IN HUNDREDS OF SPOTS across the country, the earth bubbles with mineral-imbued water that can nourish joints and bones, clear up skin conditions, reduce respiratory and circulatory problems, and melt away tension and pain. “Mineral springs are a unique healing resource that most Americans aren’t aware of,” says Nathaniel Altman, author of Healing Springs: The Ultimate Guide to Taking the Waters. “But in Europe and Japan, mineral bathing is a mainstream form of medicine. It’s even covered by health insurance.”
Indeed, much of the research on the therapeutic elements of mineral bathing, known as balneotherapy, comes from across the ocean: A recent Hungarian study found that soaking in sulfur spring water may ease lower back pain; a 2001 report from the Israel Medical Association Journal concluded that bathing in the Dead Sea improved symptoms in patients with psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia, and a 2000 investigation at the University of Vienna Medical School indicated balneotherapy’s potential value for people with high blood pressure.
The benefits flow from two sources, says Deborah Coryell, director of the health and wellness division of King Ventures retreat resorts in San Luis Obispo, Calif. “First, you start with hot water, which is good for anybody because of its relaxing quality,” she notes. “But you’re also working with water that’s mineral-rich, so your body can absorb the minerals into the circulatory system.”
Of course, some people take their minerals orally–see “Minerals 101″ on page 93 for more on supplementing–but swallowing pills doesn’t give you the sensory rewards of bathing. After soaking for just 30 minutes, you’ll feel a glow inside and out. And that’s a pleasure everyone should enjoy, not just those looking to rinse away aches and pains. “You can incorporate mineral bathing into your
health care like you would massage,” Coryell says. “Think of it as one of your resources for good health.”
Indeed, much of the research on the therapeutic elements of mineral bathing, known as balneotherapy, comes from across the ocean: A recent Hungarian study found that soaking in sulfur spring water may ease lower back pain; a 2001 report from the Israel Medical Association Journal concluded that bathing in the Dead Sea improved symptoms in patients with psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia, and a 2000 investigation at the University of Vienna Medical School indicated balneotherapy’s potential value for people with high blood pressure.
The benefits flow from two sources, says Deborah Coryell, director of the health and wellness division of King Ventures retreat resorts in San Luis Obispo, Calif. “First, you start with hot water, which is good for anybody because of its relaxing quality,” she notes. “But you’re also working with water that’s mineral-rich, so your body can absorb the minerals into the circulatory system.”
Of course, some people take their minerals orally–see “Minerals 101″ on page 93 for more on supplementing–but swallowing pills doesn’t give you the sensory rewards of bathing. After soaking for just 30 minutes, you’ll feel a glow inside and out. And that’s a pleasure everyone should enjoy, not just those looking to rinse away aches and pains. “You can incorporate mineral bathing into your
health care like you would massage,” Coryell says. “Think of it as one of your resources for good health.”
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