What do you think?
Rate this book
Healing Springs: The Ultimate Guide to Taking the Waters
The first book to present medical evidence that mineral springs can prevent and cure disease--and to tell you which spas are most effective
• Lists more than 200 of the best hot springs and mineral springs in the world and the health conditions best treated at each, with a special emphasis on springs in the U.S. and Canada
• Reviews additional healing techniques that best complement bathing in and drinking medicinal waters--such as acupuncture, homeopathy, fasting programs, and fitness training
• Includes photos of everything from famous spas to little-known hot springs
The Fountain of Youth does exist! Author Nathaniel Altman shows that "taking the waters" is a powerful healing tool that rejuvenates the body and prevents a host of illnesses. Until now, it's been the best-kept secret for promoting and maintaining health and vitality.
The use of natural mineral spring water for the prevention and cure of disease dates back 5000 years to the Bronze Age. Hot springs reached their heyday in the United States in the latter part of the 19th century and were well attended until the early 1940s. Balneotherapy--using natural mineral spring water for the prevention and cure of disease--continued to thrive elsewhere in the world and is making a big comeback in the United States. It is an accepted form of mainstream medicine in Europe and Japan, where an abundance of medical evidence shows that in addition to relieving stress, certain mineral waters can help the body heal itself from heart, liver, and kidney problems, skin diseases, asthma, digestive disorders, arthritis, and a host of other health problems.
• Lists more than 200 of the best hot springs and mineral springs in the world and the health conditions best treated at each, with a special emphasis on springs in the U.S. and Canada
• Reviews additional healing techniques that best complement bathing in and drinking medicinal waters--such as acupuncture, homeopathy, fasting programs, and fitness training
• Includes photos of everything from famous spas to little-known hot springs
The Fountain of Youth does exist! Author Nathaniel Altman shows that "taking the waters" is a powerful healing tool that rejuvenates the body and prevents a host of illnesses. Until now, it's been the best-kept secret for promoting and maintaining health and vitality.
The use of natural mineral spring water for the prevention and cure of disease dates back 5000 years to the Bronze Age. Hot springs reached their heyday in the United States in the latter part of the 19th century and were well attended until the early 1940s. Balneotherapy--using natural mineral spring water for the prevention and cure of disease--continued to thrive elsewhere in the world and is making a big comeback in the United States. It is an accepted form of mainstream medicine in Europe and Japan, where an abundance of medical evidence shows that in addition to relieving stress, certain mineral waters can help the body heal itself from heart, liver, and kidney problems, skin diseases, asthma, digestive disorders, arthritis, and a host of other health problems.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2000
14 people want to read
About the author
Nathaniel Altman
66 books8 followersNathaniel Altman is a Brooklyn, New York -based writer, teacher and counselor who has authored more than twenty published books on peace studies, alternative healing, nature and relationship.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 23, 2024
AN EXCELLENT OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF WATERS USED FOR ‘HEALING’
Author Nathanial Altman wrote in the Introduction to this 2000 book, “People have used geothermal waters and mineral waters for bathing and improving their health for thousands of years… The healing value of spas has long been accepted by the medical community, especially in Europe and Japan, where they are used both for the prevention and the treatment of disease… There are over 200 commercial hot springs and mineral springs in the United States and Canada, along with thousands of smaller noncommercial springs… Many of these springs enjoyed their heyday in the latter part of the nineteenth century, when thousands of city dwellers boarded steam trains and converged on spa towns every summer for several weeks of vacation… During this time, it was popular for spa owners to claim that their waters would cure an impressive list of ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Government regulations later prohibited such health claims, and interest in ‘taking the waters’ began to decline in America. As people began to favor urban entertainment and theme parks and glitzy seaside resorts toward the middle of this century, many hot springs resorts began to close.” (Pg. 2-3)
“However, today’s growing interest in natural lifestyles, physical fitness, and alternative healing has brought about a renewed interest in healing springs, both for bathing and for drinking. Spa towns … are becoming popular tourist destinations once again. Government regulations concerning health claims have led people to appreciate hot springs primarily for their calming effects and recreational value, although many people feel that hot mineralized water found in these spas has a marked therapeutic effect on the body. Few are aware that balneotherapy is an accepted form of mainstream medicine in Europe and Japan, where an abundance of medical evidence shows that in addition to relieving stress, certain mineral waters can help the body heal itself… Imany of these findings are presented to the English-speaking public for the first time in this book. In addition to the curative waters themselves, many of today’s hot spring resorts have licensed health professionals on staff and provide natural and complementary health treatments… However, hot springs and mineral springs also appeal to those who seek sensual pleasure and relaxation through delicious cuisine, comfortable accommodations, beautiful gardens, and congenial people…” (Pg. 3)
