century Europe rediscovered the ancient Roman spa cultures in towns like Bath. I had the pleasure of visiting Bath with my cousin Bryan, where we were allowed to taste the water at the Baths. At that time it was a tourist destination.
Taking the waters was previously done in natural springs or at temple baths. In modern time taking to the waters is most often done at a local spa with the use of hot tubs, spa tubs - both may have jets or a whirlpool effect.
However, hot springs and mineral springs still exist here in the USA and are used for therapeutic purposes. These therapies have been shown to be beneficial for arthritis, skin disorders, stress related illnesses, relaxation and much more.
Below is a list of 5 mineral springs and hot springs, in the USA, beginning with the most famous one in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
1) Hot Springs, Hot Springs, Arkansas - Designated a national park in 1832, Hot Springs is known simply as Hot Springs in the town of the same name. For centuries, the First People on the continent used these 143 degree F thermal waters and enjoyed the benefits. Today, the town's hospital has therapists who make use of the 50 foot pool filled with thermal waters from Hot Springs National Park. It benefits people recovering from surgery, strokes, accidents and aids in the treatment of arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and lupus. In Buckstaff, you will find the last remaining bath house where for about $50.00 you will receive a thermal whirlpool, soak, loofah rub and Swedish massage.
2) Riverbend Hot Springs, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico - A natural hot spring is beneath this desert town where water comes out of the ground anywhere from 102 degrees F to 115 degrees F. Located on the banks of the Rio Grande, the hot springs here are recommended for anyone who has osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Private and public pools are available starting at $10. per hour.
3) Warm Mineral Springs, Northport, Florida - The minerals here are so dense you can float. In fact the minerals are the densest of any known warm-water spring in the world, also having the highest healing mineral content (51 known minerals) in the USA. The mineral springs, which remain at a constant 87 degrees F, are recommended for anyone who has arthritis or other painful conditions. More than 9 million gallons of water per day, filled with minerals, circulates through the 1.4 acre, 230 foot deep sinkhole. A day pass is $20 for adults with special prices offered for students and children.
4) Pluto Mineral Springs, French Lick, Indiana - The springs here are sulfur-rich. As far back as the early 1900s daily trains would arrive here so visitors could use the springs. Two spa hotels are built around these springs--the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel--and at either you can soak in the mineral springs in the spa areas for $40. While the sulfurous smell can be strong, the springs are known to relieve stress, improve the skin and ease aches and pains. Other services are also available like body wraps, scrubs, facials, etc.
5) Crystal Hot Springs, Honeyville, Utah - These springs were known and used by the First People in this place that is now known as Crystal Hot Springs. At a site in the Wasach Mountains, a hot and cold spring both bubble up within 50 feet of each other--and is only one of two places in the world to have this feature. The springs are recommended for people who have arthritis as they help to reduce the inflammation and pain. A pass for two days can be purchased for $15.00.
For more information about alternative healing practices see the links below:
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