HISTORY

The beneficial powers of water have been valued since ancient times, and used by physicians for specific ailments as well as for general well-being.  Many of the ancient Greek temples built to honor the god of medicine, Asklepios, were at sites of hot springs renowned for their healing properties.  Steam baths were popular among the Romans and Turks, and both the ancient Chinese and the American Indians knew about the healing effects of water.

In Europe, the use of springs, and mineral springs called SPAS, to restore health led to the establishment of hydros and fashionable resorts.  A hydro is a hotel that offers treatments with curative waters.  Towns such as Spa in Belgium, Baden-Baden in West Germany, and Bath, Buxton and Tunbridge Wells in Britain attracted the smart set as well as cure seekers.  At Lourdes, in France, seemingly miraculous cures have occurred at the spa's Christian shrine.

HYDROTHERAPY
The first hydrotherapy center established in Britain to give a range of water treatments was founded in Sebastian Kneipp (1821-97), a Dominican monk from Bavaria.  It was Champneys, near Tring - now one of many HEALTH FARMS.  Kneipp believed that the body could regulate and cure itself.  Water was the principal means of stimulating or soothing the body's own healing powers.
Hot and cold baths, vapour baths, hot and cold compresses, showers and foot baths were complemented by a strict regime of diet and exercise which Kneipp recommended to cleanse the body of impurities.  Many of the treatments he popularized are now incorporated in NATUROPATHY, but others have been added.
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