“The book you are holding … presents bathing in mineral springs and drinking their waters as part of a holistic approach to health and well-being, and it includes a review of the healing modalities that best complement both bathing in and drinking medicinal waters. (Pg. 5) He acknowledges, “there is a small degree of risk from sharing a bath with strangers. However, these risks need to be viewed in context: your chances of getting infected from bathing in a hot spring (or any public pool) are far less than catching an airborne infection by commuting to work on the subway, taking a trip on a commercial airline, working in an office building, or going to the hospital… where … bacterial infections are common.” (Pg. 6)
He continues, “One of the primary goals is to present the evidence on the medial value of hot springs and mineral springs. Scientific research into the value of balneotherapy has taken various forms: the gathering and reporting of preliminary data and experiential data and, in a few cases, full-fledged research studies. But such research has often run up against several issues: financial obstacles, the integration of balneotherapy with other forms of treatment, and the requirements of double-blind studies. Funding for medical research usually comes from government and pharmaceutical companies. But these sources often do not grant financial support to studies in balneotherapy, except in countries such as Russian, Japan, and Hungary, where medical balneotherapy has long been part of the medical mainstream. In addition it is often difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of bathing in and drinking mineral water because these waters are often used as part of a holistic approach… Furthermore, the double-blind studies that have become the ‘gold standard’ of scientific research… are difficult to apply to the unique features of water-based treatments.” (Pg. 8)
He concludes, “As a result of their dissatisfaction with mainstream medicine, Americans are spending an estimated $12 billion a year on so-called alternative therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and homeopathy, which are often not covered by medical insurance. People are looking for safe, effective, inexpensive, and natural methods that enhance the body’s innate healing processes for both the prevention and cure of disease… Healing springs are… a precious gift from the Earth Mother…. It is hoped that by understanding the medicinal value of healing springs, we will learn to appreciate their magical powers and stive to use them wisely for pleasure, personal reflection, and healing.” (Pg. 9-10)
He notes, “Thomas Jefferson also was fascinated with hot springs and even designed the men’s pool at Hot Springs, Virginia, in 1761. He devoted ten paragraphs to spas in his ‘Notes on the State of Virginia’… He was a frequent guest at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia… and recommended that the Commonwealth of Virginia purchase the spring for public use. Other early Americans who bathed in White Sulphur Springs included Daniel Webster, Davy Crockett, Francis Scott Key, John C. Calhoun, Henry Clay, and Presidents Martin Van Buren, John Tyler, Franklin Pierce, Millard Fillmore, and James Buchanan.” (Pg. 45-46) He adds, “Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a frequent visitor to Warm Springs, where he found the exercise program known as hydrogymnastics highly beneficial.” (Pg. 49)
He explains, “Some of the world’s favorite mineral waters… naturally contain large amounts of both bicarbonate and carbonic gas. Other famous waters, such as Calistoga, Poland Spring, and Perrier, are artificially carbonated with carbon dioxide for drinking.” (Pg. 55)
He observes, “Many people leave a hot springs bath feeling wonderful. This is due in part to the overall feelings of well-being associated with bathing in warm water, as well as the thermal and chemical effects that hot springs water (hot springs contain a large amount of negative ions) have on the production of endorphins---neurochemical produced by the body that can increase feelings of well-being.” (Pg. 163) Later, he adds, “Because bathing in a hot spring gradually raises the body’s temperature, it produces many of the health benefits provided by a fever without our feeling sick.” (Pg. 167)
He concludes, “The gift of wellness care is perhaps one of the most important benefits that hot springs bathing can provide. The unofficial motto of the International Society of Medical Balneology and Climatology is ‘Die young, but live as long as possible.’ By utilizing the rejuvenating powers of healing springs, we can not only help heal ourselves of disease but remain young, healthy, and vital throughout our lives.” (Pg. 172) Then he provides an extensive listing of such springs and spas throughout the world.
This is an excellent explanation of such spas and springs, that will be of great interest to anyone studying the subject.
