Hot Springs Therapy

Hot spring therapy, also known as Balneotherapy (from Latin- treatment by bathing), is offered in many countries around the world, usually for skin, joint or muscle diseases. The effectiveness of bathing in a hot spring is individual and varies between patients.

A hot spring is a spring that is produced by the emergence of geothermal heated groundwater from the Earth's crust. The water flow rate in each spring varies from a slow or tiny flow to a geyser.

There are many types of hot springs distinguished by the different types of minerals dissolved in the water. These minerals include radium, sulfur, sodium, magnesium and others, each one giving the spring a different smell, color and health benefits.

Why Choose Hot Spring Therapy?

Health hot springs are known to have potential healing powers. Different cures are sometimes attributed to the special minerals dissolved in the water combined with the water's temperature and flow and a relaxing atmosphere. This combination attracts patients suffering from arthritis, chronic skin conditions, disabilities, Fibromyalgia (muscle and connective tissue pain), allergies, psoriasis, rheumatological diseases Conditions and diseases affecting the joints, muscles, and bones. (Source: Wikipedia)  and more.

Bathing in a hot spring may assist with enhancing your metabolism, relieving aching joints, improving blood circulation, promoting a physical and psychological well being and more.

Water containing calcium-sulphate, for instance, is used for relieving chronic skin disorders, digestive and urinary conditions and chronic metallic poisoning. Salt water containing sodium is used for treating rheumatic disorders, arthritis, painful joints and skin diseases. Water containing magnesium helps regulate the body's functions (including nerves and muscles) and energy production. Sulfur springs may have a therapeutic effect on women's diseases, skin diseases, asthma, rheumatism and wrist pain.

Mud-baths are sometimes a part of balneotherapy sites as the dirt from the ground is mixed with the water and the mud contains the minerals. Health seekers will apply this mud to their skin and take advantage of the healing properties.

Hot Spring Spas Around the World

Hot springs and health spas are available in many countries around the world including Japan, Israel, New Zealand, Germany, Hungary, China, Costa Rica, Iceland and more.

Below are some examples of internationally acclaimed hot spring locations.

Hot Springs in Israel

Israel has many hot spring spas, some date back thousands of years.

Hamat Gader

Hamat Gader is one of the most popular hot spring spas in Israel. It is located in northern Israel in a secluded nature reserve. Hamat Gader spa was established by the 10th Legion of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century AD and became the second largest bathhouse in the Roman Empire, known as the "Three Graces" symbolizing charm, youth and beauty.

The spa facility includes a large swimming pool filled with Hamat Gader healing water, jacuzzi beds, body massages, water jets to loosen neck, shoulder and back muscles; a huge waterfall for relaxing the whole body and more.

The thermo-mineral waters at Hamat Gader, reach the temperature of 125°F (52°C) and are used to help speed up body metabolism and cell renewal, to sooth aching joints and relieve urinary tract and digestive problems.

Ga'ash Hot Springs and Day Spa

Ga'ash is located on the Mediterranean coast in the center Israel. It offers natural thermo-mineral pools reaching temperatures of 102°F (39°C) with water originating from a spring going as deep as 5000 ft. (ca. 1,500 meters) underground.

This health facility has wet and dry saunas, an outdoor swimming pool (in season), a water massage center with high pressure sulfur jets and a spa center offering body and health treatments by experienced and professional therapists.

Hot Springs in Germany

The city of Baden-Baden in Germany ('Bad' in German means bath) has 23 hot spring locations with water temperatures reaching up to 154°F (68°C). Baden-Baden and Bad Zurzach are both located in the black forest not far from the city of Zurich in Switzerland.

The city of Aachen, located across the border from Belgium and the Netherlands, is known for its sodium and sulfate rich hot springs. The circulation depth of the thermal water is estimated to be more than 11,500 ft. (ca. 3,500 meters) and the water temperature at Aachen hot springs can reach up to 165°F (74°C).

Hot Springs in Japan

Japan is located in a volcanic region (the Pacific Ring of Fire) and offers a variety of hot springs. The famous Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaidō has a hot spring waterfall known as the "river of the gods".

Tokyo's Azabu Juban Hot Spring

There are a number of hot springs located in the city of Tokyo, one of them is the Azabu Juban hot spring, known for its black water. The hot spring is located in the middle of the busy city as the hot water travels to the 3rd floor of a building from 1,600 ft. (ca. 500 meters) underground.

Azabu Juban hot spring includes a public bath, a small sauna and a tatami (rice-mat) recreation room.

Hot Springs in Hungary

More than 400 hot spring facilities are located in Hungary. Budapest, the capital of Hungary is sometimes referred to as the "Spa Capital" as several hot springs are located in the city boundaries.

Many of the Hungarian spas are built on top of hot springs, but there are some where the hot spring water is brought to the spa. The water temperature in the Hugarian hot spring spas varies between 83-93°F (28-34°C).

A Video of Medical Spa Tourism Today in Hungary

Choosing a Hot Spring Destination Abroad

A variety of medicinal hot spring treatments may be used under different circumstances. It is important to consult your physician prior to any medical treatment in order to assure the compatibility to your condition and to avoid unnecessary side effects. Such consultation is especially important if you are pregnant or suffer from a heart disease, anemic conditions, liver, kidney or circulation disorders, malignant tumors or conditions involving high fever.

Choosing a spa vacation at a specific destination may have many healing benefits. A TicketMed agent can refer you to a luxurious spa destination most suitable to your condition and personal preferences, contact us or ask for a quote.