Spa
The practice of traveling to hot or cold springs in hopes of effecting a cure of some ailment dates back to pre-historic times. The term spa is associated with water treatment which is also known as balneotherapy.Complex bathing rituals were also practiced in ancient Egypt, in pre-historic cities of the Indus Valley, and in Aegean civilizations.
Archaeological investigations near hot springs in France and Czech Republic revealed Bronze Age weapons and offerings.The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters goes back to prehistoric times. Many people around the world believed that bathing in a particular spring, well, or river resulted in physical and spiritual purification.Spa towns or spa resorts (including hot springs resorts) typically offer various health treatments. Most often these ancient people did little building construction around the water, and what they did construct was very temporary in nature.Day spas are also quite popular, and offer various personal care treatments.
In Great Britain, ancient legend credited early Celtic kings with the discovery of the hot springs at Bath, England.Forms of ritual purification existed among the native Americans, Persians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Such practices have been popular worldwide, but are especially widespread in Europe and Japan. Today, ritual purification through water can be found in the religious ceremonies of Jews, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and Hindus. These ceremonies reflect the ancient belief in the healing and purifying properties of water.