Author Nathanial Altman wrote in the Introduction to this 2000 book, “People have used geothermal waters and mineral waters for bathing and improving their health for thousands of years… The healing value of spas has long been accepted by the medical community, especially in Europe and Japan, where they are used both for the prevention and the treatment of disease… There are over 200 commercial hot springs and mineral springs in the United States and Canada, along with thousands of smaller noncommercial springs… Many of these springs enjoyed their heyday in the latter part of the nineteenth century, when thousands of city dwellers boarded steam trains and converged on spa towns every summer for several weeks of vacation… During this time, it was popular for spa owners to claim that their waters would cure an impressive list of ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Government regulations later prohibited such health claims, and interest in ‘taking the waters’ began to decline in America. As people began to favor urban entertainment and theme parks and glitzy seaside resorts toward the middle of this century, many hot springs resorts began to close.” (Pg. 2-3)
“However, today’s growing interest in natural lifestyles, physical fitness, and alternative healing has brought about a renewed interest in healing springs, both for bathing and for drinking. Spa towns … are becoming popular tourist destinations once again. Government regulations concerning health claims have led people to appreciate hot springs primarily for their calming effects and recreational value, although many people feel that hot mineralized water found in these spas has a marked therapeutic effect on the body. Few are aware that balneotherapy is an accepted form of mainstream medicine in Europe and Japan, where an abundance of medical evidence shows that in addition to relieving stress, certain mineral waters can help the body heal itself… Imany of these findings are presented to the English-speaking public for the first time in this book. In addition to the curative waters themselves, many of today’s hot spring resorts have licensed health professionals on staff and provide natural and complementary health treatments… However, hot springs and mineral springs also appeal to those who seek sensual pleasure and relaxation through delicious cuisine, comfortable accommodations, beautiful gardens, and congenial people…” (Pg. 3)
“The book you are holding … presents bathing in mineral springs and drinking their waters as part of a holistic approach to health and well-being, and it includes a review of the healing modalities that best complement both bathing in and drinking medicinal waters. (Pg. 5) He acknowledges, “there is a small degree of risk from sharing a bath with strangers. However, these risks need to be viewed in context: your chances of getting infected from bathing in a hot spring (or any public pool) are far less than catching an airborne infection by commuting to work on the subway, taking a trip on a commercial airline, working in an office building, or going to the hospital… where … bacterial infections are common.” (Pg. 6)
He continues, “One of the primary goals is to present the evidence on the medial value of hot springs and mineral springs. Scientific research into the value of balneotherapy has taken various forms: the gathering and reporting of preliminary data and experiential data and, in a few cases, full-fledged research studies. But such research has often run up against several issues: financial obstacles, the integration of balneotherapy with other forms of treatment, and the requirements of double-blind studies. Funding for medical research usually comes from government and pharmaceutical companies. But these sources often do not grant financial support to studies in balneotherapy, except in countries such as Russian, Japan, and Hungary, where medical balneotherapy has long been part of the medical mainstream. In addition it is often difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of bathing in and drinking mineral water because these waters are often used as part of a holistic approach… Furthermore, the double-blind studies that have become the ‘gold standard’ of scientific research… are difficult to apply to the unique features of water-based treatments.” (Pg. 8)
He concludes, “As a result of their dissatisfaction with mainstream medicine, Americans are spending an estimated $12 billion a year on so-called alternative therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and homeopathy, which are often not covered by medical insurance. People are looking for safe, effective, inexpensive, and natural methods that enhance the body’s innate healing processes for both the prevention and cure of disease… Healing springs are… a precious gift from the Earth Mother…. It is hoped that by understanding the medicinal value of healing springs, we will learn to appreciate their magical powers and stive to use them wisely for pleasure, personal reflection, and healing.” (Pg. 9-10)
He notes, “Thomas Jefferson also was fascinated with hot springs and even designed the men’s pool at Hot Springs, Virginia, in 1761. He devoted ten paragraphs to spas in his ‘Notes on the State of Virginia’… He was a frequent guest at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia… and recommended that the Commonwealth of Virginia purchase the spring for public use. Other early Americans who bathed in White Sulphur Springs included Daniel Webster, Davy Crockett, Francis Scott Key, John C. Calhoun, Henry Clay, and Presidents Martin Van Buren, John Tyler, Franklin Pierce, Millard Fillmore, and James Buchanan.” (Pg. 45-46) He adds, “Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a frequent visitor to Warm Springs, where he found the exercise program known as hydrogymnastics highly beneficial.” (Pg. 49)
He explains, “Some of the world’s favorite mineral waters… naturally contain large amounts of both bicarbonate and carbonic gas. Other famous waters, such as Calistoga, Poland Spring, and Perrier, are artificially carbonated with carbon dioxide for drinking.” (Pg. 55)
He observes, “Many people leave a hot springs bath feeling wonderful. This is due in part to the overall feelings of well-being associated with bathing in warm water, as well as the thermal and chemical effects that hot springs water (hot springs contain a large amount of negative ions) have on the production of endorphins---neurochemical produced by the body that can increase feelings of well-being.” (Pg. 163) Later, he adds, “Because bathing in a hot spring gradually raises the body’s temperature, it produces many of the health benefits provided by a fever without our feeling sick.” (Pg. 167)
He concludes, “The gift of wellness care is perhaps one of the most important benefits that hot springs bathing can provide. The unofficial motto of the International Society of Medical Balneology and Climatology is ‘Die young, but live as long as possible.’ By utilizing the rejuvenating powers of healing springs, we can not only help heal ourselves of disease but remain young, healthy, and vital throughout our lives.” (Pg. 172) Then he provides an extensive listing of such springs and spas throughout the world.
This is an excellent explanation of such spas and springs, that will be of great interest to anyone studying the subject.
December 1, 2020
Nothing special: just a summary of types, healing properties, and history of famous hot springs in Europe, North America, and Japan. It could have been more detailed and it could have engaged with the scientific evidence behind the described cures a little bit more critically. There are also a couple of factual errors: hot springs sometimes assigned to a wrong country. 2.5 stars.
June 19, 2017
Semi-scholarly treatise compiling information about some of the major spa towns and healing water centers in the world. Picked up on trip to Hot Springs Arkansas where we "took the waters" at Quapaw Baths and toured Fordyce Bathhouse.
March 19, 2013
A good primer on Balneotherapy for those interested in the healing arts.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews